Personnel Security Interview Questions
1. Why do you want to be a security officer?
It’s a pretty tough question on the beginning. To be honest, there isn’t anything special about a position of a security guard… That’s why the best thing you can do is to simply tell the employer that you have all the predispositions for this job and would like to have it.
2. What is a main duty of a security officer from your point of view?
The main duty is to keep all the customers and employees safe and secure.
3. Do you have any experience in security?
If you have any experience, this is an easy question. However if you do not have any experience in security, you should simply tell that you feel ready for this job and that you are sure you will handle it without any problems.
4.Where do you see yourself in three years time?
There is hardly any room for career growth of a security officer. Employers know it. A good answer to this question is that you do not think too much about your future and hope to have a security officer job for at least two years.
5. Could you imagine working 16 hours a day?
Security officers are sometimes required to work longer than other employees. If you get this question, you should simply mention that you have experience with working more than 12 hours in a row and that it is OK for you and you can still maintain the high level of concentration and awareness.
6. Can you carry a gun? How do you feel about carrying or using a gun?
This is a catcher question. Employers do not want you to use gun, if there is any other option available. That’s why you should mention that you would never use a gun in your job, except of the situation when a burglar uses a gun against you.
7. What is your physical condition?
Physical condition is very important for a good security officer. You can hardly catch a young burglar on his way out of the shop if you are not in a good shape. That’s why you should mention that you go to gym regularly and do at least some condition sports.
8. Why are you pursuing a career as a security guard?
What they want to know: They want to know that they’re not going to hire you only to have to replace you three months later because you’re desperate or coming in with a batch of unrealistic expectations. They also want to know that you aren’t trying to enter the field to catch up on your reading or your sleep.
What you should say: Stress the parts of the job that align with your personal values and goals. A good answer might stress your commitment to looking out for the well-being of other people, your trustworthiness, or any other quality which might demonstrate your commitment to the actual job.
Sample answer: When I worked in XYZ’s customer service department I learned that I was very good at diffusing so-called ‘difficult people.’ I actually had a lot of fun doing it, but I wanted to do something a little more meaningful. Since I was always the guy who watched out for the younger kids in my neighborhood and since I care about keeping other people safe I thought that this would be a good way to build on my strengths while offering me something that is a little more meaningful.
9. Why do you want to work for this company?
What they want to know: They want to know that you’ve done your research, and that you’re not just scouting to take the first job that comes along.
What you should say: At the very least you should make sure to pay attention to the company’s website. For extra credit, take a look at any recent news surrounding the company. Work this information into your answer.
Sample answer: I know that DK Security was recently awarded a 3 year contract to provide security at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and was actually quite interested in whether there might still be some openings with that contract. In addition, I know that DK has recently made the list of West Michigan’s 101 Best Places to Work. How could I not want to work here?
10. What are your greatest strengths?
What they want to know: What do you actually bring to the table as a security guard? Do you have any of the qualities they’re looking for?
What you should say:Choose qualities that really make a difference to a security guard career: attention to detail, integrity, calm under pressure, etc. Use examples to back up any quality you claim.
Sample answer: I think my greatest strength is my sense of responsibility and honor. For example, when I worked at ABC Retail Store and we closed up shop I was always the one double checking all of the locks and making sure everything was put away. I was also the one who was consistently trusted to bring the deposit to the bank because everyone knew that I’d never steal or do anything to harm my employer.
11. What is your greatest weakness?
What they want to know: They want to know that you’re not cocky or arrogant. They also want to know that you’ve thoughtfully evaluated yourself and understand that you have room for improvement. And they do want to know if there are any potential issues, as well.
What you should say: Be honest, but talk about what you’re doing to improve the situation.
Sample answer: Sometimes I try to bite off more than I can chew. I don’t like asking for help and I’d prefer to figure things out for myself. Because this has caused me problems in the past I’m trying to address the situation by being more open with my supervisors and my team, which at least gives them the option to weigh in or give me information I didn’t have before.
12. Do you have anger issues? If yes, how do you deal with them?
I am not temperamental by nature but there are times when even the most docile of people lose their tempers. Especially in a setting where law enforcement is involved. It might seem a bit childish but counting from one to ten takes the edge out of my behavior like a charm!
13. How do you manage working the night shift?
It is not too difficult when you are already rested during the day. I usually ask my employer to provide me with a day off in between so I can manage my sleep cycle well.
14. Who needs a security guard licence?
Individuals are required to have a security guard licence if they perform work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of protecting persons or property. This includes but is not limited to bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention personnel, and more generally speaking, individuals who patrol premises.
15. What are the main job duties and responsibilities of security guard employee?
security guard responsibilities are to monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises; call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons; circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property; answer alarms and investigate disturbances; write reports of daily activities and irregularities such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences; patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates; escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection; operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas; warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary; answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed; inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering; monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
16. What are the skills required for security guard employee in order to success in his work?
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times, Talking to others to convey information effectively, Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems, Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions, Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
17. describe the abilities you have in order to work with us as security guard?
I have the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem, see details at a distance, listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences, communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand, speak clearly so others can understand you.
18. What are the knowledge elements you obtained from your education, training and work experience would support your security guard career?
The Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions, business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources, principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction, the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar, principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
19. How would you describe (needed security guard or your) work style?
My work style matching exactlty what cashier job requires by: maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations, accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations, persistence in the face of obstacles, a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges, being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
20. If you had a dispute with another Security Officer, how would you handle the situation?
- I can get along with most people. If I have a problem with a colleague, I will try to talk it out with them.
- If that doesn’t help, I will try to avoid confronting with them as much as I can, without it affecting my job.
- In the worst case scenario, where the dispute affects my job, I will discuss with my supervisor and seek their guidance on the issue.