Being a security guard takes skill, honesty, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Security guards are often the first line of defense in robbery attempts and the first responders to medical emergencies.
They must be able to recognize the situation they are called to handle and quickly assess the next step that must be taken. It can be an under-appreciated job but the companies, buildings, and residences that employ security guards take it seriously. They understand just how important a job it is.
Past Experience
Many security guard companies hire former police officers and former members of the military. For that reason, many security guard interview questions will focus on the prospective employee’s past experience.
For example, “Can you tell us about any jobs you may have had in the past that you think will help you in this line of work?” or, “Security guards have an important role, what previous work experience do you have that can relate to the type of important work you’ll be doing for us here?”
Applicants should be ready and willing to discuss any previous jobs or training that can show a prospective employer the experience that may be useful when working as a security guard.
You should know that getting a security guard job is fairly competitive, especially in larger cities where the pool of applicants are much larger. That’s why I recommend looking over a Law Enforcement Specific Interview Guide before going to your interview.
Honesty and Trust
Security guards often have a great deal of access to their places of employment. For this reason, security guard companies must make sure they hire honest and trustworthy employees. Security guard interview questions about honesty can range from, “Have you ever lied to an employer?” to, “If you found out a fellow security guard was accessing information they shouldn’t be, but in your opinion it wasn’t vital or important information, what would you do?” Questions that ask a prospective employee to make a decision are often used because they force the applicant to listen, analyze, and then respond.
Solution and Prevention
Security guards can deal with potential problems on the job by taking stepsto implement an issue prevention plan. That’s why another type of question asked in security guard interviews focuses on solutions and preventions. One example might be, “The college dorms are known for getting out of hand late at night on the weekends. What steps can you take that might allow you to have more control over the situation?”
There are also questions that involve finding a solution in times of chaos, “You’ve been called for a medical emergency on the 7th floor, but five guests are waiting to be checked in. It’s late at night and momentarily you find yourself at the desk alone. What would you do?” Some questions, like the last example, do not have a perfect answer and often times companies will ask these types of questions to see if the applicant can recognize there isn’t a perfect answer and that they would do their best to prioritize and handle the situation.
