1. Explain me what would you do if a hurried visitor resists metal screening while entering the premises?

I am committed to provide exceptional customer service, therefore, I would convince the visitor to calm down and cooperate for the sake of their own security and that of the premises. If they still do not cooperate I would not allow them to enter the premises.

2. Suppose you are working as a security guard in a commercial building. What would be your first responsibility?

Screening people who enter the building, ensuring that they are not carrying prohibited items such as arms or drugs and generally looking out for suspicious persons, would be the prime duty in a commercial setting.

3. Explain me what made you decide that this is the career you wanted to pursue?

I never thought of wanting to be anything else since I have always been interested in and awed by security services.

4. Tell us what are some of your strengths on the job?

Here's a chance to talk about your top notch problem-solving skills, how you stay calm under stress, and your ability to prioritize in an emergency situation when multiple issues require immediate attention.

5. Explain how have you continued to expand your industry knowledge over the past year?

You can mention any security guard training courses you've taken, including elective or refresher courses you've completed to stay on top of the laws, regulations, and requirements of the public safety industry in your area.

6. Tell me what skills and qualities do you bring to the company?

There may be different interpretations to the question above but don't let it throw you, it will be something very similar requiring the same answer.

What they want to know is if you can work well in a team, can handle people being aggressive towards you without retaliating inappropriately, have the ability to communicate effectively and accurately, ability to keep concentration for long periods of time, if you are trustworthy and reliable.

7. Tell me what experience do you have in this field and Security officer position?

☛ Speak about specific matters that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you do not have any specific experience, get them as close as you can.

☛ If you are being asked this question from your employer, you can explain about your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing in your previous job. You can tell about the programs you have developed and modules you have worked on. You can also tell about your achievements in different programs.

8. Tell us 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.

9. Tell me what would you do if you find out a coworker is accessing unauthorized files?

I will not stop him/her personally but I would immediately report to the supervisor.

10. Do you know what type of skills are required to work as a security guard?

Security guards need to be extremely vigilant as well as skilled in handling adverse situations. While they cannot enforce law, they can ensure that law and order is maintained. To work at this position, one has to be physically dexterous and possess an active mind. Additionally, one needs to be well-trained in using firearms in situations that demand extreme action.

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11. Tell me in what situation would you use a weapon?

Unless there is a direct threat to any individual, I am not authorized to use arms. But if I sense that a potentially harmful situation is about to take place, I will have no choice but to use a gun to save innocent lives.

12. Explain me what kind of security or public safety experience do you have?

This is a great opportunity to talk about how previous field experience has taught you valuable lessons not learned in traditional classroom settings. If you don't have direct relevant experience, use real examples that most closely match with the job you're applying for.

13. Tell us do you have any question for us?

Most interviews end with hiring managers or HR reps asking if you'd like to ask them anything. The ideal response is “YES!” because this signals to them that you have done your homework before showing up to the interview. Research the company ahead of time and come up with several thoughtful questions, so that you'll be ready to go if this is brought up.

14. Explain me what are your goals for the future?

This can be a tricky one to answer, you don't want to come across as too ambitious just yet because you are presumably just trying to land you're first or second security position. At the same time you don't want to come off as desperate because it will look bad but also because the company you are working for might just be looking for career minded people for more senior roles in the future.

Say something like “First of all my main priority is to get a clearer understanding of the security sector, and then as my knowledge and understanding grows i would like to take on more senior positions so that i can impart my knowledge and skills onto others and also so i can become a more valuable asset to the company”. This will show your interviewer that you know that nothing comes without hard work and that you are willing to prove yourself to the company.

15. Explain what have you done to improve your knowledge that related to Security officer position since the last year?

☛ Try to include improvements that are relevant to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones in handy to mention in this circumstance.

☛ Employers tend to look for goal-oriented applicants. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing your non-work related hobbies. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to present, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.

☛ Everyone should learn from his mistake. I always try to consult my mistakes with my friends and relatives, especially with elder and experienced persons.

16. Tell me 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.

17. Please explain what kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. This is a nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

18. Tell me why do you want to become a security guard?

Now they are not expecting you to come out with some babble such as “i want to serve my community by keeping them safe”. All they want to hear from you here is that you believe that you have the skills and abilities of a security guard which should make the job easier for you.

The reason for this question is that they want to hear a positive answer, they want to know that you think that security is a good career and worth taking seriously, the turn over for security is quite high and that's because a lot of the people who take the job on don't understand the importance or the benefits of security.

19. Explain me why are you looking for a new job?

If this is the first time you've searched for a security-related position, you can talk about your motivation to launch your new career and build a professional reputation for yourself. Whatever you do, don't say anything negative about previous or current employers!

20. Tell me how do you spend downtime on the job?

hile you may have some quiet time, ensure the interviewer that you'll use it to benefit the company rather than reading or texting, for instance. Think about some relevant ways you can enhance your role during downtime.

21. Tell me how does “visibility” help?

Being a deterrent to criminals is what security guards are all about. If they are “seen” constantly and project a “no-nonsense” image, criminals are automatically discouraged.

23. Tell me what are the main responsibilities of a security officer?

The main duties of a security officer include checking luggage and visitors to ensure no weapon or hazardous material enter into the premises, noting sign-in/out for visitors, recording IDs of all visitors, responding to security calls and conducting scheduled patrols in the assigned area.

24. Could you imagine working 16 hours a day as Security Officer?

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.

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25. Tell me why did you leave your last job as Security Officer?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.