Security Guard Interview Questions and Answers

Security Guard Interview Questions and AnswersSecurity Guard Interview Questions and AnswersAre you interviewing for a job as a security guard? Its important to take the time to review the questions you will most likely be asked. Companies are very cautious when interviewing candidates for a security guard position. After all, the safety of their employees, equipment, and facilities literally depends on hiring the right person. When you apply for such a position, your prospective employer will not only look for technical ability andrelevant experience, theyll also want to know that you have an excellent character and the ability to think on your feet. Poor interview responses can, therefore, raise red flags that could cost you the job. That does not mean you should prepare answers designed to present a false impression. For one thing, telling your interviewer what he or she wants to hear can backfire, because if youre caught being dishonest, the interviewer will likely assume the tru th is far worse than it is and you definitely will not be hired. Since awkward or clumsy answers could also be read as a red flag, you can improve your chances by practicing answers tocommon interview questionsahead of time. Here, to get you started is a sampling of interview questions that youre likely to hear during a job interview for a security guard position. Security Guard Interview Questions 1. Describe a time when you used teamwork to solve a problem at a previous security job. If you dont have prior experience in security,talk about how you used team-based problem-solvingin some other type of position. 2. Describe a time when you had to deal with an assault. How did you handle the situation? Is there anything you would have done differently? It is all right to discuss an assault that you experienced in your personal life, if you have never encountered one professionally. If you have never experienced an assault, do not make one up, but you can ask whether describing a h ypothetical situation would help. 3. Tell me about a time you successfully dealt with an angry member of the public. This question is focused on your ability to encounter anger without becoming emotionally triggered yourself and without resorting to violence. A successful outcome in this context involves pacifying the angry person and resolving the situation. If youve ever worked in any kind ofcustomer service role, youll have something to share. Just remember to focus on the outcome and what it says about your skills and abilities, rather than getting bogged down in telling a funny (or horrifying) story. 4. Describe a time when you felt as if you were in physical danger on the job. How did you handle the situation? If you have never felt threatened at work, ask if you should discuss a threat encountered in your private life. Ideally, these threats should have come from other people, because your answer is supposed to indicate how you will respond to threats in your work as a guard. If you have never felt threatened by another human being, ask if some other form of danger (an earthquake, for example) might be considered relevant. 5. How do you spend downtime on the job? Security guards have little to do during periods when no threat occurs the job is mostly to be on hand in case something happens. Your interviewer will want to assess whether you are likely to become distracted or even cause trouble during these periods. Tailor your answer to show that youre able to react quickly when required. 6. How comfortable are you using computers? As a security guard, youll have to use the software associated with CCTV cameras. If you have experience using CCTV equipment, say so. Otherwise, demonstratecomputer literacyand an ability and willingness to learn to use new systems. 7. What are some of your strengths on the job? Prepare an answerthat emphasizes the skills and requirements outlined in the job listing. Match your abilities to the companys needs and goals, and f ocus your reply on what makes you stand out from the competition. 8. Are you currently CPR/First Aid/AED certified? This question will warrant a yes or no answer, although you can feel free to mention if youre currently enrolled in a class and working toward achieving certification. Its also a good reminder to familiarize yourself with the general requirements of a job when you begin interviewing. Your research will tell you whatskillsare expected for someone in this role. 9. Imagine you have been called to handle an emergency on the 10th floor of a building, but six guests are waiting to be checked in at the front desk. Its late at night, and you are momentarily alone at the front desk. What would you do? This question is designed not to have a right answer. The point is to assess how you deal with situations that have no good options. The details of the hypothetical situation might, of course, be different, but prepare yourself for this type of trick question. You could also get h ypothetical questions which do have right answers, in order to test your understanding of the job. 12. Look at these two photos of two different people for five seconds. Then, put the photographs down and describe those two people to me. This question could test either your powers of observation or your biases about people. If this type of question is difficult for you (some people cannot recognize faces well, for example), you should have yourself evaluated ahead of time to ensure that you can function as a security guard. Be prepared to discuss your condition with your interviewer. General Job Interview Questions In addition tojob-specific interview questions, you will also be askedmore general questionsabout youremployment history, education, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, goals, and plans.