Top Security Guard Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Security Guard interview by going through these most asked Security Guard interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What are your availability and when can you start?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that allows you to get a feel for the security guard's availability. If you're hiring for a specific time, you want to make sure that they can work during those hours. If you're hiring for any time, you want to make sure that they are available on the days that you need them.

    Sample Answer: I am available from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Friday. I can also work on Saturday and Sunday if needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability during the hours you need
    • - Availability on the days you need

  • Question: What would your previous employers say about you?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask because it allows you to get a feel for the security guard's personality and character. You want to make sure that they're a good fit for your company and that they'll be able to work well with your other employees.

    Sample Answer: My previous employers would say that I'm a hard worker who is always willing to help out.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive comments from previous employers
    • - Positive comments from current employers

  • Question: Do you have a security guard license?
  • Question Overview: Security guard licenses are required in many states. They are issued by the state and require a certain amount of training and experience. The security guard license is a good indicator of the potential candidate's dedication to the job.

    Sample Answer: I do have a security guard license. I was able to get it after I completed my training and certification.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a security guard license
    • - Understands the importance of following the law

  • Question: What do you want to tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity for the security guard to tell you about themselves. This is also a chance for you to learn more about the candidate's personality, and to see if they're a good fit for your company.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who takes pride in my job. I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to keep my clients safe.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personality
    • - Character
    • - Work ethic

  • Question: What are your long term career goals?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that can tell you a lot about the security guard's ambitions. If they have no long term career goals, they may not be the best fit for the job. If they have a long term goal of becoming a security manager, they may be more interested in the money than in the job itself.

    Sample Answer: I would like to become a security manager within the next five years. I am interested in learning more about how to protect people and property.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ambition to move up in the company
    • - Interest in becoming a security manager
    • - Desire to learn more about security

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this security domain?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are the first line of defense for many businesses. They are responsible for keeping the business safe and secure from threats. Security guards need to be able to recognize threats and act accordingly to ensure the safety of the business.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy working with people and I enjoy being on the front lines. I feel like I can make a difference in keeping a business safe.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Enjoys working with people
    • - Enjoys working in a team
    • - Enjoys being on the front lines

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this industry?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it helps you to understand the candidate's motivation for working in the security industry. A good answer will highlight their dedication to the job and their desire to help others.

    Sample Answer: I want to work in security because I want to help people. I want to be able to make a difference in the community and keep people safe.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Dedication to the job
    • - Desire to help others
    • - Willingness to learn new skills

  • Question: How will you react if you are at a bank and armed robbers show up?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the security guard will react in a high-stress situation. It's important to know that they will be able to keep their cool and react appropriately. This question is also designed to see how well they can follow instructions.

    Sample Answer: I would call for backup immediately and attempt to de-escalate the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to follow instructions
    • - Ability to keep cool in a stressful situation
    • - Willingness to work with others

  • Question: How would your friends describe you?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it will give you a look into the security guard's personality. You want to hire someone who is friendly and outgoing, but also someone who can be serious when the situation calls for it.

    Sample Answer: My friends would say that I'm friendly and outgoing. I like to have a good time with people, but I'm serious when it comes to my job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Friendly
    • - Outgoing
    • - Serious

  • Question: How would you handle a drunk customer?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often the first line of defense against drunk customers. They need to be able to recognize when a person has had too much to drink and is becoming a problem. They should be able to de-escalate the situation and call for backup if necessary.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer to leave the premises. If they refused, I would call for backup and have them removed by force if necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to recognize when a customer has had too much to drink
    • - Ability to de-escalate the situation
    • - Ability to call for backup

  • Question: Are you willing to relocate?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because you want to make sure that your security guard is willing to relocate if necessary. If they are not willing to relocate, you need to know that before you hire them.

    Sample Answer: I am willing to relocate if necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to relocate

  • Question: How do you think you can contribute to our company?
  • Question Overview: This question is all about the security guard's ability to see the big picture. They should be able to articulate how they can contribute to the company's success and how they can help you achieve your goals.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed. I am also very familiar with the area and I know a lot of people in the community.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to see the big picture
    • - Ability to contribute to company success
    • - Ability to help you achieve your goals

  • Question: How would you handle an unsatisfied customer?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often the first line of defense for customers. They're the ones who have to deal with the public and keep them happy. Security guards should be able to handle complaints and concerns in a professional manner, and they should be able to do so without losing their cool.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer what they were unhappy about and try to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Professionalism in dealing with customers
    • - Ability to diffuse a situation before it escalates

  • Question: When was the last time you were cut off from your cell phone?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often required to be on call, and they should have a backup plan in place in case they're unable to reach their phone. Being able to describe a time when they were cut off from their phone is a good way to gauge how prepared they are for the job.

    Sample Answer: I was cut off from my phone once when I was on duty. I was able to use my radio to contact my supervisor and let them know what was going on.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a backup plan in place
    • - Is able to handle being cut off from their phone
    • - Understands the importance of staying in touch

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out what your candidate is looking for in a job. It's important to know if they're looking for a long-term career, or if they're just looking for a short-term job. Knowing their motivations for applying to your company will allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not they're a good fit.

    Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job that will allow me to work with others and help people. Your company's reputation is excellent, and I'm excited to be able to work here.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desires a long-term career
    • - Wants to work in the security industry
    • - Wants to work for your company specifically

  • Question: How did you get here?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to get a sense of the security guard's work history. You want to make sure that they're not just jumping from job to job, but that they have a history of working in the security industry. You also want to make sure that they're able to stay in one place for a while, as it shows a level of dedication and responsibility.

    Sample Answer: I started working as a security guard for a local apartment building five years ago. I've been there ever since.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Work history in security
    • - Ability to stay in one place for a long time

  • Question: How do you handle emergency situations?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often the first responders to an emergency situation. They are expected to be able to handle a wide variety of situations, from fires to medical emergencies. They should be able to act quickly and effectively in order to minimize damage and ensure that everyone is safe.

    Sample Answer: I have experience with medical emergencies, fires, and other problems. I am able to assess the situation and call for help when necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to act quickly and decisively
    • - Ability to work with others in emergency situations
    • - Ability to assess the situation and take appropriate action

  • Question: What would you do if you see someone doing something suspicious?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are the first line of defense in a lot of situations. They need to be able to identify potential threats and take action to prevent them from becoming worse. A good security guard will be able to recognize when something is wrong and take action to prevent it from escalating.

    Sample Answer: I would approach the person and ask them what they're doing. If they don't have a good reason for being there, I would ask them to leave.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to recognize potential threats
    • - Willingness to take action
    • - Ability to prevent problems from becoming worse

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a very common question, and it's important to know how the candidate will answer it. If they are too modest, they may not be able to give you a good idea of what they are like in the field. If they are too boastful, they may be trying to hide something.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in security, but I am still learning how to deal with certain situations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty about their strengths and weaknesses
    • - Ability to explain their weaknesses without making excuses