Top Security Officer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: Why do you want to be a security officer?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for the position has a strong work ethic and a desire to help others. They want to be part of a team that is committed to the safety of your property and your staff. The potential hire should have a desire to work with law enforcement and understand the importance of following protocol in all situations.

    Sample Answer: I want to be a security officer because I enjoy helping others and making sure everyone is safe. I want to be part of a team that is dedicated to the safety of your property and your staff.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a strong work ethic
    • - Is committed to helping others
    • - Is dedicated to their job

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to enforce a policy that you did not necessarily agree with.
  • Question Overview: A security officer should be able to enforce all policies and procedures, regardless of their personal feelings. They should be able to follow the rules and regulations of the company and the law. An ideal candidate for the position understands that they are not above the law and that they must enforce all policies, even if they don't agree with them.

    Sample Answer: I was asked to escort a visitor off of the property who was not permitted to enter. I didn't agree with the policy but I followed it anyway.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knows when to follow orders
    • - Understands that they are not above the law
    • - Can follow rules even if they don't agree with them

  • Question: What makes you think that you are qualified for this position?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for the position has a high school diploma or equivalent and has completed formal training as a security officer. They have experience working in different industries and have a steady work history. The potential employee should be able to explain why they are qualified for the job and how they can benefit your company.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as a security officer and have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience in the security field
    • - Has a valid permit to carry a weapon
    • - Has experience working in different industries

  • Question: When can you join us?
  • Question Overview: The ideal applicant for a security officer position is available to start work immediately. They have the ability to work different shifts and don't mind working nights or weekends. The potential employee should be able to start work as soon as possible and be willing to work overtime when necessary.

    Sample Answer: I can start work as soon as possible. I am available to work nights and weekends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a flexible schedule
    • - Is willing to work overtime
    • - Has a valid driver's license

  • Question: What makes you better then others?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position has a strong work history and a professional attitude. They should be able to work well with others and have the ability to communicate effectively. The potential employee should be able to work independently and have the ability to make decisions in the field.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a security officer for three years and have experience working with a team of security guards. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a strong work history
    • - Is professional
    • - Communicates effectively

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: Your security officer should have a long-term career goal. They should have a desire to work in the security field and be willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. The ideal candidate has a desire to advance their career and move up the ladder in the security industry.

    Sample Answer: I see myself working as a security supervisor in the next five years. I plan on taking courses to earn my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and pursuing certification in security management.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a desire to advance their career
    • - Understands the importance of continuing education
    • - Has a desire to learn new skills

  • Question: What's your salary expectation?
  • Question Overview: An applicant with a high school diploma or GED earns $10.00 to $15.00 per hour. Someone with a bachelor's degree earns $15.00 to $20.00 per hour. The most qualified candidate earns $20.00 to $25.00 per hour. The most experienced security officer earns $25.00 to $30.00 per hour and has a master's degree or higher.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary of $20.00 per hour with benefits and a bonus structure based on performance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knows their worth in the security field
    • - Can negotiate their salary

  • Question: What can you bring to this security post?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should be able to explain how they can contribute to the success of your company. They should be able to list their skills and experience that will help them to succeed in the position. The applicant should be able to explain how they will work with the rest of the team and how they will contribute to the overall success of your company.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as a security officer and I have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers. I am a team player and I have excellent communication skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience working in the security field
    • - Has a professional attitude
    • - Is a team player

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should have a genuine interest in working for your company. They should know the importance of the job and how it benefits you and your business. The applicant should be able to show you that they have a passion for the job and that they want to work for you.

    Sample Answer: I want to work for your company because I understand the importance of a security team to your property. I know that my job is to keep your staff and property safe from harm. I'm excited to be a part of your team and to work with you in the future.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a genuine interest in working for your company
    • - Knows the importance of the job
    • - Shows enthusiasm for the position

  • Question: Why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: The best candidate for the security officer position has a strong work history, a steady employment history and a professional attitude. They should have experience working in the security field and be able to list their qualifications and skills. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma or equivalent and be no younger than eighteen years old.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as a security officer and have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience in the security field
    • - Has a professional attitude
    • - Has a steady employment history

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you messed up, how did you handle it, what did you do to fix it or make amends.
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position has learned from their mistakes and has a positive attitude about the situation. They understand that everyone makes mistakes and that it's important to learn from them. The best candidate for the job knows how to apologize and how to make amends when they've made a mistake.

    Sample Answer: I was working as a security officer for a large corporation when I accidentally let an unauthorized individual into the building. I was new to the job and didn't know that the person wasn't supposed to be there. I immediately contacted my supervisor and we worked together to resolve the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has learned from their mistakes
    • - Has a positive attitude about the situation
    • - Knows how to apologize and make amends

  • Question: How would you respond to a common theft situation?
  • Question Overview: A security officer has to be able to respond to theft situations. They have to be able to identify the threat and take action to prevent further damage. The ideal candidate for the job has experience in theft prevention and knows how to handle a situation before it gets out of hand.

    Sample Answer: I would approach the individual and ask them to stop. If they refused, I would ask them to leave the property. If they still refused, I would call for backup and ask law enforcement to intervene.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knows how to handle a theft situation
    • - Has experience in theft prevention
    • - Understands the importance of preventing theft

  • Question: What motivates you?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position is motivated by the desire to protect others and to help keep the peace. They want to work in a position that allows them to serve their community and to help people. The best choice for the job is someone who has a strong sense of duty and who wants to make a difference in the world.

    Sample Answer: I am motivated by the desire to help others and to keep the peace. I want to work in a position that allows me to serve my community and make a difference.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Is motivated by the desire to help others
    • - Has a strong sense of duty
    • - Is motivated by the desire to make a difference

  • Question: Why do you like working in security?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should have a passion for the job. They should be able to explain why they enjoy the work and how it benefits you and your company. The ideal applicant has a strong work ethic and understands the importance of their role in the security of your property.

    Sample Answer: I like working as a security officer because I get to help people and protect my community. I enjoy working with a team and coordinating with local law enforcement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Enjoys working with a team
    • - Has a strong work ethic
    • - Knows how to handle stressful situations

  • Question: Why did you leave your last job?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position has a steady work history and doesn't leave jobs without a good reason. The applicant should have a valid reason for leaving their previous position. For example, if they were fired or if they quit because of an undesirable work environment.

    Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was offered a promotion to a security supervisor position. I wanted to advance my career and take on more responsibility.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a steady work history
    • - Has never been fired
    • - Has never quit a job without a good reason

  • Question: What is your driving record?
  • Question Overview: A security officer must have a clean driving record. They should have a valid driver's license and no more than two moving violations in the last three years. It's important that you hire someone who can drive safely and follow traffic laws.

    Sample Answer: I have a clean driving record and no more than two moving violations in the last three years. I have a valid driver's license and I'm able to use a gun safety.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a clean driving record
    • - Is able to use a gun safety
    • - Doesn't have a criminal record

  • Question: How do you handle stress?
  • Question Overview: Security officers are exposed to stressful situations on a daily basis. They must maintain a professional demeanor and keep their emotions in check. The ideal candidate for the job has experience working in a high-stress environment and knows how to handle the pressure.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a security officer for five years. I have been exposed to stressful situations on a daily basis. I always remain calm and don't let my emotions get the best of me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Doesn't panic under pressure
    • - Is able to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Has experience working in high-stress environments

  • Question: What can you bring to this job?
  • Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position has a strong work ethic and a desire to work in the security field. They understand the importance of the job and how it can help them build a career. The applicant should have a positive attitude and be able to work well with others.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as a security officer and have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience in the security field
    • - Is willing to learn new skills
    • - Is able to work in different environments

  • Question: What is your strongest skill?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for the job. They should be able to work well with people, have a steady work history and be able to communicate effectively. The ideal candidate for the position has a high school diploma or equivalent and has completed formal training.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as a security officer and have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I have completed formal training as a security guard and have a steady work history with my previous employers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a high school diploma or equivalent
    • - Has experience in the security field
    • - Has a valid permit to carry a gun

  • Question: What would you do if a large fight broke out between 7 people?
  • Question Overview: A security officer has the responsibility to keep the peace and maintain order. They must know how to handle a situation when there is a large fight or a dangerous individual. The best applicant for the position has the skills to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from escalating further.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the individuals to calm down and leave the area. If they refused, I would call for backup and ask them to leave. If they continued to cause a disturbance, I would call law enforcement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knows how to de-escalate a situation
    • - Has experience in a similar situation
    • - Understands when to call for assistance