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: Why do you think Boar's Head needs security?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it highlights the security guard's understanding of the business. A good candidate will be able to discern between different types of security systems and provide you with a look into their past experiences. Depending on their answer, you may ask them about learning a new system, or working with one that you already employ, if there is overlap.

    Sample Answer: I have worked at Boar's Head before and know that it's a popular place for people to visit. The security needs are high because of the amount of traffic that comes through.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Familiarity and preference with at least one security software
    • - Ability to switch over to new software
    • - Understanding of how to identify threats

  • Question: Why do you want to be a security guard?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it allows you to get a feel for the candidate's motivations. They should be able to give you a good reason for wanting to be a security guard, whether it's the flexibility of the schedule or the desire to help people.

    Sample Answer: I want to be a security guard because I like helping people and I like the idea of having a flexible schedule.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good reasons for wanting to be a security guard
    • - Ability to give a good answer

  • Question: What is your work experience like?
  • Question Overview: A security guard's work experience is an important factor in determining their ability to do the job. You want to make sure that they have enough experience to be able to handle the job. If they don't have enough experience, you may want to consider hiring them for a different position, such as a security officer.

    Sample Answer: I have been working as a security guard for five years. I have worked in a variety of different settings, including retail stores and apartment buildings.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of time in the field
    • - Variety of experience
    • - Ability to handle difficult situations

  • Question: How do you handle pressure?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often put in stressful situations. They need to be able to handle pressure well in order to keep the situation under control. The best way to gauge this is to see how they handle pressure in a job interview.

    Sample Answer: I've been in a few situations where I had to deal with angry customers. I was able to keep my cool and diffuse the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Able to handle pressure
    • - Understands the importance of staying calm
    • - Able to remain level-headed

  • Question: What is your experience in customer service?
  • Question Overview: Customer service is a huge part of this job. Security guards are often the first and last line of defense for a business. They need to be able to handle any situation that comes their way, and be able to do so in a way that is professional and courteous.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a security guard for an apartment building for five years. I have had to deal with many difficult situations, but I have always been able to remain courteous and professional.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience in customer service
    • - Is courteous and professional
    • - Is able to handle difficult situations

  • Question: What experience do you have in this domain?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often called on to deal with a variety of situations, and they should be able to handle each one appropriately. This question will help you to determine how well the candidate can handle a variety of situations.

    Sample Answer: I have experience with a variety of security-related issues. I have worked with people who are intoxicated, and I have dealt with people who are being disruptive.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with a variety of situations
    • - Ability to adapt to new situations
    • - Knowledge of how to handle a variety of threats

  • Question: What would you do if there was an active shooting?
  • Question Overview: This is a difficult question to answer, but it's important to know how your potential candidate will handle this situation. They should be able to explain how they would handle the situation and what steps they would take to keep others safe.

    Sample Answer: I would call for backup immediately and then try to get people out of the building. I would also try to keep the shooter contained until the police arrived.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay calm and assess the situation
    • - Ability to call for backup
    • - Ability to keep others safe

  • Question: What would you do if your supervisor asked you to break the law?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that will help you to gauge the integrity of your candidate. You want to hire someone who will not only follow the law, but who will also be able to stand up for their rights. You want to hire someone who will not be afraid to say no if they are asked to do something that they feel is illegal or unethical.

    Sample Answer: I would refuse to do anything that I felt was illegal. I would also report my supervisor if I felt that they were asking me to break the law.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to stand up for their rights
    • - Willingness to report illegal activity
    • - Willingness to follow the law

  • Question: How would you handle a situation with a difficult person?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often the first line of defense against a difficult person. They need to be able to diffuse the situation as much as possible, without escalating it. If the individual becomes violent, they need to be able to defend themselves and call for backup.

    Sample Answer: I would try to talk with the person and see if I could get them to calm down. If they became violent, I would call for backup and defend myself until help arrived.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to de-escalate a situation
    • - Ability to call for backup
    • - Ability to defend themselves in a worst-case scenario

  • Question: What is your availability?
  • Question Overview: Security guards are often hired on a part-time basis, but you may be looking for someone who can work full-time. It's important to know what their availability is like so that you can find a good fit.

    Sample Answer: I am available to work full-time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability for full-time work
    • - Availability for part-time work