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Security Officer Interview Questions

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  1. What qualities do you have that make you a good member of a security team? See answer
  2. In what industries have you previously worked as a security officer? See answer
  3. As a security officer, please explain the daily duties you performed for your previous employer. See answer
  4. As a security officer, what is the proper protocol for removing a dangerous individual from the building? See answer
  5. What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced as a security officer? See answer
  6. What do you think the most important duties are for a security officer to perform? See answer
  7. Do you have experience as a security officer?
  8. Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor? How did you handle it?
  9. Are there nights or weekends you’re unavailable to work?
  10. How would you handle an emergency situation in the building?
  11. How do you keep yourself focused and attentive on long shifts?
  12. Have you performed crowd control before?
  13. Describe your experience with security cameras and other related technologies.
  14. Are you comfortable working with others or do you prefer to work alone?
  15. Describe how you would defuse a tense situation with an unruly customer.
  16. Do you have any licenses or certifications related to the field?
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6 Security Officer Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What qualities do you have that make you a good member of a security team?

A:

An ideal applicant for a security officer position has at least a high school diploma and is no younger than eighteen. They understand the importance of the law and obey it in all circumstances. It’s crucial that you hire a worker who gets along well with law enforcement and maintains a professional rapport with local officers. The potential hire should know how important the security of your property and staff is to you. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understands the value of a security team to your property
  • Doesn’t have a criminal record
  • Has experience in the security field

Example:

“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.”

Q:

In what industries have you previously worked as a security officer?

A:

A security officer has usually worked in different industries. They can have experience working for hotels, department stores, corporations or shipping companies. The most suitable employee understands what to do in all situations when there is a problem and how to mitigate risks to you and your staff. What to look for in an answer:

  • Has experience in at least one industry
  • Understands that the rules and protocol in different industries vary
  • Can use a gun safety and has a valid permit

Example:

“I have worked as a security officer for hotels, trucking companies and major corporations. I worked with a team of armed guards to keep the property and staff safe and to prevent unauthorized access to secured locations throughout the building.”

Q:

As a security officer, please explain the daily duties you performed for your previous employer.

A:

An individual with an extensive work history as a security officer completes vital security checks and restricts access to key areas of the building. The jobseeker should know why it is paramount to enforce safety policies related to visitors and unknown parties who wish to enter the building or restricted areas. Choose an officer who doesn’t get distracted easily and maintains a visual on anyone who could present a risk to your staff or your property. What to look for in an answer:

  • Able to list their exact job duties
  • Has experience working different shifts
  • Works well with a team and a management staff

Example:

“I completed perimeter checks and monitored visitors entering the reception area of the building to prevent risks. I escorted unauthorized individuals out of areas where they weren’t permitted to enter. I also coordinated with law enforcement as needed to remove undesired individuals from the property.”

Q:

As a security officer, what is the proper protocol for removing a dangerous individual from the building?

A:

A professional has faced dire situations in the workplace. They have training that shows them what to do when facing a disgruntled employee or a dangerous individual. Hire a worker who follows the rules but who also maintains control over the situation. The best selection for the position knows how to remove dangerous parties by force when necessary and comprehends when assistance is needed. What to look for in an answer:

  • Doesn’t place themselves or others at unnecessary risk
  • Understands when law enforcement is required
  • Possesses risk mitigation skills

Example:

“At the first sign of a dangerous situation, I approached the individual and asked them to leave. If they were uncooperative, I dispatched more officers to the area and contacted the local police should the situation get further out of hand.”

Q:

What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced as a security officer?

A:

In different industries, a security officer could face complex security risks, such as shooting and hostage situations. Your potential hire needs to have the correct skills for mitigating risks, evacuating the property and helping law enforcement end the situation without collateral damage. Select an applicant that doesn’t try to be a hero and takes on the task appropriately. The new officer must know how important it is in a crisis to work as a team with local law enforcement. What to look for in an answer:

  • Has composure under pressure
  • Monitors and observes all visitors proactively
  • Represents your company professionally

Example:

“Working closely with law enforcement, my team and I prevented a mass shooting at a hotel. A disgruntled employee had entered the property through a service entrance and took over the lobby. Luckily, there were no injuries.”

Q:

What do you think the most important duties are for a security officer to perform?

A:

Security roles can and do differ from business to business. However, most share a few commonalities, like ensuring the safety of the people within the building or event and removing agitated people from the building or event space. Asking this question can help you see what the candidate prioritizes and what duties they think are most important for your specific organization.

Excellent answers should include:

  • Concrete descriptions of job duties
  • An understanding of your business
  • Respect for both employees and customers

Look for an answer similar to this example:

Example:

"I've worked in security for a number of different venues, and I've found that while the methods and procedures may vary from place to place, the core duties were largely the same. For example, the physical safety of the employees and customers is always my absolute first concern. Protecting property is also important.

For your company, since it's a music venue, attention to body language and recognizing unruly behavior is going to be more important than it would be at a coffee shop since I won't be able to hear conversations over the music. Removing any overly inebriated or aggressive customers to maintain everyone's safety will be the top priority."

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