Sample Security Guard Interview Questions and Answers

Without security guards, people and property face many risks. Security guards ensure their safety by identifying risks and neutralizing them. That’s why demand for security guards in businesses, campuses, hospitals, government buildings, and banks is high, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% increase in new security guard jobs over the next 10 years. But even though your skills are sorely needed, you’ll still need to answer a range of security guard interview questions before you officially get the job.

The questions asked in a security guard interview measure your work ethic, problem-solving skills, reliability, and competency. Read on to learn how to interview for a security job, so you can be prepared for anything, just as you need to be on the job.

Top Security Guard Interview Questions

1. What Made You Choose a Security Guard Job?
2. Have You Previously Worked as a Security Guard? What Were Your Duties?
3. How Do You Identify Potential Security Breaches or Threats?
4. How Do You Handle Potentially Dangerous Situations?
5. Do You Have Any Experience With Surveillance Equipment?
6. Do You Have Any Relevant Training, Licensure, or Certification?

Question #1: What Made You Choose a Security Guard Job?

Be prepared to discuss why you want to be a security guard and also why you want to work for a specific company. This is one of the most basic security job interview questions you’ll encounter. Employers don’t just look for applicants to fill a job—they want candidates who are passionate about their field. This question gives you an opportunity to show your enthusiasm and break the ice with the interviewer.

Things to consider when answering these security guard interview questions include:

• What do you enjoy most about working as a security guard?
• How do you serve others as a security guard?

How You Could Answer

“I’ve worked as a security guard for four years. And one of the things I enjoy most about it is helping others. I get satisfaction from putting people at ease, offering guidance, and providing protection to people and the things they care about.”

Question #2: Have You Previously Worked as a Security Guard? What Were Your Duties?

Your security guard resume lists your previous employers, but a hiring manager will want to know more about each position to get an idea of how much experience you bring to the table.

Be honest about your work history, and make sure you include the following details:

• The type of company you worked for.
• Your day-to-day responsibilities.

How You Could Answer

“I worked security for a hospital for four years where most of my time was spent in the main lobby. My day-to-day duties included greeting and providing directions to visitors. Sometimes I would patrol specific areas of the hospital, including the entrances and parking lots. I also monitored the premises through a video monitoring system and communicated with other security personnel to identify potential risks.”

Question #3: How Do You Identify Potential Security Breaches or Threats?

Knowing how to answer security guard interview questions about breaches and threats is crucial to getting hired. Employers want to ensure that they can trust your judgment before bringing you on board.

Here are some ideas for answering this question:

• Draw from your training.
• Discuss methods for identifying anomalies and threats.

How You Could Answer

“Some threats are easy to identify. For example, a patient who comes in while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may behave erratically and pose a threat to hospital staff. Other security risks are more subtle and require good judgment to identify. I have been trained to look for nervous behavior such as pacing or individuals loitering or attempting to access areas for authorized personnel only. I also watch out for individuals who appear to be conducting legitimate activity, but in a way that seems unnatural or awkward.”

Question #4: How Would You Handle Potentially Dangerous Situations?

The ability to peacefully resolve conflicts is critical to diffusing potentially dangerous situations.

When answering security guard interview questions such as this, consider the following:

• How do you define a “dangerous situation”?
• What strategies would you use to diffuse a dangerous situation?

How You Could Answer

“No situation is too small to diffuse. From my experience, a seemingly small incident can escalate into a dangerous situation. I have personally seen patients and family members get heated with hospital staff. Prevention is always the best method for handling these situations. I often intervene and try to calm the aggressive party and listen to their concerns. If things get out of hand, I might remove an aggressive party from the premises, call for back-up, or contact the police. Efforts to subdue an aggressive party are a last resort.”

Question #5: Do You Have Any Experience With Surveillance Equipment?

Many security guard positions require the use of surveillance equipment such as cameras and video monitors. Security employers want to assess where you already have experience and where you could use training.

Discuss the following when answering this question:

• Surveillance equipment you’ve received training on.
• Equipment you used at your last job.

How You Could Answer

“When I worked at the hospital, I used Vivint video monitoring system, which was connected to several cameras throughout the premises. Upon starting my security guard position, I was trained to use it. I often kept an eye on entrances, parking lots, and any areas designated for authorized personnel. All video surveillance footage was recorded for retrieval if needed.”

Question #6: Do You Have Any Relevant Training, Licensure, or Certification?

Expect to be asked security guard interview questions about your prior training and credentials. If you’re not entirely sure what’s required for a security job, see Monster’s guide on how to become a security guard.

When answering this question, provide details on any formal or informal training or credentials you’ve received. That could include:

• State-required security guard licensure.
• Licensure to carry a firearm or pepper spray.
• Emergency protocol training.
• Self-defense training.

How You Could Answer

“I obtained my security guard license prior to starting my position at the hospital. When I was hired, I received on-the-job training in basic security protocols and best practices, including surveillance, first-aid, communication and reporting procedures, emergency medical situations, and security threats. I also have a license to carry a firearm and CPR certification. It’s also worth mentioning that I have more than eight years of Krav Maga training.”

Sign Up With Monster to Secure Your Next Job

Now that you’ve practiced your responses to common security guard interview questions, what’s your next step? Get signed up with Monster and start applying to security jobs in your area. What’s the benefit of creating a profile? You get free job alerts sent directly to your email as soon as they’re posted. You can also upload your resume so that recruiters and employers can find you when they need new security guards. It’s an easy way to protect your career’s future.