Top Security Officer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020] (2024)

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Overview: A security officer has to be motivated to complete their job duties. They should have a passion for the position and the desire to help others. The ideal candidate is a team player who is willing to work long hours and who has a positive attitude.

Sample Answer: I stay motivated by helping others and by working with my team. I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that I'm helping to keep my community safe.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a strong work ethic
• - Is a team player
• - Has a positive attitude

Question Overview: A security officer needs to be able to drive to different locations and to transport other employees to and from work. The ideal candidate has a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Sample Answer: Yes, I have a valid driver's license.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a valid driver's license
• - Has a clean driving record
• - Is willing to drive a company vehicle

Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position is at least eighteen years of age. They should have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to work in the United States. The potential hire should be able to work in a team and have experience working with law enforcement.

Sample Answer: I am twenty-two years old and have a high school diploma. I have experience working in security and have completed formal training as a security guard.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a valid driver's license
• - Is at least eighteen years old
• - Has a high school diploma

Question Overview: The ideal candidate for a security officer position is ready to start work immediately. They have the necessary skills and experience to do the job well and can start right away.

Sample Answer: I can start right away. I have the necessary skills and experience to do the job well. I'm available to work all shifts.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has the time to start immediately
• - Is available to work all shifts
• - Can pass a background check

Question Overview: A security officer has faced many challenges in the workplace. They have dealt with dangerous individuals and situations that could have ended in tragedy. The ideal candidate for the position has a steady work history and has proven that they can overcome obstacles and challenges.

Sample Answer: I was once assigned to a security detail for a high-profile celebrity. I was able to handle the situation professionally and maintain a positive rapport with the client.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a steady work history
• - Has experience dealing with difficult people
• - Has a positive attitude

Question Overview: A security officer should have a strong work history and a positive reputation in the industry. The best applicant for the job has a referral from someone who knows them personally. The employee should have a solid work history and be able to provide references from previous employers.

Sample Answer: I heard about the job through my brother who is a security officer at another company. He told me about the opening and recommended that I apply for the position.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a strong work history
• - Has a positive reputation in the industry
• - Has a referral from someone who knows them personally

Question Overview: A security officer should be able to deal with angry guests and keep the situation from escalating. The best candidate for the position has experience in dealing with difficult people and knows how to de-escalate a situation. They should be able to calm the guest down and keep them from becoming a threat to your staff or property.

Sample Answer: I would approach the guest calmly and ask them 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:
• - Knows how to defuse a situation
• - Has experience in dealing with angry guests
• - Can remain calm under pressure

Question Overview: An ideal candidate for a security officer position has a strong work history and is looking for a new challenge. They understand the value of the position and want to work for a company that offers opportunities for advancement. The potential hire should be able to explain why they are interested in working for Allied Universal and what they can offer to the company.

Sample Answer: I have worked as a security officer for the past three years and have an associate's degree in criminal justice. I am interested in working for Allied Universal because of the company's reputation and the opportunity to advance my career.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has experience in the security field
• - Is looking for a new challenge
• - Has worked in different industries

Question Overview: A security officer has experience interacting with customers and clients. They can have experience working in a retail environment, a hotel or a restaurant. The ideal candidate for the position has a high school diploma or equivalent and is at least eighteen years old. They should be able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.

Sample Answer: I have worked as a security officer for five years and have experience working in retail, restaurants and hotels. I have excellent communication skills and am able to defuse tense situations with customers.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has experience working with customers
• - Has a high school diploma or equivalent
• - Is at least eighteen years old

Question Overview: Security officers should be able to stand for long periods of time. They need to be able to monitor the property and staff from a distance. The ideal candidate is physically fit and has a strong work ethic.

Sample Answer: I can stand for up to 12 hours at a time. I am physically fit and have a strong work ethic. I have experience working in different shifts and can adapt to any schedule.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Has a good work ethic
• - Is physically fit
• - Can stand for long periods of time