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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 does the word "Teamwork" mean to you?
  • Question Overview: A security officer who is a good fit for your company understands the importance of teamwork. They know how to work with a team and how to coordinate with other security officers and law enforcement. The best applicant has a strong work ethic and is able to work independently when necessary.

    Sample Answer: Teamwork means that I am able to work well with my team and the management staff. I understand that we are all working together to accomplish the same goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Works well with others
    • - Is punctual and reliable
    • - Can work independently

  • Question: Are you comfortable with guns?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should be comfortable with guns and know how to use them safely. They should be able to handle a firearm and understand the importance of gun safety. The ideal candidate for the job will have experience using a gun and will have a valid permit to carry one.

    Sample Answer: I have experience using a gun and have completed formal training. I have a valid permit to carry a weapon and know how to use it safely.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience using a gun
    • - Understands the importance of gun safety
    • - Has a valid permit to carry a gun

  • Question: What is the minimum of 7 years of detailed work, residence, and personal history information you have ready?
  • Question Overview: A security officer has a detailed work history and a personal history that shows they are trustworthy. The jobseeker should have a clean criminal record and a steady work history. You need to hire someone who has proven they can be counted on to complete their tasks and who will be able to work with your staff.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a security officer for the past three years and have been employed by my current employer for two years. I have no outstanding debts and have never been convicted of a crime.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a clean criminal record
    • - Has a steady work history
    • - Has no outstanding debts

  • Question: What would you do if a customer cuts the line?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should always maintain a professional demeanor. They should be able to identify the customer and determine if they are a regular or a first-time visitor. The best candidate for the job knows how to handle the situation without causing a scene. They should be able to determine if the customer is a threat to your staff or your property.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer to step aside and wait in line like everyone else. If they refused, I would contact my manager for further instructions.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Maintains a professional demeanor
    • - Knows how to handle difficult customers
    • - Can identify regular and first-time visitors

  • Question: If you saw a sink hole in the middle of the parking lot, what would your reaction be?
  • Question Overview: A security officer with a high level of experience has faced many different situations. They have the ability to react calmly and effectively to a crisis. The ideal candidate for the job knows how to handle a situation like this and can take the appropriate action.

    Sample Answer: I would immediately contact my supervisor and the local police department. I would also alert the staff and ask them to evacuate the area. I would then contact my team and have them assist me in cordoning off the area.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knows how to handle a crisis
    • - Doesn't panic in an emergency
    • - Can follow protocol in an emergency

  • Question: What kind of environment are you looking for?
  • Question Overview: A security officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of your property and staff. They must be able to work in a variety of environments and adapt to the situation. The ideal candidate is a professional who can work well with law enforcement and other security teams.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a position that offers me the opportunity to work with a team of security officers and local law enforcement. I want to work in an environment where I can use my skills to protect the property and staff from criminal activity.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has experience working in different environments
    • - Can work well with a team
    • - Can work under pressure

  • Question: What can you contribute to our company?
  • Question Overview: 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.

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

  • Question: How do you ensure safety?
  • Question Overview: A security officer must be able to identify potential risks and take the appropriate action. They should be able to explain how they would handle a situation in which a visitor is acting suspiciously. The applicant should be able to explain how they would handle a situation in which an individual is causing a disturbance.

    Sample Answer: I ensure safety by monitoring the property and all visitors to the building. I conduct regular patrols of the building and grounds to identify any risks. I also maintain a professional rapport with local law enforcement and report any suspicious activity immediately.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Uses a risk assessment process
    • - Monitors visitors and unknown parties
    • - Understands the importance of maintaining a professional rapport with local law enforcement

  • Question: What would you do if someone's trapped in an elevator?
  • Question Overview: A security officer should know how to handle a situation when someone is trapped in an elevator. They should be able to call for help and work with the building's management staff to get the person out of the elevator. The ideal candidate is someone who can keep their cool under pressure and who can work with others to solve the problem.

    Sample Answer: If someone was trapped in an elevator, I would immediately call for help. I would then work with the building's management staff to ensure that the person was rescued safely.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Calls for help immediately
    • - Works with management to get the person out of the elevator
    • - Doesn't panic

  • Question: Do you have a valid passport?
  • Question Overview: A security officer needs to be able to travel to different countries and states. They need to be able to enter and exit the country without any issues. The ideal applicant for the position has a valid passport and can travel freely.

    Sample Answer: I have a valid passport and can travel internationally. I have a driver's license and can drive a car in the United States.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Has a valid passport
    • - Can travel internationally
    • - Has a driver's license