Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 40% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires
*The $100 CAD Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in Canada that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions, and quality standards apply **Indeed data, Canada, Q2 2024

10 Security Personnel Interview Questions and Answers

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated May 26, 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Security Personnel interview questions and answers.

Hire your next Security Personnel today.

Post a job

Hire your next Security Personnel today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Have you ever worked in a security-related position before? If so, what positions have you held?

This question can inform you whether a candidate has previously worked in a security-related position. It may also help you understand their previous security job titles and their time spent in each position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working as a security guard or in a security-related position
  • Amount of time working in previous positions
  • Examples of previous security job titles
Example:

"I have previously worked as a security guard for a security agency. I worked in this position for the past six years and have no prior security-related experiences."

What do you think are the responsibilities of security personnel?

This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of the role and responsibilities of those working in the security field. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of security personnel
  • Knowledge of safety procedures
  • Acknowledgement of security equipment and its uses
Example:

"The primary responsibilities of security personnel include monitoring premises in person and using security surveillance equipment, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring the safety of people and property."

Do you have any security training or certifications? If so, describe them

This question can provide insight into whether a candidate has industry-specific training, certifications, or licences. It may also help you better understand their level of qualification for the job. What to look for in an answer:

  • Any industry-specific training courses
  • Any professional certifications related to security or law enforcement
  • Any licences related to security or law enforcement in your province or territory
Example:

 "I have completed security guard training, and I passed the exam to become a licensed security guard in Ontario five years ago."

Describe a challenging situation you have handled while on the job

This question can provide insight into how a candidate handles challenging work situations. It may also help you further understand their problem-solving and rationalization skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience handling challenging situations
  • Skill sets in observation and rationalization
  • Problem-solving effective solutions
Example:

"An unauthorized person once tried to enter the building while I was on duty. I confronted the individual, asked for identification, and when they could not provide it, I escorted them off the premises."

What are your strengths in a security role?

This question helps you understand how a candidate perceives their skills and strengths. A candidate worth considering is confident in their abilities and can handle a role in security. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence in their skillset
  • An example of how their skills can be applied to the role
  • Understanding of how their skills can keep an area safe and secure
Example:

 "My greatest strength is my ability to follow security procedures. I have learned the policies and procedures of the companies I have worked for and have taken the time to learn my rights and responsibilities as a security team member. Following policies and procedures ensures I manage every situation calmly and confidently."

What would you do if you caught a fellow security officer sleeping on the job?

This question helps assess the candidate's integrity and understanding of professional conduct. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of rules, responsibilities, and expectations of the security role
  • Confidence to report a colleague who is breaking the rules
  • Ability to prioritize safety and security
Example:

"I would report the incident to my supervisor, as it's a violation of the rules and responsibilities of a security officer that compromises security."

What security systems are you familiar with?

This question gauges the candidate's knowledge of security technology and the extent of their experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Identification of various security technologies
  • Description of how technology has been used in previous roles
  • Willingness to learn new technologies
Example:

"I am familiar with CCTV systems, motion detectors, and biometric access controls. In my last security officer role, I monitored security cameras and CCTV systems to prevent break-ins. I'm also familiar with how wireless security alarm systems work. I believe security systems are imperative to the work of a security officer or guard."

What industries have you worked in?

Security roles can vary considerably from industry to industry. Asking this question can help you determine whether the candidate has the experience relevant to your industry. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience in industries related to your business
  • Knowledge of different sectors and how security may vary
  • Desire to keep people safe
Example:

"I was a security officer for a large corporate office in downtown Toronto. I also worked as a nightclub security officer in the entertainment industry for three years. I learned how to control crowds, use metal detector equipment, and have developed excellent conflict resolution skills."

How do you stay alert and attentive during a shift, especially when it's quiet?

Depending on your organization, a security officer may need to work long hours or late shifts. This question helps you assess a candidate's strategies for staying alert and carrying out their duties effectively. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical strategies for staying alert and attentive
  • Prioritizing good health and rest
  • Understanding the importance of staying alert
Example:

 "Before I start my shifts, I ensure I get adequate sleep and am alert and well-rested. I brew a cup of coffee and do short bursts of exercise when I notice my attention is declining. I stay fit and hydrated and eat well for optimal energy."

How would you describe your observational skills?

This question can provide insight into a candidate's perceptions of their observational skills. It may also help you understand where they have applied these skills if they can provide an example.  What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence in observational skills
  • How they describe their observational skills
  • Example of a situation where their observational skills were useful
Example:

"I consider my observational skills to be very sharp. I read situations well and rationalize what I observe to determine whether it's a threat. For example, I once felt I had observed some suspicious activity when monitoring security room technology. After continuous observation and rational thinking, I realized there was no actual threat to security."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Security Personnel today

Post a Job

Explore Interview Questions by Title

No search results found

    Related Articles

    How To Conduct a Job Interview and Find the Right Candidate
    Read article
    Best Practices for Virtual Interviews
    Read article
    4 Ways to Ask Cultural Interview Questions
    Read article