12 Security Officer Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: December 16, 2021

Security officers are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe environment for the people.

This may include securing premises by monitoring surveillance equipment or by patrolling activities.

People working as security officers are expected to prevent loss and theft and to manage acts of vandalism by reporting irregularities and interviewing people for suspicious acts.

They are required to remain vigilant and calm in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Like all jobs of this nature, the position of a security officer is extremely sensitive as they must be ready for any eventuality.

They are trained in providing security services and go through rigorous psychological therapy to enable them to remain collected and act rationally at all times.

Employers are very careful when interviewing candidates for the security officer position. A wrong answer at the interview can cost the rejection of a highly qualified applicant.

Following are some sample interview questions and answers that you might find handy when appearing in an interview for this position.

12 Common Security Officer Interview Questions and Answers


1. What are the primary responsibilities of a security officer?

The primary duties of a security officer include checking luggage and visitors to ensure no weapon or hazardous material enters the premises, noting sign-in/out for visitors, recording IDs of all visitors, responding to security calls, and conducting scheduled patrols in the assigned area.

2. Why are you interested in becoming a security officer?

Helping people has always been one of my favorite things to do ever since I was a mere child. It gives me a sense of great achievement when I know that someone is feeling secure because of me. What better option did I have!

3. What core competencies and skills do you possess that render you worthy of the position?

I have acquired various security-related skills via training and hands-on experiences. These include; surveillance setup and monitoring, metal screening, incident report writing, police dispatch protocols, fire extinguisher handling, parking management, and security alarms/cameras handling.

4. Explain a difficult situation you faced and what strategies did you use to handle it?

Once I received an emergency call from the fifth floor while I was at the reception checking delegates of an important conference. Security staff was short, and there was no one to attend the reception in my absence. I responded to the situation effectively by initiating a lockdown on the ground and fifth floor and updating the security sergeant regarding the situation immediately while on my way to the fifth floor.

5. What would you do if you find out a coworker is accessing unauthorized files?

I will not stop him/her personally, but I would immediately report to the supervisor.

6. What would you do if a hurried visitor resists metal screening while entering the premises?

I am committed to providing exceptional customer service. Therefore, I would convince the visitor to calm down and cooperate for the sake of their security and that of the premises. If they still do not cooperate, I would not allow them to enter the premises.

7. How do you manage a particularly daunting problem like theft or an act of vandalism?

I am trained to remain calm at all times and to get to the root of the matter. If I get the opportunity to catch the culprit, I deal with him or her as the law dictates.

8. How do you control your temper in situations like this?

I must admit that it was hard to control my temper at times especially when I know that someone has been wronged. Fortunately, I have been trained to deal with hectic situations rationally rather than emotionally.

9. How do you decide when you need to use arms to diffuse a situation?

The answer is simple enough. No situation is worthy of using arms unless it is to save a life.

10. What are your more technical skills related to this position?

I have been trained in setting up and monitoring surveillance equipment, and I take an active part in managing this from scratch wherever I work so that I know what to expect from a particular situation.

11. Can you use computers?

Yes! I am adept at using computers and CCTV Camera programs. I am also a good user of MS Word, Excel, Windows, internet, and email.

12. Do you have any relevant certification?

I am CPR and First Aid Certified.