33 Security Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Interviewers look for evidence that a candidate is a good hire for a security supervisor position through the interview process.

Because security is a huge concern for most companies, a good security supervisor should have all the information about handling the processes associated with it.

And this information should be communicated to the interviewer through well-developed answers.

An interviewer will also want to know that a security supervisor can make decisions comfortably, and can work in alignment with the company culture.

A set of possible interview questions and answers for a security supervisor position is provided below for you to get an idea of what will be asked:

33 Common Security Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I had not always wanted to work as a security supervisor. I took up a job in security because I wanted to work in any capacity. However, over the time that I was working in this capacity, I realized that I had a great knack for it. I have now spent the last 6 years working in a security supervisor capacity.

2. What is a typical workday as a security supervisor?

My work as a security supervisor is multifaceted. There are many duties that I perform, including supervising and overseeing security functions, and training and scheduling security personnel. Initiating disciplinary measures when necessary is also a major part of my work. Overall, I am responsible for keeping premises and people free from all kinds of threats and dangers and maintaining security devices in good working conditions.

3. What is the one skill that you depend on highly?

As a security supervisor, it is important to have a bevy of skills. However, the one that I depend on the most is my ability to foresee issues and handle them before they have the opportunity to place a negative effect.

4. What do you like most about this work?

I love the fact that I am in a position of helping people stay safe. It gives me a great feeling of achievement.

5. What do you dislike about this position?

I am very fond of my work, and cannot say that I dislike any part of it.

6. How do you handle conflict or adversity at the workplace?

Adversity is quite common when working in security. I make sure that I follow the right protocols and procedures to handle them so that there is an offense from any end.

7. Have you ever hired a security employee?

Yes, in my present place of work, I am responsible for hiring, and training security personnel.

8. What are some of the factors that are necessary to look through when hiring security personnel?

While interviewing people for a security position, I look for a solid skillset and a mind that is conducive to serving. I also look for past experience as it is relevant to the job, and ensure that the person I hire is interested in upping his skill level.

9. What is the one quality that you have acquired over the years?

Initially, I wasn’t very good at leading people, as I was unaware of where to draw the line. Now, I learned how to lead teams, ensuring that my leadership and mentorship qualities are constantly at the front for them to see.

10. How do you keep yourself motivated?

I am genuinely in love with my work, so I am in a constant state of motivation.

11. How do you keep your staff motivated?

When my staff sees how enthusiastic I am about work, they model my behavior. I also believe that a pat on the back and encouraging words help people perform better.

12. Describe your perfect work environment.

I believe that a perfect work environment is evident when people work with professionalism. Where security is concerned, there are no jokes, and laid-back attitudes don’t work well.

13. Have you ever worked in a perfect environment?

It is my will to make every environment a perfect one. Unfortunately, ideal situations do not prevail, so while I do my best to make an environment perfect, I sometimes have to settle for near-perfect ones.

14. What is your management style?

I am a team-oriented individual who likes to work alongside people, and not on top of them. My leadership qualities show that even when I am working with people.

15. Tell me about a time when someone working under you made a significant mistake?

One of the security officers whom I was heading accidentally let in a customer who had guns on him. While the customer had no nefarious intentions, it was against the law to bring in arms of any sort. I figured out the issue when I saw a bulge in the back pocket and stopped the customer for questioning. I had no choice but to grill the security officer severely.

16. What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my ability to see through people. I feel that I am a very good judge of character.

17. What is your biggest weakness?

I am a soft-spoken person which sometimes makes it easy for people to feel that they can get away with things.

18. Describe a time when you had to introduce a change in your last/present job.

There was a time when I had to take off for training, and another security supervisor was supposed to take my place for a month. This did not sit too well with my team initially. However, by communicating effectively with them, and by asking for help and commitment, I was able to handle the situation well.

19. Why do you want to leave your present job?

The place that I am presently working for is being torn down by the authorities. I am not yet sure it the owner will want to reconstruct it in another place.

20. Why do you want to work for us specifically?

I have always been interested in working for a company that trains its employees and has great retention value. I jumped at the opportunity when I came across it on your website.

21. What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about getting things done properly and on time. I dislike delays, which is why I strive extra hard to meet my goals.

22. On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate your physical strength?

I would give myself an 8. I am a trained individual, who has gone through rigorous physical training, and I work out every day as well.

23. Have you ever had to use brute force on anyone?

Several times. Not too long ago, a fight broke out between two customers, and it soon became ugly. One customer was stronger and was constantly hitting the other one, who couldn’t really defend himself. I had to separate the former by restraining him.

24. How do you handle personal stress associated with this work?

My stress is released through the daily exercise regime that I follow. I also meditate – the breathing exercises help take care of any stressful thoughts that I may have.

25. How do you define success?

Defining success is something that I do on a daily basis. Each day, I see what my team and I have accomplished, and that defines success for me.

26. What is your dream job?

I am already working on my dream job.

27. Tell me of a time when you did something extraordinary.

Even though I am not liable to make training packs, I went to the trouble of making them for a team of 22 security personnel, which served the great purpose of connecting them with modern security techniques.

28. What can you do for us that other candidates cannot?

I feel that my skill set, and experience background is well above the rest. If hired, I can work dedicatedly and can go the extra mile to make things work. Since I feel so strongly about this work, I am sure that I am a cut above the rest who may or may not take the work as seriously as I do.

29. When were you most satisfied with your job?

I leave no stone unturned to ensure that my work is done properly. This makes it possible for me to be satisfied with my job every single day.

30. Describe a time when you went out of your way to help an employee.

There was a security officer who had been recently hired to monitor CCTV monitors. He was not too savvy, technically speaking, and asked for help. Since he looked so lost, I trained him on my own time.

31. When can you join us if we decide to hire you?

I am not working anywhere at the moment, so I can join you immediately.

32. What are your plans for the next five years?

I intend to polish my security supervisory skills so much, that I can work in policymaking, and direction roles within the next 5 years or so.

33. Do you have any questions for me?

It would be interesting to know how many people you have on your security force.

See also: Security Supervisor Resume Sample

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