All 16 security guard interview questions
Observe and report
- 1.You see a man take a laptop off a desk in the lobby and walk toward the exit. What do you do?
- 2.What do you look for when you start a shift at a new site?
- 3.Tell me about a time you noticed something that others missed.
- 4.Your post orders say not to physically stop shoplifters. A store manager tells you to grab one. What do you do?
De-escalation
- 5.A visitor is yelling at the front desk because he is not on the guest list. How do you handle it?
- 6.Tell me about a time you calmed down someone who was angry.
- 7.You find a person sleeping in the stairwell of the building you guard. What do you do?
- 8.Two people start fighting in the parking lot. What do you do?
Patrols and post orders
Report writing
- 13.What goes into a good incident report?
- 14.Describe this in a report sentence: a woman fell in the lobby and said she was fine.
- 15.You forget to write a report about an argument until the next day. What do you do?
- 16.A car was broken into in the lot while you were on your break. Your lead asks you to leave the break out of the report. What do you do?
What a good security guard does on a shift
A security guard protects a site and the people in it: an office lobby, a hospital, a store, a construction site, an apartment complex or a school. Each site has post orders, the written rules for that post. They say when to patrol, which doors to check, who can enter, what to do in a fire alarm and who to call. A typical shift mixes standing post at a desk or gate, checking IDs and visitors, and walking or driving patrols, often logged with a phone app or scan points.
Most unarmed guards work under an "observe and report" rule. They watch, write things down and call the police or their supervisor. Their job is not to chase, search or hold people. When someone gets angry, the guard’s main tool is their voice. After anything unusual, from a door found unlocked to a fight in the parking lot, the guard writes an incident report that managers, insurers and sometimes courts will read.
Most states license security guards, and many require training hours and a background check before the first shift. Rules and names vary: California calls it a guard card, other states call it a registration or license, and a few leave it to cities. Armed posts need a separate firearms permit. Long, quiet overnight shifts are common, so staying alert and honest when nothing is happening matters as much as handling the busy moments.
| Skill | Why it matters for this job |
|---|---|
| Observe and report | Guards who act beyond their role create injuries and lawsuits. Guards who notice and report early stop problems before they grow. |
| De-escalation | Most incidents a guard faces are angry or confused people. Calm words keep them from turning into fights. |
| Patrols and post orders | Clients pay for coverage they can check. Skipped patrols and ignored post orders lose contracts. |
| Report writing | Incident reports are used by managers, insurers, police and courts. A vague or late report is close to useless. |
Knockout questions to ask first
Ask these before the interview, on the application form or in the first minute of a call. A clear no on any of them means the job will not work, however good the interview is.
| Question | What counts as a pass |
|---|---|
| Do you hold a current security guard license or registration in this state, or can you get one before your first shift? | Yes. Most states require one for unarmed guards, with training hours that vary by state. A few states have no statewide license but cities may. Check your state’s licensing agency. |
| (Armed posts only) Do you hold this state’s firearms permit for security work? | Yes, current and in their name. Skip this for unarmed posts. |
| This post is overnights, 11 pm to 7 am, including weekends and holidays. Can you work that schedule? | Yes. Change the hours to match the post. |
| The post includes standing for long periods and walking patrols with stairs every hour. Can you do that, with or without a reasonable accommodation? | Yes. Keep the question about the duties of the post. |
| Are you legally allowed to work in the United States? | Yes. The I-9 is completed after an offer, with documents checked then. |
Security Guard interview questions and answers, by skill
Each question says why to ask it, what a strong answer sounds like, what should worry you and one follow-up question. Ask every applicant the same questions in the same order, and score each skill with the scorecard below.
Observe and report
Guards who act beyond their role create injuries and lawsuits. Guards who notice and report early stop problems before they grow.
1. You see a man take a laptop off a desk in the lobby and walk toward the exit. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Tests whether they know the observe-and-report role or would put themselves and others at risk.
- A strong answer
- “I would get a good look at him: clothing, height, which way he goes. I would call it in on the radio and to my supervisor, and call 911 if the post orders say so. I might say "Excuse me, sir, can I help you?" from a safe distance, but I would not grab him or block the door.”
- Red flag
- "I would tackle him before he got out."
- Follow-up
- What details would you give the police?
2. What do you look for when you start a shift at a new site?
- Why ask it
- Good guards build a picture of normal so they spot what is not.
- A strong answer
- “I read the post orders and the last shift’s log first. Then I walk the site: exits, alarm panel, cameras, fire extinguishers, which doors should be locked. I learn who normally comes and goes, like the cleaning crew at 9, so I notice when something is different.”
- Red flag
- Just sits at the desk and waits.
- Follow-up
- What would you do if the last log was empty?
3. Tell me about a time you noticed something that others missed.
- Why ask it
- A real example shows attention to detail. Any job or setting counts.
- A strong answer
- “At a warehouse post I noticed the same white van parked across the street three nights in a row at 2 am. I wrote down the plate and told my supervisor. It turned out the client had a break-in at another site, and the police were glad to have the plate.”
- Red flag
- Cannot give any example.
- Follow-up
- What made you notice it?
4. Your post orders say not to physically stop shoplifters. A store manager tells you to grab one. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Shows whether they follow their own company’s rules over pressure from the client.
- A strong answer
- “I would tell the manager I cannot do that under my post orders, and that I will watch, get details and call the police. Then I would tell my supervisor about the request, so the company can talk with the client.”
- Red flag
- Would do what the manager says because they are the client.
- Follow-up
- What if the manager threatens to have you removed from the site?
De-escalation
Most incidents a guard faces are angry or confused people. Calm words keep them from turning into fights.
5. A visitor is yelling at the front desk because he is not on the guest list. How do you handle it?
- Why ask it
- Access disputes are the most common conflict in lobby security.
- A strong answer
- “I keep my voice low and say I understand it is frustrating. I ask who he is here to see and offer to call that person or their office to come down. I stay polite but do not let him past until someone confirms. If he gets louder, I call my supervisor and keep space between us.”
- Red flag
- Would yell back or say "rules are rules" and stop there.
- Follow-up
- What if he tries to walk past you?
6. Tell me about a time you calmed down someone who was angry.
- Why ask it
- Past behavior is the best guide. Retail, food service or school examples all count.
- A strong answer
- “At the bar where I worked the door, a regular got angry when I said he had had enough. I took him aside so his friends were not watching, said I wanted him to come back tomorrow, and offered to call him a ride. He grumbled but left.”
- Red flag
- The story ends with pushing or threats.
- Follow-up
- What would you have done if he refused?
7. You find a person sleeping in the stairwell of the building you guard. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Tests respect, safety and following post orders with someone who may be unwell or homeless.
- A strong answer
- “I would stay a few steps away and wake them by speaking, not touching. I would check they are okay and explain they cannot stay. If they need medical help I call 911. I follow the post orders on trespass, call my supervisor if they refuse to leave, and log it.”
- Red flag
- Would kick or shake them awake, or ignore them.
- Follow-up
- What if they seem confused or very drunk?
8. Two people start fighting in the parking lot. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Shows whether they protect themselves and others and call for help, instead of jumping in.
- A strong answer
- “I call 911 and my supervisor first. I use a loud, clear voice to tell them to stop and keep other people back. I would not step between them unless my post orders allow it and I am trained. I watch closely so I can describe what happened.”
- Red flag
- "I would jump in and break it up."
- Follow-up
- What do you do once the police arrive?
Patrols and post orders
Clients pay for coverage they can check. Skipped patrols and ignored post orders lose contracts.
9. It is 3 am, nothing has happened all night and you are tired. How do you keep doing your patrols?
- Why ask it
- Overnight posts are mostly quiet. Guards who skip patrols on slow nights are the biggest risk.
- A strong answer
- “I treat every round the same, even at 3 am. I change the start time a little each round so it is not predictable. To stay sharp, I walk instead of sitting between rounds and keep water and a light snack, not a lot of coffee.”
- Red flag
- Admits to sleeping on post or skipping rounds when it is quiet.
- Follow-up
- What would you do if you felt yourself falling asleep?
10. On patrol you find a fire door propped open with a brick. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Small things like propped doors are how most break-ins start.
- A strong answer
- “I remove the brick and close the door, check that it latches, then look around for anyone inside who should not be. I note the time and location in the log, and tell my supervisor if it keeps happening at that door.”
- Red flag
- Leaves it because someone probably needs it open.
- Follow-up
- Why look around after closing it?
11. How do you learn the post orders when you start at a new site?
- Why ask it
- Shows whether they take post orders seriously.
- A strong answer
- “I read them fully on my first shift and ask my supervisor about anything unclear. I make a short list of the main points, like who can enter after hours and the emergency numbers. I read them again when they change.”
- Red flag
- "I just figure it out as I go."
- Follow-up
- What would you do if the post orders did not cover something?
12. The fire alarm goes off in the building. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Guards play a key role in emergencies. Tests whether they know the usual steps.
- A strong answer
- “I follow the site’s fire plan. Usually that means checking the alarm panel for the location, calling 911 or confirming the monitoring company has, helping people out the exits and meeting the fire department to tell them where the alarm is. I do not reset the alarm myself.”
- Red flag
- Would reset it because it is probably false.
- Follow-up
- What if people refuse to leave?
Report writing
Incident reports are used by managers, insurers, police and courts. A vague or late report is close to useless.
13. What goes into a good incident report?
- Why ask it
- Reports are the main thing guards produce. A clear answer shows training or experience.
- A strong answer
- “The date, time and exact place. Who was involved, with names if I have them and descriptions if I do not. What happened in order, what people said in their own words, what I did and who I called. Just facts, no guesses about why.”
- Red flag
- Says "what happened" and nothing more.
- Follow-up
- Why keep your opinions out of the report?
14. Describe this in a report sentence: a woman fell in the lobby and said she was fine.
- Why ask it
- A practical test of writing facts clearly.
- A strong answer
- “I would write: "At 2:15 pm a woman in a red coat slipped near the east lobby doors and fell to the floor. She said, I am fine, and refused medical help. The floor near the door was wet from rain, and there was no wet floor sign. I placed a sign and called maintenance."”
- Red flag
- "Lady fell, she was fine."
- Follow-up
- Why write that there was no wet floor sign?
15. You forget to write a report about an argument until the next day. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Honesty about late reports matters. A changed time on a report can damage a case.
- A strong answer
- “I write it as soon as I remember and note that it was written late, with the real time I wrote it. I tell my supervisor. I would never change the time to look like I wrote it the same night.”
- Red flag
- Would backdate the report.
- Follow-up
- How do you make sure you write reports on time?
16. A car was broken into in the lot while you were on your break. Your lead asks you to leave the break out of the report. What do you do?
- Why ask it
- Reports are only useful if they are true. This tests honesty when the truth looks bad for the guard.
- A strong answer
- “I would write it as it happened, including that I was on my scheduled break from 1 to 1:30 and found the broken window at 1:40. A break is not a mistake, but hiding it would be. I would tell the lead politely that I am not comfortable leaving it out.”
- Red flag
- Would leave it out to protect the lead or themselves.
- Follow-up
- What if the lead says you could lose the post?
How a Goodfit AI interview asks these
Goodfit can ask these questions for you. It calls each applicant or sends a browser link, asks follow-up questions, and scores each skill out of 10 with the line the score came from. Here is a short scripted example for this role.
Scripted example · Security Guard · phone interview
Goodfit AI interviewerYou see a man take a laptop off a desk in the lobby and walk toward the exit. What do you do?
TyroneI get a good look at him, clothes, height, which way he goes. I call it in on the radio and follow the post orders, but I do not grab him.
Goodfit AI interviewerWhy not stop him at the door?
TyroneBecause a laptop is not worth someone getting hurt. My job is to be a good witness, so the police can do theirs.
TTyrone
Security Guard · AI phone interview, 7:15
7.5 /10
- Observe and report9/10
“My job is to be a good witness, so the police can do theirs.”
- De-escalation7/10
“I keep my voice low and say I understand it is frustrating.”
- Patrols and post orders8/10
“I change the start time a little each round.”
- Report writing6/10
“I write down what happened and who was there.”
Security Guard interview scorecard
Score each skill from 1 to 5 right after the interview, before you talk to anyone else about the candidate. A 2 or a 4 means the answer sat between the two descriptions next to it.
| Skill | 1: weak | 3: fine | 5: strong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observe and report | Talks about chasing, tackling or detaining people. Sees the job as being the police. | Knows to call for help but notices only obvious problems. | Describes noticing small things (a propped door, a car that keeps circling), gives exact details when reporting, and knows the limits of the post orders. |
| De-escalation | Would argue, threaten or touch the person first. | Stays polite but has only one move, like telling the person to leave. | Gives a real example: calm voice, space, listening, offering a way out, and calling for backup at the right time. |
| Patrols and post orders | Sees post orders as suggestions. Would skip patrols on a quiet night. | Follows the patrol route but does not vary timing or check details. | Reads post orders on day one, checks each door and point on the route, changes timing so patrols are not predictable and stays alert on slow shifts. |
| Report writing | Writes opinions or leaves out times and names. Writes reports days later. | Writes reports on time with the basics but mixes facts and guesses. | Writes who, what, when, where and what they did, in time order, with exact quotes and no opinions, before the end of the shift. |
10-minute security guard phone screen script
| Minutes | Step | What to say or do |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1 | Open the call | "Thanks for applying for the security officer job at our downtown office post. This takes about ten minutes. I will check your license and hours, ask three questions and explain the post." |
| 1 to 3 | Confirm the license and knockouts | "What is your guard license number, and when does it expire?" Then ask about the schedule, the patrol duties and work status. Look up the license on the state site after the call. |
| 3 to 6 | Ask three questions | Use the man taking a laptop, the visitor yelling at the front desk and the 3 am patrol. Together they cover observe-and-report, calm and staying alert. |
| 6 to 7 | Check report writing | "Tell me in two or three sentences how you would write up a person who fell in the lobby." Listen for times, places and facts. |
| 7 to 9 | Describe the post | Give pay, the post location, uniform, whether it is a desk or patrol post, and how often a supervisor visits. Be honest about overnight hours and quiet shifts. |
| 9 to 10 | Close | "Any questions? Next step is an in-person interview and site tour. We will let you know by Monday." |
A five-minute incident report test
Play a 60-second video or read a short scene: a delivery driver argues with a tenant in the lobby, knocks over a sign and leaves in a white van. Give the applicant five minutes to write the incident report.
Score it on times, descriptions, what each person said, what the guard did and the absence of opinion. A situational judgment test helps you rank the judgment side across many applicants before this step.
To test this for every applicant, send the situational judgment test with the AI interview. The result sits on the same report.
Questions not to ask in a security guard interview
These questions can break federal or state law, and none of them tell you whether someone can do the job. Rules change by state and city, so check yours before you write an interview guide.
| Do not ask | Why | Ask instead |
|---|---|---|
| What kind of discharge did you get from the military? | Rejecting applicants because of their discharge type can have a disparate impact on protected groups under Title VII, and some states protect military status. Ask about the training and experience that fit the job. | Tell me about any security, military or law enforcement training that fits this post. |
| How tall are you, and how much do you weigh? | Height and weight rules can screen out women and some national origin groups, which the EEOC treats as possible discrimination. Michigan and some cities also ban weight and height discrimination. | This post includes walking four floors every hour and standing at the gate. Can you do that, with or without a reasonable accommodation? |
| Do you have a lot of debt or bad credit? | Many states and cities limit credit checks for jobs, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written notice and consent before any credit report. | This post handles keys and access cards for the whole building. Tell me about a time you were trusted with something valuable. |
Security Guard pay and jobs in the US
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $38,020 a year, about $18.28 an hour |
| People in this job (2025) | 1,294,300 |
| Openings each year (2025 to 2035) | 156,000 |
| Usual education to start | High school diploma or equivalent |
Source: BLS Employment Projections, table 1.2 and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, read October 16, 2026. Most openings come from people leaving the job, not new jobs, which is why hiring for it never stops.
Tips if you are interviewing for a security guard job
- Know your license status: number, expiration date and any training you still need. It is often the first question.
- Use the words "observe and report." Show you would watch, call it in and write it up, not chase or grab.
- Practice describing an incident in time order with exact details. Many employers ask you to write or talk through a report.
- Have one real example of calming someone down, from any job. Retail, bars and customer service count.
- Be honest about overnight work. Say how you stay alert on quiet shifts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common security guard interview questions?
Expect questions about what you would do if you saw a theft, how you handle an angry visitor, how you stay alert on overnight shifts, what goes in an incident report and why you want the job. Most employers also check your guard license first.
What are 5 qualities of a good security guard?
Alertness, calm under pressure, honesty, clear writing for reports and the discipline to follow post orders on quiet nights. Employers also want guards who know their limits and call for help instead of acting alone.
How do you introduce yourself in an interview as a security guard?
Give your name, your license status, your experience with one example of a post ("two years on overnight patrol at a distribution center"), and why you want this post. Keep it under a minute.
What are the 5 C’s for security guards?
There is no single official list. Trainers use the phrase for different sets of qualities, often including being calm, courteous, confident and clear when you communicate. In an interview, show these with a real example instead of reciting a list.
Do I need a license to be a security guard?
In most states, yes. Most states require a license or registration for unarmed guards, often with training hours and a background check, and armed guards need a separate firearms permit. A few states leave it to cities or counties, so check your state’s licensing agency.