20 Allied Universal Interview Questions and Answers

Allied Universal is one of the largest security companies in the United States, providing security services for businesses, schools, hospitals, and government buildings. If you’re applying for a job with Allied Universal, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Allied Universal interview questions, with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Allied Universal Interview Process

The interview process at Allied Universal can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For entry-level positions, such as Security Officer or Security Guard, the interview process is typically brief and may only consist of one or two interviews. For management positions, such as Account Manager or Armed Security Officer, the interview process may be more extensive and include multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally positive and candidates report feeling well-prepared for their interviews.

1. Have you ever had a conflict with someone at work? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle interpersonal conflicts and whether you have any conflict management skills. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving, communication or teamwork skills.

Example: “I once had a disagreement with my manager about our security procedures at work. I was new to the company and wanted to ensure that we were following all of the proper protocols. My manager disagreed with me because he felt like I was questioning his authority. We talked through the issue and came up with a compromise where I would follow the rules as long as they were in line with industry standards. This helped us both understand each other’s perspectives and learn more about each other.”

2. What do you think is the most important thing to look for in an applicant when hiring for your team?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have experience hiring for security positions. You can use this opportunity to explain what qualities you look for in an applicant and how they relate to the job description.

Example: “I think the most important thing to look for when hiring for my team is someone who has a genuine interest in helping others. I’ve found that people who are naturally empathetic make excellent security guards because they’re more likely to notice if something seems off or out of place. They also tend to be more patient with customers, which makes them better at handling challenging situations.”

3. Describe one time where you went above and beyond for a customer or client.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped someone else in addition to yourself.

Example: “When I was working as a security guard at an event, one of my coworkers fell ill and couldn’t work his shift. Since we were short-staffed that night, I volunteered to stay until he could return to work. It ended up being a long night, but I stayed until everyone got off their shifts safely.”

4. Do you have any experience working as a security guard or officer?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your background and experience. If you have worked as a security guard or officer, share what kind of work you did and how it prepared you for this role.

Example: “I’ve worked as a security guard at several different venues in my hometown. I started out working part-time while going to school, but eventually got promoted to full-time after proving myself. This experience taught me how to manage multiple tasks at once and helped me develop strong communication skills. It also gave me valuable insight into what works well in a security setting.”

5. Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated excellent customer service skills while managing a difficult situation.

Allied Universal is a security company that provides excellent customer service to its clients. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with this type of work and how you would handle it in your new role. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped customers solve problems or find solutions to their issues.

Example: “At my last job, I had a client who was unhappy with our services. They were calling me directly instead of going through the proper channels. I listened to them carefully and asked questions to understand what they needed. After talking with them for a while, I realized they didn’t know how to use some of the features on their security system. I walked them through the process and resolved the issue.”

6. Why are you interested in this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your background and why you’re looking for this specific role. When preparing for an interview, it’s important to read the job description thoroughly so that you can refer to any skills or qualifications they are looking for in their ideal candidate. In your answer, try to relate your skills and experience to what the employer is looking for.

Example: “I am interested in this position because I have always been passionate about security work. Throughout my career, I’ve worked hard to develop my skills as a security guard and would love to continue doing this kind of work. I also understand that Allied Universal has a lot of opportunities for advancement, which is something I’m very interested in.”

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is a common one in interviews. It allows the interviewer to see if you have career goals and aspirations beyond this job. Your answer should include your professional goals, but it can also be helpful to mention personal ones as well.

Example: “I hope to still be working for Allied Universal in five years. I would like to continue climbing the ranks of security guards until I reach management. In my free time, I’d love to start a family with my partner. We’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while now, so hopefully by then we’ll be ready.”

8. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a high-stress situation? How did you manage it?

When an interviewer asks this question, they want to know how you react under pressure. They also want to see if you have any strategies for managing stress and remaining calm in a high-pressure situation.

Example: “When I was working as a security guard at a large event, there were several people who wanted to get into the VIP area without having the proper credentials. When I asked them to leave, they became very upset with me. One of the guests even threatened to fire me. I remained calm and explained that it was company policy to not allow anyone into the VIP area unless they had the proper credentials. The guest eventually left, but I did receive a call from my supervisor later that night asking about the incident.”

9. Are you comfortable handling money?

This question is often asked to determine if you have experience handling cash and coins. Allied Universal handles a lot of money, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with this responsibility. If you don’t have much experience handling money, explain what steps you would take to learn how to do it.

Example: “I’ve worked in retail for the past five years, which means I’m very familiar with handling cash and coins. In my current position, I am responsible for counting all the money at the end of each shift. I also deposit any excess money into the bank. I think I could easily adapt to working with large amounts of money.”

10. Do you have experience dealing with disgruntled customers?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience working with customers. Use examples from your previous job to show that you know how to diffuse a situation, apologize for mistakes and resolve conflicts.

Example: “In my last position as a security guard at a local mall, I was patrolling an area when I noticed a customer who had left their wallet on one of the benches. I immediately informed my supervisor so they could call the customer and arrange for it to be returned. The customer was very grateful that we found them and arranged for us to return it to them. They even gave me a tip for being honest.”

11. Tell me about a time that you were not able to meet a deadline, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle stressful situations and whether or not you are able to meet deadlines. Use examples from your previous experience where you were able to overcome a challenge and complete a task on time.

Example: “In my last security guard position, I was assigned to work at an event that ran late into the night. The client had requested for me to stay until the end of the event, which meant I would be working well past midnight. I informed my supervisor about the situation and asked if there was any way I could leave early. They agreed to let me leave after 10 p.m., which allowed me to get home before midnight.”

12. What would be your strategy for recruiting applicants for your team?

This question can help the interviewer understand your recruiting process and how you might use it to benefit their company. Use examples from previous experiences where you helped a team grow or recruited new employees for an organization.

Example: “I would start by creating a job description that outlines what we’re looking for in our ideal candidate. I’d then post this position on several job search websites, as well as social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. I would also reach out to my professional contacts who may know someone who is qualified for the role. In addition, I would create a list of local colleges and universities to visit and speak with students about the opportunity.”

13. How would you respond if a customer was clearly upset with you over something that wasn’t your fault?

This question can help the interviewer assess your interpersonal skills and ability to diffuse a tense situation. Use examples from previous jobs where you were able to resolve conflict with customers or clients, even if it wasn’t your fault.

Example: “In my last security guard position, I was working at an event when a guest spilled their drink on one of our guards. The guest apologized profusely but insisted that we should give them free tickets to another event. My colleague politely declined, but the guest became increasingly upset. I stepped in and explained that while we appreciated their enthusiasm for the company, we couldn’t offer any further compensation. They eventually left, but they seemed satisfied with my response.”

14. Tell me about a time when you had to give constructive feedback to a co-worker.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and your ability to give constructive feedback. Use examples from your previous experience where you had to provide feedback to a colleague or supervisor, and explain what steps you took to ensure the conversation was productive.

Example: “In my last security guard position, I noticed that one of my colleagues wasn’t following protocol when checking in guests at an event. When I spoke with them about it, they told me they didn’t know there were specific procedures for checking in guests. I explained our company’s policies on guest check-in and provided them with a copy of the procedure so they could reference it in the future. They thanked me for providing them with this information.”

15. What type of environment do you feel you work best in?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a good fit for their company. Allied Universal wants employees who will thrive in their environment, so it’s important to answer honestly and describe what type of work environment you’re looking for.

Example: “I feel I work best in a fast-paced environment where there is always something new to learn. I enjoy being part of a team that works together to accomplish goals, and I’m excited about the prospect of working at a security company like Allied Universal because I know we’ll be helping people every day. I also think my skills would be useful here, as I have experience working in high-stress environments.”

16. We’re looking for people who take initiative, can you describe a time where you took initiative on a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach a project and what your thought process is. Use this opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and willingness to take on challenges.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that our security team was understaffed during peak hours. This led to some of our guards being overworked, which could have resulted in mistakes or fatigue. To solve this issue, I volunteered to work overtime for two weeks so we could hire more security guards. By taking initiative, we were able to hire three new guards who helped alleviate the stress on our existing staff.”

17. If a customer said they felt unsafe, what would you do?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would react to a challenging situation. Use your answer to highlight your customer service skills and ability to resolve conflict.

Example: “If a customer felt unsafe, I would first listen to their concerns and ask questions to better understand what they were feeling. Then, I would call my manager over to assist me in resolving the issue. Together, we would assess the situation and determine if there was anything we could do to make them feel more comfortable. If not, we would offer to escort them to their vehicle or provide them with a phone number for our security team.”

18. Do you have any prior military or law enforcement experience?

If you have prior experience in the military or law enforcement, your prospective employer may ask you about it during an interview. They want to know if you can apply any of those skills to this role. If you do not have prior experience, they may still ask you this question to see how you would adapt to a similar situation.

Example: “I am currently a police officer for my city’s department. I’ve been with them for five years now and love helping people. In my current position, I work as part of a team that responds to emergency calls. We also patrol our area looking for suspicious activity. I think these experiences will help me succeed at Allied Universal.”

19. Do you have any experience developing and maintaining relationships with clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with clients and whether you have experience working in a customer service role. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your interpersonal skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “In my last position as a security guard at an apartment complex, I had regular contact with residents who would ask me questions about their community or report any issues they noticed. I always made sure to greet residents when I saw them and answer their questions thoroughly. In one instance, a resident asked me if there was anything we could do to make our property safer for children. I told her that we were already taking steps to improve safety by hiring more guards and installing new lighting. She appreciated hearing about these changes and said she felt safe leaving her kids home alone after dark.”

20. When was the last time you had to make a quick decision under pressure?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you react to high-pressure situations. It can also show them what kind of decisions you make in these circumstances. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example that shows your ability to think quickly and act decisively while still making the right choice.

Example: “When I was working as a security guard at a concert venue, there was a fight between two fans during one of the opening acts. One fan pushed another, who then pushed back. The person who was pushed fell over and hit their head on the concrete floor. They were bleeding pretty badly, so I immediately called for backup and helped the injured party sit down until medical staff arrived. While waiting, I stayed by their side and made sure they were okay.”