17 School Security Guard Interview Questions and Answers

School security guards are responsible for the safety of students and staff at schools. They keep order and enforce school rules. They also work with the police and other emergency responders in the event of an emergency.

To work as a school security guard, you will need to pass a background check and may need to have a security guard license. You will also need to be able to answer questions about your experience and training in security.

In this guide, you will find school security guard interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with children?

School security guards often work with children, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable in that environment. They want someone who can keep students safe and enforce rules while also being friendly and approachable. In your answer, explain how much you enjoy working with kids and give an example of a time when you helped them or worked with them.

Example: “I love working with children because they are always so excited about learning new things. I have been a camp counselor for the past five years, and it’s one of my favorite jobs. The kids at the camp are always so happy to see me, and I love helping them learn new skills and making their summer fun.”

What are some of the security measures you would put in place to protect a school from a shooting?

School shootings are a major concern for many parents, and employers want to know that you have the knowledge and experience to keep their school safe. When answering this question, make sure to include specific measures you would take to protect students from an active shooter.

Example: “I believe one of the most important things we can do as security guards is to be aware of our surroundings at all times. I would always make it a point to walk through hallways and common areas during my patrols so I could spot anything out of place or unusual. If I saw something suspicious, I would report it immediately so we could investigate further.

Another measure I would put in place is having emergency drills with teachers and staff members so they know what to do if there’s ever an active shooter on campus. I think it’s also important to have metal detectors at entrances so we can check bags and belongings before allowing people into the building.”

How would you handle a student who is acting out in class?

School security guards often have to intervene in situations that involve students. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle these types of scenarios effectively and safely. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills and problem-solving abilities to diffuse the situation.

Example: “I’ve had experience with this type of scenario before. When I was working as a school security guard at my previous job, I noticed one student who kept disrupting class by talking out loud. I went over to him and asked if he could quiet down so the teacher could continue her lesson. He continued to talk, so I told him that if he didn’t stop, I would have to call his parents. After hearing this, he immediately stopped talking and started paying attention.”

What is your experience with using security technology?

School security guards often use technology to monitor students and the school grounds. Employers ask this question to learn about your experience with using security cameras, alarms and other monitoring devices. Before your interview, think of a time you used technology to keep students safe. Explain what type of technology you used and how it helped you achieve your goals.

Example: “In my last position as a school security guard, I monitored the school grounds with security cameras. The cameras allowed me to see all areas of the campus at once. If I noticed something suspicious, like a student who was alone in an area they shouldn’t be, I could zoom in on them and check in on their safety. I also used alarms to alert me when doors were opened or windows were broken.”

Provide an example of a time when you successfully diffused a tense situation.

School security guards often need to diffuse tense situations. Employers ask this question to learn more about your conflict resolution skills and how you can use them in their school’s unique environment. In your answer, describe the situation, what actions you took to resolve it and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a student who would frequently disrupt class by talking out of turn. One day, he started disrupting the class again, so I went over to him and asked if we could speak privately. He agreed, so I took him into the hallway and explained that his behavior disrupted others’ learning experiences. He apologized and promised not to do it again. After that, he returned to class and behaved well.”

If you saw a suspicious person on school grounds, what would be your course of action?

School security guards need to be able to recognize suspicious behavior and take appropriate action. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to make quick decisions in potentially dangerous situations. In your answer, explain how you would use your judgment to determine whether a person is acting suspiciously and what steps you would take if you noticed something unusual.

Example: “If I saw someone who looked like they were up to no good, I would approach them calmly and ask for their identification. If they refused or acted evasively, I would call for backup and alert school officials of the situation. I would also try to keep other students away from the area until help arrived.”

What would you do if you saw a fellow staff member violating school policies?

School security guards need to be able to work well with others. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle conflict and enforce policies fairly. In your answer, explain that you would first try to talk to the staff member about their behavior. If they did not change their actions, you would document the violation and report it to your supervisor.

Example: “I have worked in law enforcement for five years now, so I am used to handling conflict. However, I always prefer to resolve issues by talking to people rather than writing them up. For example, if I saw a fellow staff member violating school policy, I would first approach them and ask them to stop. If they continued, I would write them up and submit my documentation to my supervisor.”

How well do you follow directions?

School security guards must be able to follow the directions of their supervisors. Employers ask this question to make sure you can do so effectively. In your answer, explain that you are a highly organized person who is good at following instructions. Explain that you will always read any important memos or emails from your supervisor and act accordingly.

Example: “I am very organized and methodical in my work. I have been working as a school security guard for five years now, and I’ve never had an issue with following directions. When I first started, I made sure to read all memos and emails from my supervisor. Now, I know what to expect on my shifts, so I don’t need to refer back to those documents as often. However, if there was ever an emergency situation, I would definitely refer back to them.”

Do you have any experience working with school budgets?

School security guards often need to work with school budgets. They may be responsible for monitoring the budget and making sure it doesn’t go over a certain amount. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with budgets in general, but also specifically within schools. Use your answer to explain how you would handle working with a school’s budget if needed.

Example: “I’ve worked with school budgets before when I was employed as a security guard at a local mall. My job there was to ensure that we didn’t spend more than our budget on security measures. We had to prioritize which areas of the mall were most important to monitor and keep safe. I can use my previous experience to help me do the same thing if hired here.”

When is it appropriate to call the police?

School security guards often work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and faculty. Employers ask this question to make sure you know when it’s appropriate to call the police and when it’s not. In your answer, explain that you would only call the police if there is an active threat or danger on campus.

Example: “I have worked in schools for many years now, so I understand how important it is to keep our campuses safe without involving the police unless absolutely necessary. If a student was actively threatening others or causing damage to school property, I would call the police immediately. However, if someone was simply being disruptive, I would first try to calm them down and speak with their parents before calling the police.”

We want our guards to be approachable and friendly. How would you make a student feel comfortable around you?

School security guards often interact with students, parents and other members of the school community. Employers ask this question to make sure you have interpersonal skills that allow you to be friendly and helpful. In your answer, share a few ways you can approach people in a positive way. Explain how you would help someone who is lost or confused.

Example: “I think it’s important for security guards to be approachable and friendly. I would always greet people with a smile and try to make them feel comfortable. If they are lost or confused, I would do my best to help them find what they need. For example, if a student was looking for their classroom, I would walk with them until they found it.”

Describe your experience working with children with special needs.

School security guards often work with students who have special needs. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for this type of situation. In your answer, explain that you have experience working with children with special needs and can handle any challenges that may arise.

Example: “I worked as a school security guard at an elementary school for five years. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work with many different types of children. Some kids were on the autism spectrum while others had ADHD or other learning disabilities. I learned how to interact with these kids in a way that made them feel comfortable. If they ever needed help, I was always ready to lend a hand.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Focus on highlighting your relevant work experience, education and any certifications or licenses you have.

Example: “I am passionate about working in school security because I want to help keep students safe. In my previous role as a night watchman at a local high school, I noticed many areas where we could improve our security measures. For example, I suggested installing new cameras around campus and hiring additional security guards during after-school hours. My suggestions were implemented, which helped reduce crime rates by 20%.”

Which security technologies are you familiar with?

School security guards need to be familiar with the latest technologies that can help them do their job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using these tools and are up-to-date on the newest developments in the industry. In your answer, list two or three technologies you’re comfortable using and explain how they benefit school security.

Example: “I am very familiar with surveillance cameras and alarms. I know how to install both of these systems and regularly monitor the footage from our cameras for any suspicious activity. Alarms are also important because they let me know when a door has been opened unexpectedly. This allows me to respond quickly if there is an intruder. Another technology I use is radio frequency identification tags. These allow me to keep track of valuable items like computers and money.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a school security guard?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a school security guard. It also gives them insight into your values and priorities as a person. When answering this question, consider what’s most important to you in your own life and how those things relate to being a school security guard.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a school security guard is protecting students from harm. I know that my job is to keep kids safe while they’re at school, so I take that responsibility very seriously. I’m always looking for ways to improve safety measures and ensure that everyone on campus feels secure.”

How often do you patrol the school?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan your day and what your responsibilities are. Your answer should include a specific time or schedule that you follow when patrolling the school.

Example: “I patrol the school every hour on the hour, starting at 7 a.m. I walk through all of the classrooms to make sure they’re empty and check in with teachers if they need anything. Then I walk around the perimeter of the building to ensure there aren’t any suspicious people or vehicles. Finally, I walk through the cafeteria and gymnasium to make sure students are behaving appropriately.”

There is a fight between two students. What is your course of action?

School security guards must be able to diffuse a situation before it escalates. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle these situations without escalating them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to deescalate the conflict and keep everyone safe.

Example: “I would first try to calm both students down by speaking with them calmly. If that doesn’t work, I would separate them from each other so they can cool off. Then, I would call for backup if needed. After ensuring their safety, I would speak with both of them separately to find out what happened. This helps me understand why the fight started in the first place so I can prevent similar incidents from happening again.”