17 Security Site Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

As a security site supervisor, you’re responsible for the safety and security of a commercial or industrial property. You may work at a retail store, office building, or manufacturing facility. Your duties include supervising security guards, investigating incidents, and preparing reports.

When you’re applying for a security site supervisor job, you may be asked to interview with the company’s security manager or another member of the security team. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your experience, education, and skills. You may also be asked behavioral interview questions about how you would handle specific situations you might encounter on the job.

Preparing for your interview by studying security site supervisor interview questions and answers will help you ace the interview and get the job.

Are you comfortable working with a team of security professionals to oversee a large area or facility?

Security site supervisors often work with a team of security professionals to oversee large areas or facilities. Interviewers ask this question to learn if you have experience working in teams and how comfortable you are with that type of environment. In your answer, share about any teamwork experiences you’ve had in the past. Explain what made those experiences successful for you.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with a team of security professionals. Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside many different types of security professionals, including guards, private investigators and law enforcement officers. Each person brings unique skills and talents to the table, which makes our combined efforts more effective than we could be on our own. When working as a team, we can cover each other’s weaknesses and support one another when needed.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a security site supervisor should have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by listing several qualities, such as leadership, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.

Example: “A security site supervisor should be a strong leader who can motivate their team members and make quick decisions when needed. They also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills so they can effectively communicate with clients and employees. Finally, it’s important to me that my supervisors are knowledgeable about security systems and procedures.”

How would you handle a situation where one of your security guards was not performing up to standard?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you would handle a challenging situation. In your answer, try to highlight your ability to motivate others and help them improve their performance.

Example: “If I noticed one of my security guards was not performing up to standard, I would first meet with the guard to discuss what they were doing well and where they could improve. Then, I would create an action plan for the guard that outlines specific goals they can achieve over a certain period of time. I would also provide regular feedback on the guard’s progress so they know exactly what is expected of them.”

What is your process for evaluating the security needs of a new location or facility?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge and skills to new situations. Your answer should include a specific example of how you applied your expertise in evaluating security needs for a facility or location.

Example: “When I was working as a site supervisor at a large retail store, we were opening up a new location that required additional security measures. I first met with the company’s management team to discuss what they wanted from the security staff. We then discussed our budget and determined which security measures would be most cost-effective. After this meeting, I created a plan for hiring more security guards and installing additional cameras and alarms.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your conflict resolution skills to resolve an issue with a member of your team.

Security site supervisors often have to resolve conflicts between their team members. This question allows the interviewer to assess your conflict resolution skills and how you interact with others in a challenging situation. In your answer, try to highlight your communication and interpersonal skills while also showing that you can solve problems effectively.

Example: “In my last position as security supervisor at a large retail store, I had two guards who were constantly arguing about whose shift was better. They would argue over everything from which guard got more overtime hours to who could get away with taking longer breaks. Eventually, they started to take out their frustrations on customers and other employees.

I called both guards into my office for a meeting and explained that their behavior was unacceptable. We discussed why it was important to maintain professionalism and respect toward one another. After our meeting, the guards agreed to work together to find solutions to their disagreements.”

If you had the opportunity to implement new security procedures at your site, what would they include?

This question can help the interviewer determine your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use examples from previous experience to show how you would implement new security procedures at this site.

Example: “At my current job, we have a lot of visitors coming in and out of our facility. I noticed that many people were not checking in with security before entering the building. This posed a safety risk for employees who may have been carrying hazardous materials or equipment. To solve this issue, I implemented a visitor badge system where all visitors must check in with security before entering the facility. We also created a database of all authorized personnel so we could easily identify unauthorized individuals.”

What would you do if you noticed a significant decrease in site security after implementing new procedures?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and adapt your approach. Your answer should include a specific example of when you encountered this situation in the past, what actions you took and the results of those actions.

Example: “In my last role as site supervisor, I noticed that security decreased after we implemented new procedures for monitoring alarms. I met with all security guards to discuss their concerns about the new system and learned they were having trouble using the new software. We decided to keep the old alarm system until everyone was comfortable with the new one. After two weeks, we switched back to the new system and saw an increase in security.”

How well do you understand local, state and federal laws regarding security?

Security site supervisors must be knowledgeable about the laws that apply to their work. This question helps employers learn how much experience you have with these regulations and whether you can help your team stay compliant. In your answer, share what you know about these laws and explain why it’s important for security officers to follow them.

Example: “I’ve worked in this field for five years now, so I’m familiar with many of the local, state and federal laws regarding security. For example, I understand that we need to check a person’s identification if they’re under 18 before allowing them into an establishment after 10 p.m. I also know that we need to report any suspicious activity or people to the police. These rules are important because they keep us safe and protect our clients.”

Do you have any experience using security software to monitor surveillance cameras?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with security software and how you use it to monitor cameras. Use examples from your previous job or discuss any training you’ve received on using security software.

Example: “I have used several different types of security software in my past jobs, including some that are free and others that require a subscription. I find that the best way to learn new software is by reading through the user manual and watching online tutorials. In my last position, I was able to train other employees on how to use the security software we had installed.”

When performing site inspections, are there any specific areas you always check?

Site inspections are an important part of a security site supervisor’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to perform these duties properly and thoroughly. In your answer, explain that you will always check the perimeter of the property, any entrances or exits and all surveillance equipment. You can also mention that you would inspect any other areas as needed based on the specific needs of the facility.

Example: “I always start my site inspection by checking the perimeter of the property. I look for anything suspicious like broken fences or open gates. Next, I move inside the facility to check the entrances and exits. I want to make sure there is no way someone could enter without passing through a checkpoint. Finally, I check all of the surveillance equipment to ensure it is working correctly.”

We want to ensure our security guards are well-fed and happy. How would you encourage our site vendors to provide excellent service?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your leadership skills and ability to motivate others. In your answer, demonstrate how you would encourage vendors to provide excellent service by emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction.

Example: “I believe that happy security guards are more productive and efficient at their jobs. I would make it a priority to ensure our site vendors know how important they are to us. If we have any issues with food quality or delivery times, I would contact them immediately so we can work together to find a solution. I also plan to hold monthly meetings with all of our site vendors to get to know them better and show my appreciation for their hard work.”

Describe your experience working with private security databases.

Security site supervisors often need to work with private security databases. This question helps employers understand your experience working with these types of systems and how you might use them in their company. Use examples from previous jobs to explain what a private security database is and how you used it.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with a private security database that was accessible only by the security team. The system contained information about all current threats, including any potential risks or dangers at our facilities. As a supervisor, I had access to this database so I could monitor the safety of each facility and make sure we were prepared for any emergencies.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or certifications you have.

Example: “I am passionate about security and committed to keeping my community safe. I also understand the importance of working as part of a team. Throughout my career, I’ve learned how important it is to communicate with others and share information. This has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills and build rapport with people in different situations. My communication skills are one of my greatest strengths, which is why I believe I would be an excellent candidate for this position.”

Which security certifications do you hold?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any certifications that are relevant to the position. Security site supervisors should be certified in security, so it’s important to mention any certifications you hold. If you don’t have any, you can explain why and talk about your experience instead.

Example: “I am currently working toward my Certified Protection Professional certification. I’ve been working as a security guard for five years now, and I feel like I’m ready to take the exam. I also plan on taking the Certified Site Supervisor exam soon.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of site security?

This question can help interviewers understand your priorities and how you might approach a security situation. Your answer should show that you know what is most important to keep secure, but it can also give insight into the values you hold as a person.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of site security is keeping people safe. I would always prioritize making sure everyone on the site was unharmed before worrying about any property damage or theft. If there were no injuries, then I would move onto securing the rest of the site. This means ensuring all doors are locked, all windows are closed and all alarms are set.”

How often do you perform site audits?

Site supervisors are responsible for ensuring the security of their facility. One way they can do this is by performing regular site audits to ensure all protocols and procedures are being followed correctly. Your answer should show that you understand how important these audits are and that you have experience with them.

Example: “I perform a site audit at least once per month, usually more often if there’s an event or other change in the facility that could affect security. I find that doing multiple audits throughout the month helps me catch any issues before they become major problems. It also allows me to train my team members on proper protocol so we’re all working from the same information.”

There is a significant gap in your security coverage during a shift change. What is your response?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to make quick decisions and prioritize security coverage. Your answer should include a specific example of how you handled the situation, including what steps you took to ensure that there was no gap in security coverage.

Example: “At my previous position as site supervisor, I had two guards who were scheduled for their shift change at midnight. However, one guard called out sick just before his shift ended. The other guard was already on her way home by the time I found out about the call-out. I immediately contacted the company’s HR department to find a replacement. We also decided to keep the second guard on site until the new employee arrived so we could minimize any gaps in security coverage.”