17 Security Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Security supervisors work in a variety of industries, including hospitals, banks, and retail stores, to name a few. They are responsible for the safety and security of people and property. This includes implementing security measures, responding to emergencies, and conducting security patrols.

In order to be successful in this role, you need to be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions. You also need to have a strong understanding of security procedures and be able to effectively communicate with staff and customers.

If you’re looking for a security supervisor job, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of common security supervisor interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with a team of security guards?

Working as a security supervisor often involves managing a team of guards. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and can be a good leader. In your answer, explain that you enjoy collaborating with others and helping them succeed. Share an example of how you helped someone on your team improve their skills or performance.

Example: “I’ve worked in the security industry for five years now, so I’m very comfortable working with a team. When I first started my career, I was a lone security guard at a nightclub. One night, one of my coworkers called out sick, leaving me alone to cover the entire club. I was nervous about being able to do everything by myself, but I knew I had to step up and help. I ended up having a great night and learned that I could handle more than I thought.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful security supervisor?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in this role. Security supervisors need strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. You can answer this question by mentioning two or three qualities that are important for a security supervisor and explaining why they’re important.

Example: “A successful security supervisor needs to be able to communicate clearly with their team members and other staff members. They also need to be organized and detail-oriented so they can keep track of all the tasks they need to complete each day. Finally, I think it’s important for a security supervisor to have strong problem-solving skills because there may be times when an issue arises that requires them to find solutions quickly.”

How would you handle a situation where one of your guards was not performing well?

Security supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their guards perform their duties to the highest standards. An interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you would handle a situation where one of your employees was not performing well and ensure they improve or remove them from the position if necessary. In your answer, try to show that you have strong leadership skills and can help others develop their own skills.

Example: “If I noticed that one of my guards wasn’t performing well, I would first speak with them privately about what areas they need to improve in. If they were aware of their shortcomings, I would give them time to work on improving those skills. If they didn’t improve after some time, I would meet with them again and discuss removing them from the position.”

What is your experience with managing security systems and equipment?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with managing a team of security officers and how you might apply that experience to this role. Use examples from previous roles to highlight your leadership skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “In my last position as a security supervisor, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of our security system, including monitoring cameras, alarms and other equipment. This included ensuring that all systems were functioning properly and responding to any issues or concerns. In addition, I regularly communicated with my team about changes in procedures and expectations so they could respond appropriately to any situations.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with an emergency situation.

Security supervisors often have to make quick decisions in emergency situations. Employers ask this question to learn more about your decision-making skills and how you react under pressure. When preparing for your answer, think of a time when you had to act quickly to solve a problem or keep people safe. Try to choose an example that shows you are calm under pressure and can prioritize important tasks.

Example: “When I was working as a security guard at a nightclub, there was a fight between two patrons. One man pulled out a gun and fired it into the air. My first instinct was to get everyone away from the situation. I told all of the other guards to evacuate the club while I called the police. Then, I went over to the shooter and talked him down until the police arrived.”

If we were to walk around your security post, what would we see you doing to stay alert and focused?

Security supervisors need to be able to stay alert and focused while on duty. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a plan for staying awake and aware of your surroundings. In your answer, explain what strategies you use to keep yourself engaged and attentive.

Example: “I find that the best way to stay alert is by moving around my post as much as possible. I try to walk through each area at least once every 10 minutes or so. This helps me see if anything has changed since my last pass. I also like to take short breaks throughout my shift. For example, I might stand in one place for 20 minutes before taking a five-minute break.”

What would you do if you saw an employee violating company policy regarding security?

This question can help the interviewer assess your leadership skills and ability to enforce company policies. Your answer should show that you respect authority, but also understand how to use it in a fair way.

Example: “If I saw an employee violating security policy, I would first ask them why they did it. If they had a good reason for breaking the rule, I would consider whether there is a better solution than punishment. For example, if someone left their ID badge at home, I might allow them to work with me until break time so they could go back to their desk and get their badge. If they didn’t have a good excuse, I would give them a warning and then take appropriate action.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

Security supervisors often have to make important decisions quickly. Employers ask this question to see if you can handle pressure well and still make good choices. In your answer, share a time when you had to make an important decision under pressure. Explain what steps you took to ensure you made the best choice possible.

Example: “I am able to perform very well under pressure. When I was working as a security guard at a nightclub, there was a fight that broke out in the club. The crowd started to panic, so I needed to act fast. I assessed the situation and called for backup. Then, I used my radio to communicate with all of the guards on duty. We were able to get everyone out of the club safely.”

Do you have any experience with conflict resolution?

Security supervisors often need to resolve conflicts between their team members. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with conflict resolution and can use your skills to help the security team work together. In your answer, share a specific example of how you helped two people or groups resolve a conflict. Explain what steps you took to solve the problem.

Example: “In my last role as a security guard, I had to diffuse a conflict between two guards on my team. One guard was always late for his shift, which made it difficult for him to complete all of his tasks before he left at the end of his shift. The other guard felt like he was covering for his colleague too much.

I talked to both guards separately about the issue. They were both willing to compromise and find a solution that worked for everyone. We decided that the late guard would arrive 15 minutes early each day so that he could get everything done before his coworker arrived. This allowed them both to feel like they were doing their jobs well.”

When was the last time you updated your knowledge of security techniques and technologies?

This question can help the interviewer determine how committed you are to your career and whether you’re likely to stay with their company for a long time. Your answer should show that you’re dedicated to learning new things about security, but it’s also important to mention any certifications or training you’ve had in recent years.

Example: “I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills as a security professional. I recently took an online course on cybercrime prevention and learned some valuable tips for protecting our facility from hackers. I also attended a seminar last year where I learned about the latest technology for monitoring employees’ computer use.”

We want to ensure our guards are well-rested and alert. What is your strategy for making sure they get enough sleep and food?

Security supervisors need to ensure their guards are well-rested and alert at all times. This question helps the interviewer determine how you plan to make sure your team is prepared for each shift. In your answer, explain what steps you take to help your employees get enough rest and food before a shift.

Example: “I believe that sleep and nutrition are two of the most important factors in maintaining alertness during a security guard’s shift. I encourage my staff to eat healthy meals and get plenty of sleep every night. If they have any issues with fatigue or low energy, I ask them to let me know so we can find a solution together.”

Describe your experience with using surveillance equipment.

Security supervisors need to be able to use surveillance equipment effectively. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience using this technology and how well you can apply it in a security setting. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or training you’ve had with using cameras, alarms and other types of monitoring devices.

Example: “I’ve used several different types of surveillance equipment throughout my career as a security professional. I find that having multiple cameras is important for capturing footage from different angles. In my last position, I helped install new security cameras at the front desk and parking lot entrances. I also worked on upgrading our current alarm system so we could monitor more areas of the building.”

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 all 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 team safe. I also understand the importance of following protocol and making sure everyone follows the rules. In my last position as a security guard, I developed a system where employees could report suspicious activity through an app. This helped us keep track of everything going on in the building and ensured we responded quickly to anything out of the ordinary.”

Which security software programs are you most familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with security software programs. Security supervisors need to be familiar with a variety of different software programs, so it’s important to highlight which ones you’re most comfortable using and why.

Example: “I’m most experienced with Fort Knox Security Systems, but I’ve also used SecurTech Security Solutions and CyberGuard Security Software in previous positions. These three systems are all very similar, however, so I feel confident that I could use any one of them if needed. I think my familiarity with these systems is an asset because it allows me to quickly learn new systems when necessary.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a good leader?

Security supervisors need to be strong leaders who can motivate their team members and keep them safe. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the leadership skills they’re looking for in a security supervisor. In your answer, explain what makes a good leader and share an example of when you were a leader in your previous job.

Example: “I think one of the most important aspects of being a good leader is having integrity. When I was working as a security guard at a nightclub, there was a situation where two people got into a fight outside the club. One person had been drinking, but it wasn’t obvious which one. I told my coworker that we should detain both people until we could figure out who was drunk so we didn’t violate any laws. He disagreed with me, but I insisted on following protocol. We ended up detaining both people for several hours before figuring out who was drunk.”

How often do you perform walk-around checks?

Walk-around checks are a common security practice that involve inspecting the premises to ensure all doors and windows are secure. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with performing walk-around checks. In your answer, explain how often you perform these checks and what steps you take during them.

Example: “I perform walk-around checks at least once every two hours when I’m working alone. When there’s another supervisor on duty, we usually do walk-around checks together. We also check in with each other over the radio or phone to make sure everyone is okay. I find that doing frequent walk-around checks helps me stay alert and aware of any potential issues.”

There is a new security threat that you haven’t been trained on. What is your response?

Security threats are constantly changing, and it’s important that a security supervisor is able to adapt quickly. This question allows you to show the interviewer how you would respond to new challenges in your role as a security supervisor.

Example: “I have been working in this field for five years now, so I am familiar with most of the common security threats. However, if there was a threat that I wasn’t aware of, I would first research the threat thoroughly before implementing any changes. If I felt like my team could handle the situation, I would implement the change immediately. If not, I would wait until more members of my team were available to help.”