Why this matters:

Security guard requirements vary by geographic region and employer, so candidates may vary widely in their educational backgrounds, training experiences, and credentials. Some individuals may have previously worked in law enforcement, with self-defense and firearms training. Others may have completed CPR, first aid, or fire safety courses.

What to listen for:

• Technical background, credentials, or expertise matching the role and local requirements
• Critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and situational awareness
• Willingness to commit to ongoing education and safety trainings, as required by the company or by law

Why this matters:

Security guards use a range of technology to assist in their daily responsibilities. They may need to review electronic surveillance footage, check that cameras and TVs are in working order, file recorded footage, and operate equipment to secure entrances. While candidates can be trained to operate the company’s specific technology, prior experience and comfort learning new technologies are assets in this position.

What to listen for:

• Computer skills in software use, document storage, video editing, and troubleshooting
• Experience using security cameras, recording devices, and other electronic equipment
• General ability to use technology and expressed interest in learning new technologies

Why this matters:

Individual experiences vary widely, from night club door check to event crowd control, from construction site surveillance to armed bank security, from corporate office perimeter checks to department store anti-theft patrols. Candidates with experience in your industry or setting will require a shorter learning curve and may provide valuable insight if hired.

What to listen for:

• Security experience relevant to the open position
• Broad industry experience that shows transferable skills and adaptability
• Understanding of how security needs change based on environment

Why this matters:

Security guards face complex risks, including physical violence, hostage situations, confrontation of perpetrators, and emergency first aid. Potential hires with experience thinking quickly and clearly in times of crisis can demonstrate proven composure under pressure. Candidates who have not yet faced a critical juncture can discuss their willingness to collaborate with law enforcement or work as part of a team.

What to listen for:

• Critical thinking and leadership skills for risk mitigation, property evacuation, and emergency aid
• A cool-headed approach to problem-solving, and the ability to follow protocols
• Willingness to monitor proactively, consult proper authorities, and reduce risk

Why this matters:

Security guards often have to share data with guards on other shifts, train new personnel, communicate with superiors to identify and mitigate security risks, and collaborate with law enforcement. Though much depends on an individual’s intuition and response, working as part of a larger team provides a good system of checks and balances, helping officers achieve positive outcomes and maintain a level head.

What to listen for:

• Comfort and experience working independently, as well as part of a team
• Demonstration of communication, empathy, and interpersonal relationship-building skills
• Familiarity with reporting requirements and situations requiring collaboration with law enforcement

What to listen for:

• Understanding of legal issues and anti-discrimination law
• Ability to interpret body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, word choice, and other subtle cues
• Experience demonstrating patience, observation skills, and unbiased judgment

Why this matters:

Security roles vary from business to business, but share some commonalities. Candidates should understand general expectations for ensuring the safety of company employees, removing agitators from the premises, surveilling to protect company assets, and enforcing building safety policies.

What to listen for:

• Specific anecdotes highlighting experience handling security issues
• Skills in communication, process development, following direction, or leadership
• Desire to succeed, with preparedness in listing responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description

Why this matters:

Security guards may be required to work long shifts, including late nights and weekends. Strong candidates understand what the job entails and have strategies in place to stay awake, alert, and focused. They will exhibit self-reflection in knowing how to perform their best work and feel refreshed when energy levels dip, whether it’s getting a good night’s sleep, drinking coffee, exercising, or switching activities.

What to listen for:

• Energy management strategies that increase alertness, focus, fitness, and performance
• Introspection, organizational abilities, time management, and stress management skills
• The ability to work independently, filling downtime with reports and other duties 

Why this matters:

Security guards may deny entry, ask a person to leave the property, or detain someone who has threatened the safety and security of others. Strong empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are vital to this role. Strong candidates will provide a steady, measured, and careful response based on de-escalation strategies and conflict management techniques, rather than reacting emotionally.

What to listen for:

• Reverence for the role, with understanding that potentially dangerous situations can arise
• Prior use of non-threatening body language, reassuring tone, and emotional control to de-escalate
• Experience exercising risk mitigation and conflict management skills