Quick answer
A security guard interview asks about your duties, how you would act in an emergency — a fire, a theft, a fight — how you write an incident report, and whether you can stand for long hours and work night shifts. Answer every situation the same way: stay calm, protect people first, inform your supervisor, and write it down.
Security is one of the largest sources of jobs for Nepalis abroad, and the interview — usually by the client’s representative at a recruiting agency in Kathmandu — is short and practical. They check your height and fitness, your English, your discipline and your judgement. The same questions are asked almost everywhere.
On this page
01The most common questions
| Question | A good short answer |
|---|---|
| Introduce yourself. | Name, age, where you are from, your experience or service background, your languages. One minute. |
| What are the duties of a security guard? | To protect people and property: control access, check IDs and bags, patrol, watch CCTV, report incidents and help in emergencies. |
| Why do you want to be a security guard? | “I am disciplined and responsible, and I want to protect people and property. I am physically fit and can work long shifts.” |
| Can you work 12-hour shifts and at night? | “Yes, sir. I understand security is a 24-hour duty and I am ready for any shift.” |
| What would you do if you saw a suspicious person? | “Observe, approach politely and ask if I can help, check ID if they are entering, and inform the control room or my supervisor. I do not use force.” |
| What will you do in case of fire? | “Raise the alarm, inform the control room and call the fire service, help people leave by the nearest exit, use an extinguisher only on a small fire, and never use the lift.” |
02Questions about duties
- What is access control? — Allowing only authorised people and vehicles to enter: checking ID cards, issuing visitor passes, recording names and times in the logbook, and checking bags where required.
- What is patrolling and why is it done? — Walking a set route at regular or varied times to check doors, windows, lights and equipment, to notice anything unusual, and to show presence so that problems are prevented.
- What do you do during handover? — Read the logbook, ask the outgoing guard about anything unusual, check the equipment — radio, torch, keys — and sign for it.
- How do you use a walkie-talkie? — Press, wait a second, speak clearly and briefly, say “over” when finished, and keep the channel free for emergencies.
- What do you write in the logbook? — The date and time of every event: visitors, vehicles, patrols, incidents and handovers.
03Situation questions
- Two people are fighting. What do you do? — Stay calm, call for backup, ask them firmly to stop and separate, keep others away, inform the supervisor and, if needed, the police. I do not hit anyone.
- You catch someone stealing. — Keep them in sight, inform the control room and supervisor, ask them politely to wait, do not search or injure them, and hand over to the police or management. Then write a report.
- A visitor refuses to show ID. — Explain politely that it is the rule for everyone, offer to call the person they are visiting, and do not let them in without permission. Inform the supervisor if they insist.
- Someone collapses. — Check if they respond and are breathing, call for medical help, give first aid if I am trained, keep the area clear and stay with them until help arrives.
- You find an unattended bag. — Do not touch or open it, keep people away, inform the control room immediately and follow instructions.
- Your senior asks you to let a friend in without a pass. — Follow the site’s written rules and ask for the instruction to be recorded; rules apply to everyone.
04Fire and first aid
Expect at least one question on each. For an extinguisher, remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side. Know that water is not used on electrical or oil fires.
For first aid, say what you are trained in and no more: checking response and breathing, calling for help, stopping bleeding with pressure, and the recovery position. If you hold a first-aid or fire-safety certificate, bring it.
05Writing an incident report
You may be asked how you write one, or to write a few lines. Cover six points — what, where, when, who, how, and what action you took — in short factual sentences, without opinions.
06For security jobs in Dubai, Qatar and Malaysia
- Height, fitness and age limits are set by the employer and stated in the demand — check them before you apply.
- Former army or police service is valued; bring your discharge or service documents.
- Basic English is tested in the interview. Some countries require security guards to pass a licence course after arrival.
- Know your contract: salary, duty hours, overtime, accommodation and the contract period.
- The security guard CV example is ready to edit, and the labour permit guide covers the approval you need before you fly.
07On the day
- 1Short, neat hair; clean shave or a trimmed beard; ironed shirt and trousers; polished shoes.
- 2Stand straight, greet with “Good morning, sir”, and sit only when asked.
- 3Answer briefly and clearly, with “Yes, sir” and “No, sir”.
- 4Bring your passport, CV, experience letters, training certificates and photographs.
- 5If you do not understand a question, say “Sorry, sir, please repeat” — do not guess.
Common questions
What questions are asked in a security guard interview?
Your introduction, the duties of a security guard, access control and patrolling, what you would do in a fire, a theft, a fight or with a suspicious person, how you write an incident report, and whether you can work long and night shifts.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a security guard?
Protecting people and property: controlling access at gates, checking IDs and bags, patrolling, monitoring CCTV, keeping the logbook, reporting incidents and assisting in emergencies such as fire or medical cases.
How do I answer “why should we hire you” as a security guard?
“I am disciplined, physically fit and honest. I have [experience / training], I can work long hours and night shifts, and I follow rules and report everything to my supervisor.”
What should a security guard do in case of fire?
Raise the alarm, inform the control room and fire service, guide people out by the nearest safe exit without using lifts, use an extinguisher only on a small fire if trained, and report to the assembly point.
Is experience required for a security guard job abroad?
Many employers prefer experience or an army or police background, but some hire freshers who meet the height, fitness and English requirements stated in the demand.