As a security professional who worked for Allied Universal for over 2. 5 years, including 5 years as an interviewer for protective services jobs, I know how hard it is to show off your situational judgment during the hiring process.
When I first interviewed with Allied, I struggled with on-the-spot critical thinking questions about safety protocols. Now I’m going to give you some important tips on how to master this process so you can best show off your security skills.
This article has 30 of the best Allied Universal interview questions, along with tips and good examples of how to answer them based on my personal experience.
Are you preparing for an upcoming interview with Universal Protection Service (UPS)? If so, you’ve come to the right place This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights to answer the most common UPS interview questions confidently and effectively
Why Choose Universal Protection Service?
UPS is a top company that offers security solutions. It has a reputation for excellence and cares deeply about its employees. The company helps both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies with their security needs. Some of the services they provide are physical patrolling and access control systems.
What to Expect During Your Interview
The UPS interview process typically involves an online application followed by a phone interview with HR Depending on the position, you may have one-on-one interviews with managers or participate in group interviews The questions will generally focus on your security experience, availability, and interest in the role. After the interview, you may be asked to complete a background check and drug test.
Top 25 Universal Protection Service Interview Questions and Answers
Here is a list of the top 25 UPS interview questions and answers to help you get ready for your meeting. These questions are about different parts of security work, like customer service, experience, and the ability to solve problems.
1. How has your past work in security helped you get ready for your duties at Universal Protection Service?
Answer:
- Reflect on your past security roles and highlight experiences that align with the responsibilities of this position.
- Showcase your understanding of security protocols and ability to adapt to different scenarios.
- If you have gaps in your experience, demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow in these areas.
Example:
“In my previous security experience, I was responsible for the safety and protection of a large corporate office building. This involved not only physical patrolling but also managing access control systems and conducting regular risk assessments. The diverse nature of this role required me to be adaptable and vigilant at all times. It taught me how to quickly react in high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism and respect for all individuals involved.”
2. Tell me about a time when you calmed down a tense situation while making sure everyone was safe.
Answer:
- Think of an instance where your actions led to a peaceful resolution in a stress-filled situation.
- Highlight your communication skills, problem-solving ability, and calm demeanor.
- Talk about how you assessed the situation, the steps you took to reduce tension while ensuring safety, and the final outcome.
Example:
“In a previous position, I was responsible for security at a large retail store. One day, an irate customer came in demanding a refund for a product that had been clearly used and was past the return date. He became increasingly agitated and began to raise his voice, drawing attention from other customers and creating a potentially dangerous situation.”
“I approached him calmly and professionally, maintaining my composure even as he continued to escalate. I listened attentively to his concerns, showing empathy while also explaining our return policy in a clear and straightforward manner. When he still refused to accept this, I offered to call our manager so they could discuss the issue further. This seemed to diffuse his anger somewhat, as it showed him we were willing to go above and beyond to address his concerns.”
“Throughout the entire interaction, I kept a close eye on his body language and maintained a safe distance, ready to intervene physically if necessary. The situation was resolved without any harm or disruption to the store’s operations.”
3. What do you believe is the most important aspect of working as part of a security team at a large company like Universal Protection Service?
Answer:
- Teamwork is the backbone of any successful security operation, especially in a large organization.
- Demonstrate that you understand the importance of collaboration, communication, and trust among team members.
- Discuss how effective communication, trust, and collective responsibility contribute to the overall safety and success of a large organization.
Example:
“In my opinion, the most crucial aspect of working as part of a security team at a large company like Universal Protection Service is effective communication. In a security setting, it’s vital that all team members are on the same page about potential threats and ongoing situations. This means not only having clear channels for sharing information but also ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in various scenarios.”
“For instance, during an emergency situation, any miscommunication or delay can escalate the problem, potentially resulting in significant harm or loss. Furthermore, trust and collaboration within the team are equally important. Security work often involves dealing with sensitive information and making quick decisions under pressure. Therefore, each member should be able to rely on others’ expertise and judgement without hesitation. This level of trust is built over time through consistent performance and open, respectful interactions among team members. Hence, fostering such an environment would be one of my key focuses.”
4. Explain how you would handle an unauthorized individual attempting to enter a restricted area.
Answer:
- In your response, highlight your understanding of the importance of safety and security.
- Discuss your ability to maintain a calm demeanor under pressure which would allow you to handle such incidents professionally.
- You could mention prior experiences where you’ve handled similar situations if applicable, emphasizing your communication skills in dealing with unauthorized individuals.
- Finally, it’s crucial to indicate that you know when and how to escalate matters to supervisors or law enforcement.
Example:
“In the event of an unauthorized individual attempting to enter a restricted area, my first step would be to approach them in a calm and professional manner. I would politely inform them that they are trying to access a restricted area and ask if there’s anything specific they need help with. Often, these situations can arise from simple misunderstandings or lack of proper signage.”
“If the person insists on entering despite being informed about the restrictions, I would firmly but respectfully deny their entry while ensuring I maintain a safe distance. If they continue to resist, I would follow company protocol which may involve alerting superiors or security personnel, or even contacting law enforcement if necessary. It is crucial to handle such incidents without resorting to aggression, as it could escalate the situation. The key is to remain composed, assertive, and adhere strictly to the established protocols for dealing with such scenarios.”
5. How do you maintain awareness and vigilance during long shifts or periods of low activity?
Answer:
- Maintaining awareness during long shifts or low activity periods is all about mental and physical preparedness.
- Discuss strategies you’ve used in the past, such as regular movement, staying hydrated, breaking tasks into manageable chunks to maintain focus, or employing mindfulness techniques.
- Show your understanding of the importance of vigilance in security roles by sharing how these methods have helped you stay alert and ready for unexpected events.
Example:
“Maintaining awareness and vigilance during long shifts or periods of low activity is indeed a challenge, but it’s crucial for ensuring safety and security. I usually employ a few strategies to stay alert. First, I break down my shift into manageable chunks and set specific goals for each period. This not only helps in managing time effectively but also keeps me engaged as I have a clear focus for every part of the shift.”
“Secondly, I believe physical wellness directly impacts mental alertness. Therefore, I maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of work including regular exercise and a balanced diet. During the shift, I make sure to take short breaks when allowed, do some quick exercises like stretching or walking around to keep the blood flowing and avoid fatigue. Lastly, staying mentally active is equally important. If the situation permits, I engage myself in activities that require attention such as reading relevant materials or doing puzzles. These help stimulate the mind and prevent boredom from creeping in.”
6. How have you managed conflicts with other employees or team members in a past security role?
Answer:
- Begin by emphasizing your strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a professional demeanor in challenging situations.
- Discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully resolved conflicts – perhaps you mediated a disagreement between team members, or used active listening techniques to address a colleague’s concerns.
- Remember to focus on the resolution and positive outcome of the situation, demonstrating your conflict management skills.
Example:
“In one instance, I was working with a team member who often neglected his duties, which affected the overall security of our premises. Instead of escalating the issue immediately, I decided to approach him directly and discuss my observations in a non-confrontational manner. My aim was to understand if there were any challenges he was facing that led to this behavior.”
“He revealed that he was struggling with some personal issues that affected his performance at work. We agreed on a plan where he would seek help for his personal problems while I offered to assist him in managing his workload until he could fully recover. This not only resolved the conflict but also improved our team’s cohesion and performance. It taught me the importance of empathy and communication in managing conflicts effectively.”
7. How familiar are you with CCTV systems, access control devices, and other security equipment commonly used at Universal Protection Service?
Answer:
- To answer this question, focus on your relevant experience with security equipment.
- If you’ve used CCTV systems or access control devices in previous roles, highlight those experiences and discuss how they have contributed to your success as a security professional.
- If you lack direct experience, emphasize your technical aptitude, quick learning ability, and eagerness to become proficient with the specific systems used by the company.
- Also remember to ask about any particular systems they use that weren’t mentioned in the job description.
Example:
“I have extensive experience with a wide range of security equipment, including CCTV systems and access control devices. My familiarity with these tools extends beyond just their use; I also understand the
How do you balance being perceived as friendly and approachable with command and authority in security roles?
This balance starts with treating everyone with respect, care, and dignity, no matter what they do or how they act. From there, uncompromised enforcement of safety protocols and decisive crisis response establishes the authority needed to maintain control.
By being compassionate and ready to make decisions, I’m able to build relationships that are key to de-escalation while still demanding compliance when problems arise. People respond best to warmth and proven strength together.
What makes you qualified to be a security guard/officer?
Sample Answer: In my three years of security work at high-profile events, I’ve shown that I can stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly with a wide range of people, strictly follow all rules, and put safety above all else. I have current ASP baton certification as well which will support Allied Universal’s high training standards.
ALLIED UNIVERSAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS! (How to Pass an Allied Universal Job Interview)
FAQ
Why should we hire you for security guard?
What is your greatest strength as a security officer?
What is a short answer to security guard?