Mastering the Allied Universal Interview: Acing the Most Frequent Questions

As one of the leading security and facility services companies in North America, Allied Universal offers a wide range of career opportunities for professionals seeking a dynamic and rewarding work environment. However, to secure your dream role within this esteemed organization, you must be prepared to navigate the interview process successfully. In this article, we’ll delve into the most frequently asked Allied Universal interview questions, providing you with the insights and strategies necessary to excel.

1. “Tell me about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it.”

This question is designed to assess your ability to handle pressure and maintain composure in challenging circumstances. When responding, it’s crucial to provide a specific example from your professional experience that illustrates your problem-solving skills and resilience under stress.

Example Answer: “In my previous role as a security officer, I was once faced with a situation where a disgruntled individual attempted to gain unauthorized access to a restricted area. Despite their aggressive behavior, I remained calm and followed established protocols. I politely but firmly explained the security measures in place and requested their cooperation. When they refused to comply, I promptly called for backup and kept the situation under control until additional support arrived. Throughout the incident, I prioritized the safety of everyone involved while maintaining professionalism and composure.”

2. “Tell me about a time when you had to work with a disruptive person. It may be a client, manager, or coworker. How did you handle the situation? What happened?”

This question seeks to evaluate your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and capacity to manage difficult personalities. Your response should demonstrate your ability to diffuse tensions, find common ground, and maintain a productive working environment.

Example Answer: “During my time as a facility manager, I encountered a situation where a colleague consistently disrupted team meetings by monopolizing discussions and dismissing others’ opinions. To address this, I arranged a private meeting with them, where I respectfully brought the issue to their attention and sought to understand their perspective. I emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. By actively listening and providing constructive feedback, we were able to reach a mutual understanding. Moving forward, the individual made a conscious effort to be more mindful of their behavior, and our team meetings became more productive and harmonious.”

3. “Tell me about a time you resolved a problem for a frustrated customer or client.”

Allied Universal places a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. This question allows you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, empathy, and commitment to providing exceptional service.

Example Answer: “In my role as a security supervisor, I once received a complaint from a client regarding a security officer’s perceived lack of attentiveness during their shift. I immediately arranged a meeting with the client to gather more details and fully understand their concerns. After thoroughly investigating the matter, I determined that the issue stemmed from a lack of clear communication regarding the officer’s responsibilities. I promptly addressed the matter with the officer, providing additional training and clarifying their duties. I then followed up with the client, outlining the corrective measures taken and assuring them of our commitment to delivering the highest level of service. The client expressed their satisfaction with the prompt and professional resolution, and our working relationship was strengthened as a result.”

4. “Tell me about a difficult work situation, and how you overcame it.”

Employers are interested in your ability to navigate complex challenges and find effective solutions. Your response should highlight your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Example Answer: “During a high-profile event I was responsible for securing, we encountered an unexpected power outage that rendered several security systems inoperable. Recognizing the potential risks, I quickly assembled my team and delegated tasks to implement contingency measures. We established manual entry checkpoints, increased foot patrols, and implemented additional communication protocols to ensure seamless coordination. Despite the challenging circumstances, our proactive approach and teamwork ensured the event proceeded smoothly without any security breaches or incidents.”

5. “What are some of the major ways you helped your last organization succeed?”

This question allows you to showcase your contributions and the impact you’ve had on previous employers. Your response should highlight specific initiatives, projects, or strategies you implemented that drove positive outcomes.

Example Answer: “In my previous role as a security operations manager, I identified an opportunity to optimize staffing schedules and resource allocation. By analyzing historical data and implementing a more efficient scheduling system, we were able to reduce overtime costs while maintaining adequate coverage across all sites. Additionally, I spearheaded the implementation of a new training program that focused on enhancing situational awareness and de-escalation techniques. This initiative resulted in a significant reduction in incidents and improved overall safety and security metrics for the organization.”

By thoroughly preparing for these frequent Allied Universal interview questions, you’ll be well-equipped to showcase your skills, experience, and alignment with the company’s values. Remember, the key to success lies in providing specific examples that illustrate your competencies, while also demonstrating your passion for the security and facility services industry.