Securitas USA's hiring process for security officers has three steps it names itself: an online application, interviews and background checks. Its careers FAQ says recruitment "typically involves submitting an online application, participating in interviews" and background checks, and its requirements add a drug screen. Securitas doesn't publish how long the process takes.
Everything below about the process comes from Securitas USA's own careers pages and job postings, linked as we go. Where Securitas doesn't say something, we say so rather than guess. The interview questions further down are ones to prepare for, built from Securitas's values and its own job descriptions.
Securitas hiring process at a glance
| Step | What happens | What Securitas says about timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply online | Find a job through the Securitas careers page and submit an online application | Not published |
| 2. Interviews | You take part in interviews with Securitas | Number and format not published |
| 3. Drug screen and background check | Part of the pre-employment process, which applicants must be willing to undergo | Not published |
| 4. Licensing | Meet any state or local security officer licensing requirements for the job's location | Depends on the state |
| 5. Training | Securitas trains new officers; a posting we checked lists paid training | Content and length not published |
What is the Securitas hiring process?
You apply online, take part in interviews and complete a drug screen and background check. Securitas's FAQ describes this as its recruitment process and encourages applicants to "come as they are". The exact steps vary by job and location, because each state sets its own licensing rules for security officers.
Securitas hires unarmed and armed security officers and mobile patrol officers, among other roles. Its careers pages say "most managers and senior executives at Securitas North America started as security guards", so officer jobs are the usual way in.
Cohesyve
Get some practice in before you apply to Securitas
Try an AI job simulation of the everyday work in roles like these and see where you lost marks. 3 free practice assessments, no card.
What is the Securitas application process?
Apply online through the Securitas careers page, which links to its job site. Search by location, open a posting and apply. If no job suits you yet, Securitas suggests checking the open positions on its careers page for updates.
Securitas's FAQ says applicants for security officer jobs must have:
- A minimum age of 18.
- The legal right to work in the US.
- A high school diploma or GED, or be willing to take part in a GED sponsorship programme.
- Effective verbal and written communication. The careers page adds that you must speak, read and write English effectively.
- Reliable transportation and communication access.
- Willingness to undergo drug screening and background checks.
The careers page also requires you to be able to perform the job's essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, and to meet any applicable state or local licensing requirements.
Individual postings can ask for more. A Professional Security Officer posting in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on 26 October 2026 asked for prior security, law enforcement or military experience, "above average computer / technology skills" and weekend availability. Armed Security Officer postings the same day said full training is provided but also asked for prior armed, military or law enforcement experience, required in some and preferred in others. A Mobile Security Officer posting in North Haven, Connecticut, asked for previous security experience, professional driving experience and the ability to obtain any required state security licence. Read your posting closely.
How long does the Securitas hiring process take?
Securitas doesn't publish a timeline for any step. Ask your recruiter how long the background check and any state licensing usually take where you'll work, and complete any paperwork they send promptly.
Does Securitas have an assessment or online test?
Securitas's careers pages don't mention an assessment or online test for security officers. The pre-employment steps it names are interviews, a drug screen and a background check. If you're asked to complete a test, ask the recruiter what format it takes.
What is the Securitas interview like?
Securitas doesn't publish the number of interviews, who conducts them or how long they last. Ask the recruiter what to expect when they contact you, including whether the interview is in person or remote, and bring any documents they ask for.
What the interview will test is clearer from the job itself. The Crystal Lake posting lists these duties:
- patrolling buildings, parking lots and entry points;
- access control at entrances and exits;
- monitoring surveillance cameras, alarm systems and other security equipment;
- responding to emergencies and security incidents;
- protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access;
- conflict resolution and de-escalation;
- upholding company policies, safety regulations and legal compliance.
It also asks for someone who is "vigilant throughout shift", with "strong observational skills" and "excellent communication abilities", who can stay calm under pressure and give excellent customer service.
What happens after the Securitas interview?
Securitas requires applicants to be willing to undergo drug screening and background checks, and the Crystal Lake posting calls this a pre-employment process that includes a drug screen and background investigation. You'll also need to meet the licensing rules for the state, county or city where you'll work. Securitas then trains you: it says it invests in your growth "from day one", and the Crystal Lake posting lists paid training as a benefit.
Once you're working there, eligible Securitas USA employees can use SecureU, an education benefit powered by Guild that offers degree programmes, certifications and skill-based learning.
Securitas interview questions to prepare for
Securitas doesn't publish its interview questions. These are the questions to prepare for, based on Securitas's values and the duties in its own job postings. For "tell me about a time" questions, structure your answer with the STAR method (situation, task, action, result).
1. Why do you want to work in security, and why Securitas?
Securitas says its officers protect people, property and information. Say what draws you to that work, and mention the career path: Securitas says most of its North American managers and senior executives started as security guards.
2. Securitas's values are integrity, vigilance and helpfulness. Which fits you best?
Pick one and give a short example. Integrity: you did the right thing when no one was checking. Vigilance: you noticed something others missed. Helpfulness: you went out of your way for a customer, visitor or colleague.
3. Tell me about a time you noticed something that didn't look right.
This is vigilance, and the posting asks for "strong observational skills". Choose an example where you spotted a problem early, such as a safety hazard, an error or an unfamiliar person, and explain what you did and who you told.
4. Someone without a badge tries to follow an employee through a secured door. What do you do?
Access control at entrances is a core duty. Explain that you'd stop them politely, ask who they're visiting, check against the site's procedures and contact the right person, without getting into an argument. Show that you'd follow the site's rules, not make up your own.
5. How would you handle an angry or aggressive person?
The posting lists conflict resolution and de-escalation, and asks you to stay calm under pressure and use "appropriate escalation". Describe staying calm, listening, keeping a safe distance, and calling a supervisor or emergency services when the situation calls for it.
6. What would you do if a co-worker or a client asked you to ignore a rule?
This tests integrity. Say you'd explain the rule, decline, and report it if it affected safety or security. A real example where you held to a rule under pressure is stronger than a hypothetical answer.
7. How do you stay alert on a long or quiet shift?
The posting asks for someone "vigilant throughout shift". Talk about routines: varying your patrols, checking cameras on a schedule, keeping notes as you go and taking breaks as allowed.
8. Tell me about a time you handled an emergency or a stressful situation.
Officers respond to emergencies and security incidents. Use STAR: what happened, what you were responsible for, what you did first and how it ended. If you haven't worked in security, use an example from work, school, sport or volunteering.
9. How would you write up an incident?
Securitas requires effective verbal and written communication, and a question about writing up an incident is a natural way to test it. Explain that you'd record what happened, when and where, who was involved and what you did, sticking to facts rather than opinions.
10. How comfortable are you with security technology?
The posting lists monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems, and asks for "above average computer / technology skills". Mention any systems you've used and how quickly you pick up new software.
11. How would you help a visitor while staying on top of your duties?
Customer service is part of the job, and helpfulness is one of the three values. Explain how you'd give directions or help politely while keeping your post covered and your attention on the site.
12. What is your availability, and how will you get to work?
Be specific. Securitas requires reliable transportation and communication access, and postings may ask for weekend availability or specific shifts. Don't offer shifts you can't cover.
13. What questions do you have for us?
Good options: what the site and post look like, what training you'll get before your first shift, what the licensing steps are in this state, and how officers move into supervisor roles.
For more practice, see our list of behavioural interview questions and our guide to situational interview questions.
How to prepare for a Securitas interview
- Check the requirements on your posting: age, education, experience, licensing, driving and availability.
- Look up your state's security officer licensing rules, so you know what paperwork to expect.
- Learn the three values, integrity, vigilance and helpfulness, and have one example ready for each.
- Prepare four or five STAR stories covering staying calm, noticing problems, following rules, helping people and teamwork.
- Practise scenario answers out loud, such as access control, an angry visitor and an emergency.
- Do a mock interview with someone who will give you honest feedback.
- Be ready for the drug screen and background check, and answer any questions on the application truthfully.
Practising realistic work tasks
Interviews reward prepared stories. Security work rewards calm judgement in real situations, and that improves with practice on realistic tasks. Cohesyve, which publishes this guide, runs free practice job simulations for job seekers. It isn't affiliated with Securitas and doesn't use Securitas's questions or interviews.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to work at Securitas?
At least 18. Securitas lists a minimum age of 18 for security officer applicants.
Do you need security experience to work at Securitas?
It depends on the posting. Some Securitas postings, including armed roles that say full training is provided, require prior security, law enforcement or military experience; others list it as preferred. Check the qualifications on the job you're applying for.
Does Securitas drug test?
Yes. Securitas requires applicants to be willing to undergo drug screening and background checks, and the Crystal Lake posting lists a drug screen as part of the pre-employment process.
Do you need a high school diploma to work at Securitas?
Securitas requires a high school diploma or GED, or willingness to take part in a GED sponsorship programme.
Does Securitas provide training?
Yes. Securitas says it offers comprehensive training for its security guards, and the Crystal Lake posting lists paid training as a benefit. It doesn't publish how long training lasts.
Do you need a security guard licence to work at Securitas?
Where your state, county or city requires one, yes. Securitas requires officers to meet any applicable state or local licensing requirements.
Sources
Securitas USA's own pages, checked 27 October 2026:
- securitasinc.com: FAQs (careers and hiring)
- securitasinc.com: Careers
- securitasinc.com: Working at Securitas
- securitasinc.com: SecureU
- Securitas USA job site: Professional Security Officer (Crystal Lake, Illinois), and Armed Security Officer and Mobile Security Officer postings, 26 October 2026