The role of a Securitas Keyholder is crucial in maintaining the security and smooth operation of various premises, whether commercial, retail, or industrial. As a trusted professional responsible for holding keys to the site, responding to alarms, conducting routine security checks, and managing access control, a Securitas Keyholder ensures safety and peace of mind for clients and staff alike. The position often comes with a competitive salary ranging between £20,000 and £27,000 per annum depending on location and experience, alongside benefits such as overtime pay and career progression within Securitas, one of the UK’s leading security firms.
Whether you are stepping into the interview room for the first time or looking to sharpen your interview skills, this blog post by Jerry Frempong, a UK-based career coach with over 25 years of experience, offers you 25 fully explained interview questions and answers tailored for the Securitas Keyholder role. This comprehensive guide will cover simple opening questions, competency-based questions using the STAR model, and thoughtful ending questions, along with top tips on what to do—and what not to do—during your interview.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
A classic opener designed to ease you in, keep your answer professional and focused on your experience relevant to security. For example, “I have worked in security for five years, specialising in access control and alarm response, which has developed my attention to detail and quick decision-making skills.”
2. Why do you want to work as a Securitas Keyholder?
Show your motivation by highlighting your interest in security, reliability, and responsibility. “I want to work as a Securitas Keyholder because I value the importance of protecting people and property and I am drawn to the trust and responsibility the role demands.”
3. What qualities do you think are important for a keyholder?
Reliability, honesty, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are key qualities. You can say, “I believe that being punctual, trustworthy, and having strong communication skills are essential for a keyholder to succeed.”
4. How do you handle stressful situations?
Explain your approach using a calm and controlled mindset. For example, “I stay calm, assess the situation, prioritise tasks, and communicate effectively with colleagues and emergency services if necessary.”
5. Describe a time when you had to respond to an emergency.
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. “At my previous job, the alarm went off due to a suspected break-in (Situation). My task was to secure the premises and ensure safety (Task). I quickly assessed the situation, called the police, and conducted a thorough perimeter check (Action). The police arrived promptly, and no theft occurred (Result).”
6. How do you ensure accuracy when following security protocols?
Demonstrate attention to detail. “I always follow the company’s procedures step by step, double-check my work, and maintain detailed logs to ensure all protocols are correctly observed.”
7. What would you do if you found a door unlocked during your patrol?
This question tests your proactive thinking. “I would immediately secure the door, notify my supervisor, and review the situation to ensure no breaches occurred.”
8. Can you describe your experience with alarm systems?
Be specific about your knowledge. “I have experience operating and monitoring various alarm systems, responding promptly to alerts, and logging all incidents accurately.”
9. How do you prioritize tasks during your shift?
Talk about organisation and time management. “I prioritise tasks based on urgency and impact, such as responding to alarms first, followed by routine patrols and checks.”
10. Tell me about a time when you had to work independently.
Another opportunity for STAR: “During a night shift, I was responsible for locking up a large site alone (Situation). I had to ensure all access points were secured (Task). I methodically checked every entry point, followed security procedures, and completed the shift without incident (Result).”
11. How do you handle conflict with a colleague or member of the public?
Highlight your communication and conflict resolution skills. “I stay calm, listen carefully, and try to resolve issues through clear and respectful dialogue.”
12. What would you do if you discovered a breach in security during your shift?
Show responsibility and protocol adherence. “I would immediately report the breach to my supervisor and follow the company’s incident response procedures.”
13. Are you comfortable working unsupervised?
Assert your confidence and reliability. “Yes, I am used to working independently and understand the importance of self-discipline in this role.”
14. How do you maintain confidentiality in your role?
Demonstrate trustworthiness. “I keep all information strictly confidential and only share it with authorised personnel as per company policy.”
15. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond in a security role.
Use STAR: “I noticed a faulty lock during a routine check (Situation). I reported it immediately and took extra steps to monitor the area until it was fixed (Task/Action). This prevented potential access by intruders (Result).”
16. What experience do you have working with CCTV systems?
Be detailed: “I have monitored CCTV for real-time incidents, recorded footage for investigations, and used the system to identify potential security risks.”
17. How do you keep yourself motivated during quiet shifts?
Show discipline and focus. “I stay vigilant by following my checklist and performing thorough patrols, understanding that security is about prevention as much as response.”
18. How would you deal with a suspicious person on the premises?
Explain your approach: “I would observe carefully, avoid confrontation, report to management, and call security or police if necessary.”
19. What would you do if you lost your set of keys?
This is a keyholder-specific question. “I would report it immediately, follow the company’s security protocols to change locks or keys, and ensure no unauthorised access occurs.”
20. Can you give an example of teamwork in your previous role?
Highlight collaboration: “During an emergency evacuation, I worked closely with colleagues to ensure everyone exited safely and accounted for.”
21. How do you keep up to date with changes in security procedures?
Show your commitment to professional development. “I regularly attend training sessions and review company updates to stay current.”
22. What are your salary expectations?
Be realistic and informed. “Based on my experience and the industry standards, I expect a salary in the range of £22,000 to £25,000.”
23. Why should we hire you as a Securitas Keyholder?
Sell your strengths confidently. “I bring reliability, proven experience in security, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding Securitas’ standards.”
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare questions to show interest. “Could you tell me more about the training provided for keyholders? How is performance typically evaluated?”
25. What do you think is the most challenging part of being a keyholder?
Be honest but optimistic. “Managing unexpected incidents outside of regular hours can be challenging, but with proper training and support, I’m confident I can handle it effectively.”
General Interview Coaching Tips for Securitas Keyholder Candidates
Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation. Arrive on time, dress smartly, and bring copies of your CV. Use the STAR model to structure your answers: describe the Situation, the Task you faced, the Actions you took, and the Results achieved. This shows clear evidence of your competencies. Be honest, positive, and confident without sounding arrogant.
Do’s:
Research Securitas and the keyholder role before the interview.
Speak clearly and maintain good eye contact.
Provide specific examples from your experience.
Show enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience.
Avoid negative comments about past employers.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Never say you’re unsure without adding how you’d find the answer.
Taking the time to prepare well increases your chances of success significantly. For tailored interview training, expert guidance from a professional interview coach can give you that winning edge. Feel free to explore interview coaching sessions at Interview Training to build your confidence and polish your skills.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with me, Jerry Frempong, for personalised interview coaching to unlock your potential and land that Securitas Keyholder job!
