Role profile library
Predefined role profile
Security guards and related occupations
The behaviours this profile measures, drawn from the great{with}talent job library and occupational research. Download the full competency-based interview guide to assess them.
The full interview guideCompetency-based questions, follow-up probes and a 1–5 rating form for each behaviour — ready to print or run on screen.
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Behaviours assessed — 5 priority competencies
1
Dependability
Conscientious and thorough in their approach to work, delivering what they promise to the necessary standard. Behaves in line with the organisation’s values and ethical principles.
Why this matters for Security guards and related occupations: SIA Specifications for Learning & Qualifications and the supporting NOS for Security Operations require trust-based, often unsupervised compliance with detailed procedures (logging, patrolling, access control). The role is trust-based at its core. Being where you said, doing what you said, maintaining standards without supervision.
2
Resilience
Remains calm and maintains a positive attitude when faced with difficult circumstances. Thrives under pressure, remaining focused despite distractions. Quickly recovers from setbacks.
Why this matters for Security guards and related occupations: Long shifts, night work, alertness through quiet periods punctuated by incident — sustained focus is the craft. Maintaining attention and a positive outlook across a shift, particularly in solo or remote-site working, is what separates the reliable security officer from the one who drifts.
3
Decision Making
Understands critical success factors and assesses a range of possible options before making a decision. Steps back and seeks alternative perspectives when faced with unfamiliar scenarios. Willing to make decisions without access to all the information. Considers the implications of their decisions beyond the immediate issue.
Why this matters for Security guards and related occupations: SIA training covers incident management, when to intervene, escalate, or record. NOS Security Operations covers responding to incidents and procedural compliance. These calls have real consequences (false detention, missed incidents, evidence inadmissibility).
4
Customer Focus
Builds effective customer relationships to ensure needs and expectations are understood. Understands the importance of the customer to the business, seeking regular feedback whilst being prepared to say no when needed.
Why this matters for Security guards and related occupations: The SIA Behaviour module covers customer service, communication and conflict management with the public. Whether the 'customer' is the site, the staff, or the public, professional, calm service is what generates the repeat contract.
5
Operating in Change
Sees change as a normal part of their working life, readily taking on changing priorities and adapting their way of operating to meet changing demands. Able to operate within ambiguity, without clear guidelines or parameters.
Why this matters for Security guards and related occupations: Site variation, incident-driven changes to routine, and the high prevalence of agency/contract working across multiple sites all require flexibility. Routines get disrupted, incidents change the shift, sites vary. Operating in Change captures this without drama.