Universal Protection Service Interview Questions
& Process

Applied online, had to apply specifically by city/location. If you don't know the exact location you want/where you'll be working, it might be tough to sort through the open positions. The online app seems a bit old but it's pretty simple. It includes a personality test, though I don't think my answers really changed anything. I knew the supervisor, so the interview was pretty basic and easy, but they do have a written sheet with standard interview questions. Had to do a mouth swab drug test, background check, and fingerprinting at the building. The process was fast because they needed to fill an opening right away.

After I sent in my application online, they gave me a call for an interview. They asked me some basic questions about my past jobs, why I was interested in working there, what I believed I could contribute to the company, and how I would handle specific scenarios. Following that, I had to go through a drug screening and a background check. Once they were satisfied with everything, they called me back in for a 6-8 hour "training" seminar. During the seminar, we watched a very old video about counter-terrorism and security details that didn't really seem relevant to any job at Universal, but apparently it's standard for all security companies. We had to complete a pretty long multiple-choice questionnaire while watching the videos to make sure we were paying attention. After all that, it was just a matter of waiting to be assigned a role and get my uniform.

The Universal interview process is pretty straightforward. If you can show good customer service skills, you'll likely do well. They also look at previous security/law enforcement experience, and veterans get preference. You'll have a drug test at orientation and might face random ones later. You'll interview with an Operations Manager, and impressing them is key to getting on their sites. If they select you, they'll let you know about a second interview or orientation. If it's orientation, be ready for sites and availability to change a lot. Seriously, if a site you applied for isn't available, you'll have to take what they offer or go on a long waiting list where you won't get paid. Some sites just need you to express interest and talk to the manager, while others require interviews with both the site manager and client reps, who could be owners or higher-ups. These client interviews differ, but business formal/professional attire is always required.

I was contacted by the company after my resume was posted online. First, an HR lady interviewed me over the phone. Then, I was asked to come in for an in-person interview with the branch VP because the hiring manager had left months ago and never got replaced. A few days later, corporate HR called to invite me for an 'orientation' where they formally offered me the job and sent me to a clinic for drug testing. I signed the paperwork and started the next day.