Grooming and Workplace Behaviour
Grooming and conduct questions are easy marks if you know the standards precisely. The examiner looks for specific details: uniform, hygiene, posture, punctuality and respectful behaviour.
Uniform and grooming standards
- Uniform clean, ironed and of correct fit; badges, name plate and shoulder numbers in place.
- Shoes polished, socks clean, laces tied.
- Hair short or tied back; clean shave or neatly trimmed beard; nails short and clean.
- Fresh breath, deodorant used lightly; avoid strong perfume or hair oil.
- Torch, whistle and notebook carried; nothing hanging out of pockets.
Posture and bearing
Stand erect, hands at the side or behind, not in pockets. No leaning on walls or gates, no sitting on duty, no chewing gum, paan or tobacco, no smoking, no sleeping, no personal mobile phone at the post.
Punctuality and discipline
Report early, sign the roster, never leave the post without relief, inform the supervisor before absence, follow the chain of command, and keep the client's information confidential.
Behaviour with people
Respect every person regardless of rank, gender, religion or region; no harassment; no alcohol on duty; work as a team; accept correction without arguing in front of visitors.
Worked example
A guard reaches the post ten minutes late, unshaven, with dusty shoes. Reasoning: he still reports to the supervisor, takes charge only after correcting what he can, and the delay is recorded. The point is not the ten minutes alone but the impression a shabby, late guard creates at a client's main gate - which affects contract renewal.
Traps that cost marks
- Heavy perfume or oiled hair on duty.
- Chewing gum or paan at the gate.
- Arguing with a supervisor in public.
- Using a mobile phone while on sentry duty.