Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: CCTV • Security Assessment • Duress Code

Crisis Management

Term from Security industry explained for recruiters

Crisis Management is a structured approach to handling emergencies and unexpected events that could harm an organization, its people, or its reputation. It's like having a well-planned playbook for dealing with serious problems before they happen. This includes preparing response plans, training teams, and coordinating actions during emergencies. Think of it as being the organization's emergency response system, similar to how hospitals have emergency protocols or how fire departments plan their responses. Other terms that mean similar things are "Emergency Management," "Incident Response," or "Business Continuity Planning."

Examples in Resumes

Led Crisis Management team during major IT security breach, successfully minimizing business impact

Developed and implemented Crisis Management protocols for multi-site operations

Conducted quarterly Crisis Management drills and updated Emergency Response procedures

Served as primary Incident Response coordinator for corporate headquarters

Typical job title: "Crisis Managers"

Also try searching for:

Crisis Response Manager Emergency Management Director Security Manager Risk Manager Business Continuity Manager Incident Response Manager Corporate Security Director

Where to Find Crisis Managers

Professional Associations

Online Networks

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you describe a major crisis you've managed and what lessons you learned from it?

Expected Answer: Look for candidates who can describe real experiences handling significant incidents, their decision-making process, how they led teams, and specific improvements they implemented afterward. They should demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership abilities.

Q: How would you develop a crisis management program for a large organization from scratch?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should include risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, plan development, training programs, and testing procedures. They should also mention budgeting, resource allocation, and getting management buy-in.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What elements would you include in a crisis communication plan?

Expected Answer: Candidates should mention communication chains, stakeholder identification, pre-approved message templates, media response procedures, and multiple communication channels. They should understand both internal and external communication needs.

Q: How do you ensure crisis management plans stay current and effective?

Expected Answer: Look for discussion of regular review cycles, drill programs, after-action reviews, updating contact lists, and incorporating lessons learned from incidents or exercises.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between a crisis and an emergency?

Expected Answer: Should explain that emergencies are typically localized incidents with clear response procedures, while crises are larger-scale events that may threaten organization survival and require complex management.

Q: What are the basic components of a crisis management plan?

Expected Answer: Should mention elements like emergency contacts, response procedures, evacuation plans, communication protocols, and role assignments. Basic understanding of plan structure is important.