More NSA - Specific interview Questions Flashcards
What’s your greatest work-related accomplishment?
“Just recently, I spent some time analyzing and identifying the root causes of our department’s underperformance and was challenged with addressing these issues in the most cost-effective manner. After a while, I focused on a multitude of bureaucratic systems, checks and balances that seemed extraneous. So, upon some deep inquiry, I learned many of these measures were put into place as a result of a few poorly performing employees who’d set a poor precedent and were detrimental to the performance of the entire department. But those individuals were long gone, and I felt any such prior issues would be better thwarted through training. So, I led a multi-department team in creating an ethical standards guideline for our organization, and for the work we did, and then streamlined all of our systems accordingly. Within three weeks, the entire department was overperforming and we set some new records.”
Who is an intelligent person you admire?
“I am a history buff and I love reading biographies. One of the people who I greatly admire is Alan Turing. I mean, he was a mathematician, computer scientist, logician, cryptanalyst, philosopher, and was brilliant in every way. So much of what the NSA does today is owed to him. How about you? What brilliant person do you admire?”
What does innovation look like in your work?
“Anything I can do that helps me over-deliver. I’ve made a habit of stepping outside of my comfort zone, and more often than not, doing so is as simple as looking at things outside of the proverbial box. It’s tapping into my attention to detail, tapping into resources I hadn’t considered utilizing before. It’s adapting unconventional methodologies to solve problems. It is continually thinking ahead of the curve, without pause. This is something I actually take a lot of pride in and which greatly contributes to my job satisfaction. Really feeling these skills could be put to use here is what prompted me to pursue a career with the NSA.”
What about your work do you find most rewarding?
“Well, I chose this career path because I find it rewarding sheerly because I am good at what I do. In fact, among my own circles, at school and in my communities, I am one of the best. So, now, I wanted to be surrounded by the best of the best. I want to collaborate and work with great like-minds. So, that’s what I find rewarding about my work. It’s being good at what I do, and the thrill of working with brilliant minds who surprise me by teaching me something new. So, the chance to put my talents to work for the NSA in this environment would be thrilling.”
Why do you want to work for the National Security Agency?
“When I saw this opportunity come up, I was thrilled. I’ve always been impressed by the NSA and everything it’s achieved and all it’s contributed to our nation’s defense and development. It would be my dream to dedicate the rest of my career to a place that has a real purpose and mission. I’ve never been interested in plodding along, working for some company whose purpose and values I wouldn’t truly believe in. So, considering the flexible career options the agency has for its employees, all that they do, and what they stand for, I think the real question should be, is there any place I would rather work other than the NSA? And my answer to that question would be, no.”
What would you most look forward to working for the NSA?
“I come from a long line of family members who served our country. But, not feeling I was cut out for combat, I wanted to serve in another way. After my college experience, I am now anxious to put my talents to work, especially concerning my mathematic and computer science talents and skills. So, wanting to serve my country, I felt my gifts would be best served working for the NSA than any other branch of our defense department. I truly feel honored to have earned this interview here today. Your commitment to serving and protecting our country is a mission I am passionate about, and if I were to earn this role, it would be a badge of honor I would wear proudly.”
How will your communication style benefit the NSA?
“I am forthright, open, and honest. I am upfront and honest and conduct myself with integrity. I am very empathic and a strong listener. I pay close attention to the nonverbal cues of those who I am communicating with, and am quick to adapt my communication style to others, or as appropriate to any given situation. I am respectful, always levelheaded, and thorough and deliberate in my oral and written communication.”
Why should we hire you?
“From the time I was made aware of this opening through this interview today, I’ve had a strong feeling that I could help make a huge difference for the NSA and the American people in this role. My years of experience in contract management, negotiations, and writing grant proposals will allow me to join your team and make an impact from day one. I would bring tenacity in seeking new ways of sourcing goods and materials and I get the sense that your team is really looking for this. You’ve really helped cement today that I see the NSA as the place I want to spend the remainder of my career with and retire from someday. The amazing benefits package speaks for itself, but the mission here and who you serve is what will keep me running at a top level all day. I’m confident that you won’t find a candidate that is more passionate and dedicated about this position with the NSA than me.”
What does providing excellent service mean to you?
“I view the word as performing one’s duty, being in service of, or joining in the effort of something bigger than oneself, in line with one’s priorities, values, and greater interests, expanding to one’s community or country. And, when you are serving for no greater reason than it is what you believe in, then you’ll put your all in, and earnestly do so with excellence. I spent the first 15 years of my career in the private sector. Now I feel a calling to do my part and give back to my country after all it has given to me, and what better way to give back than by contributing to the greater good and safety of the United States.”
If hired for this role at the National Security Agency, how long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team?
“I would say that it will take as quickly and as long as it takes. Making meaningful contributions is not solely dependent on me, but how quickly I am accepted and embraced by the teams I’ll be joining, and how swiftly I can build collaborative relationships with them, and as quickly as my mentor recommends. I want to be respected and accepted and to have a firm lay of the land and comprehensive knowledge of the structure, systems, and protocols in place that are there to ensure my success. So, being new to the arena, it will lean on the guidance of those who are here before me to answer that question.”
How does the workplace culture we’ve built at the National Security Agency align with your ideal work environment?
“I feel well aligned with your workplace culture, and it feels as if it is designed for people like me to thrive. I’ve worked for companies where the work was less motivating and not as driven by such purpose. Where my merits were less celebrated and seen more as competition for those who were racing up the ranks. So working for a team centered on mission success rather than individual success, where my contributions are valued, and where the values are in line with my own, as they are here, would feel like the perfect fit for me. I would be proud to serve our country as a contributor at the NSA.”
What are the NSA’s core values and what do they mean to you?
Why do you want to work at NSA?
Do you rather have your own office or work in open office? Why?
If you are working in the office and others are really loud, what would you do?
(After describing what t…
Examples of star interview questions
Tell me about a time when you handled the pressure well. Was there a time when you had to be very strategic in order to meet a goal? Give me an example of a situation when you showed initiative and took charge of a situation. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond your duties for a job or task.
Describe your Situation, Task, Action, and Response taken
