Do you consider yourself to be more book smart or street smart?
While being book smart and street smart are both excellent qualities to possess when working for the CIA, the agency is more likely to choose a street smart candidate with common sense. Street smart means you have situational awareness of what is happening around you. Having street smarts shows you can judge a scenario or situation and the people in your environment. For many positions within the CIA, they are looking for candidates who have the following:
- Excellent physical and psychological health
- Energetic
- Street sense and good intuition
- Cope well with stress
Tell the interviewer which category you fall under and why.
It is better to answer that you have street smarts since the agency wants employees with good intuition and situational awareness. You can respond that you are book smart and street smart but avoid emphasizing being book smart. Anyone can become educated by reading books, but candidates who are street savvy will have a better chance of being considered for the position.
"I feel that I have both qualities, but I believe I am more street smart. Working in law enforcement for the past ten years has taught me to be hyper-aware of my surroundings, people's body language, and the environment around me. I have a good sense when something does not feel right and have used my street smarts to keep me, my partner, and the community safe."
"While I am highly educated, I believe I have more street smarts than book smarts. I grew up in New York and have always been very aware of my surroundings and intuition. I believe in listening to my gut instinct and avoiding situations that seem troublesome."
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