What is the mission of the CIA?
The interviewer asks this question to see if you have done your research before your interview. It is recommended to read all you can about the CIA, including its leadership, mission and vision, how the Agency is organized, its hiring process, and any newsworthy stories you can find. Your goal is to answer any question about the CIA that the interviewer will have. As seen on the CIA website, the mission of the CIA is to protect the Nation and advance its national security interests. The more extended version of the mission and vision statement is found here:
'As our world rapidly changes, so does our national security agenda. Through it all, our mission stays the same: to protect the nation and advance its national security interests. Our guiding principles, aspirations, and core values keep us on course as we take on this extraordinary task.'
As with any interview question, you want to avoid being unprepared to answer the question. You must do extensive research before your interview and remember pertinent information so you can respond to any question you may be given. Review the CIA website, news articles, history of the CIA, and read stories from former CIA employees to understand how the CIA operates.
"The mission of the CIA is to protect the nation and advance its national security interests. The mission has remained the same as the world rapidly changes, as well as the national security agenda."
"The CIA's mission is to protect the nation and advance its national security interests. This mission is achieved by the CIA's guiding principles, aspirations, and core values."
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