Do you consider yourself a discreet person?

"Yes, I consider myself a very discreet person. I spent 16 years in the military working in top-secret operations and understand the importance of keeping sensitive information to myself. I could not tell my wife where I was or what I was doing and I still have not told her even after retiring."

One of the qualities needed to work for the Central Intelligence Agency is being discreet. Depending on the position you are hired for, you may be required to keep your job title a secret from those around you. The CIA does encourage their officers to tell their spouse or domestic partner what they do but advises family members to be very discreet due to the sensitive nature of the job. While CIA officers can tell their family they work for the CIA, they cannot divulge the details of an assignment. The interviewer wants to hear that you consider yourself a discreet person, with an example of how you have been discreet in the past.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid saying that you do not consider yourself discreet. Due to the sensitive nature of the job, CIA officers must be able to keep top-secret information to themselves. The interviewer needs to be assured that if hired, you will be able to follow their requirements of being discreet.

"Yes, I am very discreet. I have worked as a cybersecurity analyst for the past five years and am privy to confidential and sensitive information. I have passed a security clearance and keep the details of my work to myself."

"I do consider myself a very discreet person and due to my previous work experience, I have helped prepare sensitive information that requires utmost privacy and secrecy. I have also signed several NDAs in line with my previous work and am often trusted with private matters due to my trusting and discreet nature. In the simplest of terms, I am good at keeping secrets and understand the necessity for discretion in the world of international security."

"Yes, I consider myself a discreet person. Having worked as a human resource professional, handling of company and employee information confidentially and discreetly is part of the job. That skill transferred into my personal life where I keep aspects of my life discreet."

How would you describe your interpersonal skills?

"I would describe my interpersonal skills as exceptional. I actively listen, communicate effectively, have compassion for others, and work well with diverse teams. I have many past performance reviews where my supervisors spoke highly of my skills. I am a team player and enjoy collaborating with others who have different experiences and skills I can learn from."

Interpersonal skills are defined as the behaviors and tactics a person uses to interact effectively with others. In the workplace, the term refers to an individual's ability to work well with others, be a team player, have compassion, be able to resolve conflict and communicate concisely with others. The interviewer wants to see how you would describe your interpersonal skills to determine if you would be a good fit for their team.

Having excellent interpersonal skills is a must for employees of the CIA to possess. If you describe your interpersonal skills as needing some improvement, the interviewer may question whether you are the agency's best candidate. You want to avoid speaking negatively about your skills and instead give examples of how your skills will benefit the CIA if hired.

"I have excellent interpersonal skills. I have worked in a leadership position for the past 10 years and have developed these skills over time. To be a great leader, you have to actively listen to those you work with, communicate clearly and effectively, and empathize with those around you."

"I possess strong interpersonal skills that allow me to collaborate effectively with colleagues and new hires. I excel in building positive working relationships by actively listening, fostering open communication, and showing empathy."

How well do you cope with stress?

"I cope very well in stressful situations. I have thirteen years of experience in law enforcement and face stressful situations daily. Through my training and work experience, I have learned how to handle all types of stressful encounters while remaining calm and focused on the task at hand. I do martial arts and meditate daily, which helps keep me centered and calm under pressure."

Working for the CIA can be stressful, as well as exciting and intriguing. The interviewer wants to see how you handle stress to ensure you remain calm and collected, focusing on the task at hand. The CIA needs to hire individuals who cope well with stress and have ways to destress on their days off. Describe how you cope with the job stressors and how you decompress in your free time, showing the interviewer that you have the skills needed to work for the CIA.

You want to avoid saying that you do not cope well with stress or cannot handle stress. If you do not have coping mechanisms, you could be a liability for the CIA in stressful situations, and the interviewer may not view you as a strong candidate.

"I cope extremely well with stress and feel that a certain amount of stress helps me perform my job more efficiently. I have always worked in high-stress jobs and cannot imagine working in a mundane environment free from stress. One way that helps me with stress is daily exercise, whether it is going for a run, lifting weights, or going for a swim."

"I cope very well with stress and honestly feel like I thrive when I am busy. Additionally, I have adopted several stress-relieving techniques that help in the workplace and keep me on track, such as overt organization, clear-cut communication, and various to-do lists around my desk. I truly enjoy all the moving pieces in a project because it forces me to be even more alert and “on top of it” than in a non-stressful workplace. My previous work experiences involved peaks of busyness and stress and asking anyone around, I did some of my best work in those moments. I remain calm and focused and have a systematic process to get through the task at hand which streamlines the task itself. Outside of work, to relieve stress, I read a lot, go on daily walks (when it’s not 105 outside), and enjoy spending time with friends to keep me centered."

"Stress is a natural part of work, and I believe it can be a motivating factor when managed effectively. I encountered a particularly stressful situation when we had government audits back-to-back. To manage the stress, I prioritized the requirements of the State Audit and communicated with my team to ensure everyone was aligned and gave real-time updates on the progress."

Have you ever failed a polygraph exam?

"No, I have never taken a polygraph exam before, so I have never failed one. I believe I will not have a problem passing your polygraph interview since I am an honest person and have nothing to hide."

The interviewer asks this question since passing a polygraph interview is one of the CIA's minimum requirements. You will not necessarily be disqualified from the hiring process if you have failed a polygraph in the past. Still, you will be disqualified if you fail the CIA's polygraph interview. The interviewer wants to hear if you have failed a polygraph in the past to understand why you think that may be.

If you have failed a polygraph interview in the past, avoid blaming the interviewer or the machine. The interviewer wants to hear that you are honest and can take responsibility for your actions.

"Yes, I failed the first polygraph exam I have ever taken. I asked the interviewer if he could explain where I failed, but he could not disclose that information. I took another polygraph one month later for another job and passed it without any issue."

"I have never taken a polygraph exam and therefore have never failed one either."

"No, I have never had a polygraph exam, let alone fail one."

Why do you want to work for the CIA?

"Since I was ten years old, I knew I wanted to work for the CIA. I am an avid reader and have always been intrigued by espionage novels. I want to work for the CIA because it seems to be an exciting career and one that helps protect the American people and the nation."

In most job interviews, the interviewer wants to hear why you want to work for their organization. Describe your personal reason for wanting to work for the CIA, making sure your reasons align with the agency. It might be that you have a family member who works for the CIA, that you are inspired to help the nation stay safe, or you are intrigued with the intelligence community. Your response shows the interviewer that you have done your research and are passionate about working for their agency and enforcing their mission.

You want to avoid saying that you want to work for the CIA because of the money or benefits. If you respond that you are motivated by money, the interviewer will think you do not have your priorities straight. The CIA wants employees who are motivated to enforce the mission of the CIA, which is to protect the nation and advance its national security interests.

"I want to work for the CIA because I have a steadfast love of the United States. I want to work in the intelligence community to help keep Americans safe, and I cannot think of another agency that is as exciting and dynamic as yours. The CIA is at the forefront of world-altering events as they happen, and I want to be part of your dynamic team."

"I have always been drawn towards global affairs and am deeply passionate about international politics, history, and cultural nuances. There is no shortage of incredible work being done around the world and I feel confident that working with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) can push me even further in being a thoughtful global citizen. I believe that having the tools of critical thinking, knowledge, and thoughtful understanding can assist in creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. Throughout my career and in collaboration with the work already being done at the CIA, I am seeking to do my part in fostering international cooperation for the betterment of the world. With my background in psychology and communication and my master’s in international relations, I understand how various personalities, histories, and cultures play a major role in understanding global phenomena. I am passionate about global affairs and how understanding the history, politics, and culture of a region can determine the future of a region. My undergraduate degree in psychology and communication allows me to analyze the actions and choices of people or groups as a reflection of past motivations and responsiveness with appropriate thoughtfulness and behavior. This insightfulness pairs well with my background in communication which enables me to formulate clear, concise, and cohesive responses when situations may arise. This background has served me very well in my current career in international relations and will continue to benefit my global understanding."

If you were required to move overseas if offered the position, would that be an issue for you?

"No, I would not have an issue moving overseas if hired. I understand that is one of the job duties, and I would welcome the opportunity to live in a foreign country."

Many positions in the CIA will require you to move or travel overseas to gather information on foreign intelligence and coordinate with allies worldwide. In the CIA job description, it will be noted if there is an opportunity for foreign and domestic travel. The interviewer wants to ensure that you will not have an issue moving overseas if hired. It is best to be flexible and not have a problem moving abroad if you want to move forward in the hiring process.

It is best to avoid saying that you would have an issue moving overseas if hired. If you do not have the flexibility to do what the CIA requires, the interviewer might pass you over for another candidate who puts the agency first. You will have to make sacrifices if hired by the CIA, and the interviewer wants to see that you understand and accept these sacrifices.

"I have lived overseas in the past and love meeting new people and learning the customs and culture of their country. I would not have an issue moving anywhere you would require."

Have you ever been arrested?

"No, I have never been arrested or charged with any crime. I am a law-abiding citizen and have never even had a ticket."

The CIA website lists potential disqualifiers and security concerns that may disqualify you as an applicant. One of the potential disqualifiers is criminal or unethical behavior. The CIA acknowledges and understands that no one is perfect and assesses each applicant as a whole, rather than based on a single issue or mistake in the past. However, the CIA does have a few standards that may disqualify you from obtaining security clearance, such as recent criminal or unethical behavior, pending criminal charges, felony convictions, dishonorable discharge, or illegal downloading of copyrighted material. Explain if you have ever been arrested, when it occurred, what the charges were, the outcome, and what you learned from the experience.

If you have been arrested and it was expunged from your record or your record was sealed, you want to avoid saying you have never been arrested. It is best to be honest and let the CIA decide if your violation was minor enough to overlook. Even if the crime was sealed or deleted from your record, the CIA has the means to find out.

"Yes, I was arrested when I was 17 years old for driving under the influence. I was at a .04 blood alcohol level and was released on bond two hours later. I was charged with a misdemeanor, served 60 hours of community service, and was fined $5,000. I completed the terms of my sentence, and the courts expunged the misdemeanor from my record seven years ago. After that experience, I never took another sip of alcohol and have not been in trouble with the law since."

"I have not been arrested or charged with any crime. I am a quiet law-abiding citizen."

This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

"Yes, I do. Thank you for asking. How long have you worked for the agency, and what are your most and least favorite aspects of working here?"

Often, interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview to ensure all your questions are answered about the organization or the job role. It is best to ask a question or two to show the interviewer that you are eager to learn as much as you can. Good questions to ask are ones that cannot be answered while researching the CIA or the job announcement. Examples of appropriate questions are asking the interviewer what they like most about working for the CIA, what they like least, how many positions they are looking to fill, or when you will hear back about the next step in the process.

You want to avoid asking questions about benefits or pay. It is best to ask questions about your job role or the agency rather than questions covered when offered the position, such as the benefits package and pay scale. If you ask questions about how much you would be receiving, how many vacation days you will accrue, or health and retirement benefits, the interviewer will think that you are only concerned with the monetary and benefits aspect of the job.

"I do have a question, and I appreciate you asking. I live 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C., and commute into the city daily. If hired, would I need to move closer to Washington? That will not be a problem; I was just wondering what to expect."

Are you a United States citizen?

"Yes, I am a United States citizen. I was born and raised in California."

One of the minimum requirements to work for the CIA is to be a United States citizen or a dual-national U.S. citizen. The interviewer asks this question to ensure you meet this minimum requirement. The CIA website explains that if you are in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, you must wait to apply until you are awarded citizenship. They do not assist individuals with the application process for citizenship.

You want to avoid applying to the CIA if you do not meet the minimum requirement. While the CIA employs a considerable number of non-U.S. citizens in various capacities, they are not considered the same official capacity as a CIA operations officer. Non-U.S. citizens that the CIA employs are usually abroad and primarily part-time, such as translators or local experts who can support an operation.

"Yes, I was awarded my U. S. citizenship ten years ago after moving to the United States from India."

"Yes, I am a US citizen. Born and raised in El Paso and currently living in San Antonio."

Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs, and if so, when was the last time?

"Yes, five years ago, I was given ecstasy once in college. I had a headache, and a classmate told me that it was ibuprofen. I ended up in the emergency room, where they discovered what I had been given, and my classmate was arrested. I have never been the type of person to do drugs and have never willingly tried them. I do not take prescription medications and have never misused any."

The CIA has a strict drug policy regarding illegal drug use or the misuse of prescription drugs. Their policy states that you cannot have used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs in the last 12 months to qualify for a security clearance. They also reiterate that although some states have legalized marijuana, federal statutes prohibit federal agencies from granting security clearances to users of controlled substances, including marijuana. Describe if you have ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs and when. The CIA will carefully evaluate the use of drugs in the previous 12 months during your medical and security processing, so you must be completely honest.

If you are applying to the CIA, it is best to avoid drugs altogether. If you have used drugs in the past, it is required that you wait at least one year from the last time you used or misused drugs before putting in your application with the CIA.

"No, I have never tried drugs or been prescribed any medications. My father has a history of alcoholism and drug abuse, and I knew that I did not want to follow his path."

Which branch of the federal government does the CIA fall under?

"The CIA falls under the executive branch of the United States federal government."

The CIA wants to hire intelligent individuals who understand how the federal government works since the CIA employees are federal workers. To ensure a separation of powers, the United States federal government comprises three branches: the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. Each branch has its responsibilities and powers to ensure that citizens' rights are protected and that the government is effective. The CIA is operated as an independent federal agency that falls under the executive branch.

You want to avoid saying the CIA falls under the judicial or legislative branch. The judicial branch is called the court system, where laws are explained, and the courts decide if a law goes against the Constitution. The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, which are collectively known as Congress. The legislative branch makes laws, declares war, and controls taxing and spending policies. The executive branch consists of the President and their advisors, along with various departments and agencies responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. While the CIA has no law enforcement function, they report to the Director of National Intelligence in the executive branch.

"The CIA reports to the director of national intelligence, which falls under the federal government's executive branch."

When was the Central Intelligence Agency created?

"The CIA was created on September 18th, 1947 after President Truman recognized the need for a fully-functional intelligence organization."

The interviewer wants to see that you have done your homework and know when the CIA was created. The Central Intelligence Agency was created on September 18th, 1947, after President Truman signed the National Security Act. The Act charged the CIA with coordinating the nation's intelligence activities to collect, evaluate, and disseminate intelligence that affects national security.

Before your interview, research the CIA by thoroughly reviewing its website and the job announcement so you will be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer will have for you. It is also suggested to brush up on foreign affairs and news articles about the CIA. You want to avoid answering the question incorrectly or not answering the question at all.

"President Truman signed the National Security Act on September 18th, 1947, which was the date the Central Intelligence Agency was created."

How is the CIA organized?

"The CIA comprises five broad disciplines known as directorates, which join forces under the umbrella of Mission Centers. Each directorate comprises teams with unique capabilities that support the other directorates to enforce the CIA's mission."

The interviewer wants to see that you have researched the CIA and how it is organized. Before your interview with the CIA, you want to read and memorize everything on their website so you can answer any question the interviewer will give you. When you can answer any question about the CIA, it shows the interviewer that you pay attention to detail and are excited to learn all you can about the agency.On the CIA website 'About' menu, you will find everything you need to know about the organization. The agency comprises multidisciplinary Mission Centers that integrate the full range of its analytic, operational, support, technical, and digital capabilities. These disciplines are divided into five corresponding directorates. Each team brings a unique set of capabilities that, when combined, support the CIA's vital mission.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid being unable to answer how the agency is organized. If you cannot answer the question, the interviewer will see that you did not thoroughly research the CIA before your interview and lack motivation for learning.

"The CIA is organized by multidisciplinary Mission Centers that integrate the vast range of its operational, support, technical, analytic, and digital capabilities. These five broad disciplines are known as directorates that collaborate under the Mission Centers' umbrella."

What is the worst thing that will show up during your background investigation?

"The worst thing that will show up in my background investigation is a noise complaint I had from a previous neighbor. When I was 19 years old and attending college, I had a quite noisy party. My neighbor called the police, who responded to my house and asked me to shut down the party. I was never charged with anything, but I am sure there is a police report of it out there."

One of the CIA's minimum requirements to be considered for a job at the CIA is to pass their extensive background investigation successfully. The interviewer asks this question to see if you have anything of concern in your past they will learn about. If you have something in your past, it will not immediately disqualify you from moving forward in the process unless your history includes a felony or drug use in the past year. Be honest and tell the interviewer the worst thing that will show up in your background investigation.

You must think of anything that could come up during your background investigation, even if it does not directly involve you. The CIA is very detailed in its investigation, and you want to avoid leaving out something that could be construed as deceitful. For example, you might have a family member who was convicted of a crime and is incarcerated. Even though you did not commit the crime, you are associated with that person, and it will come up in your investigation. It is best to be completely transparent with the interviewer, so there are no surprises during your background investigation.

"I believe the worst thing that will show up during my background investigation is the fact that my father is incarcerated for involuntary manslaughter. He was convicted three years ago after driving while intoxicated and killing three people in a vehicle accident. I was not involved in the incident, but I wanted to be honest and let you know the circumstances as I am sure it will show up in the investigation."

Who works directly under and supports the director of the CIA?

"The deputy director works directly under the director, supporting them by managing the agency's intelligence collection and analysis, among other things. The current deputy director is David S. Cohen, who was sworn in on January 20th, 2021."

Before any job interview, you must find out all you can about the agency and be prepared to answer any question the interviewer will have. Interviewers will ask questions about their organization to determine if you have done your research before the interview. The CIA website lists its leadership and how the CIA operates. The person that works directly under and supports the director of the CIA is Deputy Director David S. Cohen, who was sworn in on January 20th, 2021. The role of the deputy director is to support the director in managing the CIA's intelligence collection, covert action, analysis, counterintelligence, and liaison relationships with foreign services. Show the interviewer that you have done your research by correctly answering who supports the director.

It is recommended that you review the CIA website before your interview to ensure the deputy director has remained the same and that they were not replaced with a new deputy director. You want to avoid not knowing the leadership ranks and how the CIA operates. If you cannot articulate who works directly under and supports the director, it shows the interviewer that you did not do extensive research and lack attention to detail.

"Deputy Director David S. Cohen works directly under and supports Director Bill Burns. Mr. Cohen was sworn in on January 20th, 2021, and had previously served as deputy director of the CIA from 2015 to 2017."

Who is the director of the CIA?

"The current director of the CIA is William J. Burns, who goes by Bill."

Before any job interview, you want to perform exhaustive research of the organization and answer any question the interviewer will have for you. The interviewer asks this question to ensure you have done your homework and know who the Director of the CIA is. If you go to the CIA's website at https://www.cia.gov/about/, you will learn about the CIA's mission and vision, what the agency does, how they do it, and leadership. The website shows that the current director is William J. Burns, who was officially sworn in on March 19, 2021. It is also good to mention that William goes by Bill.

You want to avoid not knowing who the director of the CIA is. Since leadership can change over time, you want to review the website to ensure the director has not been replaced since this was written. You should also know who the deputy director of the CIA is if that question is asked.

"William J. Burns, or Bill Burns, is the current director of the CIA. Bill was sworn in on March 19th, 2021."

If hired, you may be required to move to the Washington, D.C. area. Will that be an issue for you?

"No, relocating to the Washington, D.C. area would not be an issue for me if hired. I saw the minimum requirements before submitting my application and understand moving may be required."

On the CIA website, one of the minimum requirements to be considered for employment includes a willingness to move to the Washington, D.C. area. The interviewer wants to know you understand that is a requirement and that you will not have an issue with relocating if hired. To be considered for employment and move forward in the hiring process, you need to ensure the interviewer that you do not have an issue with their requirement.

You want to avoid telling the interviewer that it would be an issue for you to move to the Washington, D.C. area if hired. If you answer that you have a problem with relocating, it shows the interviewer you did not read the minimum requirements and did not pay attention to detail. If you respond that you cannot relocate, be prepared for the interview to end since you do not meet the CIA's minimum requirements for employment.

"No, I already live on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., and would be willing to move to a different area if needed."

Do you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview?

"No, I do not have concerns about passing the polygraph interview. I am an honest and truthful person and do not think I will have any issues passing the polygraph."

To be considered for a job at the CIA, you must meet these minimum requirements:- Physically in the United States or one of its territories when you apply - A U.S. citizen (dual U.S. citizens also eligible) - At least 18 years of age - Willing to move to the Washington, DC area - Able to successfully complete security and medical evaluations, including a background investigation, a polygraph interview, and a physical and psychological examinationThe interviewer asks this question to see if you will have difficulty passing the polygraph. If you have failed a polygraph before, you may have concerns about passing the CIA polygraph interview, which is understandable. Or, you may be nervous about taking a polygraph exam if you have never taken one before. Some people are not worried and feel they will pass because they are honest and have nothing to hide. Be truthful in your response and let the interviewer know if you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview.

If you have failed a polygraph exam in the past, you want to avoid keeping that information from the interviewer. They will find out in your background investigation and wonder why you withheld that information. It is best to be honest and explain that while you have failed an exam in the past, you are confident that you will do better this time.

"I am a little nervous about taking the polygraph because I did not pass one three years ago. I was not given a reason why I did not pass, and I still do not understand how I failed. I was honest in the interview, but I think my nerves might have gotten the best of me since it was the first polygraph I had ever taken. I took a polygraph last year during the hiring process for a job and passed without any issues."

What is the mission of the CIA?

"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 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 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."

Name three of the CIA's guiding principles.

"I strongly believe in all six of your guiding principles, but the three that resonated the most with me are teamwork, courage, and service. Working in law enforcement for the past 12 years, these principles have guided me in my profession. I could not do my job without the collaboration and teamwork of others or a lack of courage. And as it is with the CIA, I always put the community and fellow officers before myself."

On the CIA website, they have six guiding principles listed. All employees are guided by these principles, core values, and highest aspirations. The CIA describes these standards, which keep the agency on course to protect the Nation and advance its interests. The six guiding principles are:- Service - Integrity - Excellence - Courage - Teamwork - StewardshipThe interviewer asks you to name three of the CIA's guiding principles to determine if you have thoroughly researched their organization before the interview and see which three resonate the most with you. When you list the three principles of your choosing, describe why those three are the most important to you.

As with any interview question, you want to avoid being unprepared to answer this question. If you cannot name three of the CIA's guiding principles, it shows the interviewer that you did not adequately research the agency and lack attention to detail.

"The three guiding principles that stand out the most for me are integrity, excellence, and teamwork. I believe in upholding the highest standard of conduct, working with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and collaborating with others to reach a common goal."

Tell me about your previous work experience that has prepared you for a career with the CIA.

"The previous work experience that has prepared me for a career with the CIA includes 12 years working as a police officer and a detective in the missing person unit. With my training and experience, I have developed excellent investigative skills, intuition, and determination and have a 95% success rate in finding those reported missing. I believe my investigative expertise will be a great benefit to the CIA."

While there are no specific work experience requirements to apply with the CIA, particular jobs within the CIA require previous experience. Having relevant work experience working in the military, intelligence community, security service, law enforcement, or national service is valuable to the CIA. Describe your previous, relevant work experience that has prepared you for a career with the Central Intelligence Agency.

Even though work experience is not one of the minimum requirements to apply to the CIA, you will have a better chance of being hired if you have relevant experience that aligns with your role in the CIA. You want to avoid exaggerating and saying that you have relevant experience if you do not since the CIA will discover that information during your background investigation.

"I worked for the past 12 years as an Army Intelligence Analyst. My job was to identify threats and potential targets and report them to my commanding officers. I have top-secret security clearance and sensitive compartmented information access and understand the importance of being discreet. I feel my extensive training and expertise in my field have prepared me for a career with the CIA."

What was your GPA when earning your bachelor's degree?

"My GPA was 3.8 when I earned my bachelor's degree in criminal justice."

The CIA looks closely at a candidate's GPA during the hiring process, so the interviewer wants to hear if you meet their minimum requirements when earning your bachelor's degree. If applying for a position in the National Clandestine Service (NCS), one of the CIA's minimum requirements is that you must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Describe your GPA when earning your bachelor's degree and the type of degree you obtained.

You want to avoid not remembering your GPA when earning your bachelor's degree or giving an incorrect answer if you forgot. Review your transcripts before your interview, so you are prepared to answer the question.

"When working towards my bachelor's degree in international affairs, my GPA was 3.2."

Tell me about your education and how it has prepared you to work for the CIA.

"I have a master's degree in computer engineering, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. My education has prepared me to work for the CIA by teaching me how to make computing applications and platforms more effective and efficient. I have extensive knowledge with seamlessly integrating the newest technology and developing software applications that will enhance the capabilities of the CIA's networks and communication systems. I believe my skills and knowledge will be a great asset to your agency."

There are no educational requirements for non-clerical positions to apply for a job within the CIA. However, to work as a CIA officer, computer specialist, and analyst requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or greater. The CIA is looking for candidates with degrees in history, national security, statistics, remote sensing, international studies, political science, and geography library science. The interviewer wants to hear about your education and how it has prepared you for a career with the CIA. Describe what degree(s) you obtained, your GPA, and why your education will benefit the Central Intelligence Agency if hired.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid telling the interviewer you completed your bachelor's or master's degree if you have not. If you have not completed your degree, describe how much schooling you have left to receive it. The CIA will learn about your education during your background investigation and may ask you to produce transcripts to verify your information.

"I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and have one year left to complete my master's in cyber security. I held a 4.0 GPA while completing my bachelor's degree and currently have a 3.8 GPA in my master's program. My education has prepared me for a career with the CIA by educating me on research methods for criminology theory and the psychology behind criminal behavior. In my master's program, I am learning how to protect networks, data, and computer operating systems from cyber attacks. With this knowledge, I understand how to monitor systems and data and help mitigate threats and attacks when they happen."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"My goal in the next five years is to be working for the CIA as a directorate of operations language officer. I want first to gain experience as an operations officer and then advance to language officer to help support clandestine operations using my foreign language skills and cultural experiences."

The CIA offers many opportunities to promote and advance your career within the agency. On the CIA website, they describe how they want to keep their employees from leaving the CIA for other organizations and offer personal and professional growth opportunities. They mention how many of their employees stay with the CIA for their entire careers because of the possibilities for rewarding and challenging work. When you describe your goals for professional growth and a plan to achieve them, it shows the interviewer that you are a motivated and determined individual. The interviewer wants to determine if you see yourself with the agency in five years and in what position.

You want to avoid saying that you see yourself working for another agency in five years. The CIA spends a lot of time, energy, and money on candidates during the hiring process, and they do not want to spend that time and money on someone who will not be a long-term career employee. You must ensure the interviewer that you see yourself with their agency in the next five years.

"In the next five years, I see myself working as a specialized skills officer while supporting the CIA operations by leveraging my technical skills in specialized military fields and crisis management. I want to gain experience within the CIA by working as an operations officer to understand every aspect of how the CIA operates. Then, I wish to promote to the specialized skills officer position."

What interesting fact did you find out about the CIA during your research?

"During my research, I found it interesting that the CIA will periodically declassify secret documents on their website. I found declassified documents from 1917 to 1918 that told how to open sealed letters discreetly and the techniques of creating secret ink to write letters. I found that information very fascinating."

The interviewer asks this question to see if you performed in-depth research of the CIA and found something interesting about the organization that not every candidate might have seen. Anyone can read the CIA website and find out the basics of how the agency operates. It is recommended to search newspaper articles, the CIA Wikipedia page, and the CIA website to learn something you found unique and exciting.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid answering with something well-known, such as the CIA helps to keep the nation safe. That is common knowledge, and the interviewer will determine that you did not dig deep during your research. You want to prove that you performed extensive research and found an interesting fact that not everyone might know.

"An interesting fact I found about the CIA is how the agency became interested in magic tricks in 1950 and was teaching their employees some hand tricks. The CIA believed that learning these tricks would be handy if the officers needed to slip a pill into someone's drink or something along those lines. I have always been interested in magic, so I found that information exciting."

How do you stay in shape both mentally and physically?

"I love working out, and I find that when I do, it helps me both mentally and physically. I enjoy putting on some music, going for a run on the trails behind my house, and doing some bodyweight exercises afterward. Listening to music and being in nature rejuvenates my mind and body."

The CIA hires individuals who are psychologically and physically in shape and requires them to maintain their fitness throughout their careers. Working with the CIA can be both physically and psychologically exhausting, and the interviewer wants to see that you understand the importance of keeping yourself in shape. The interviewer wants to know how you keep your mind and body fit to see if you make fitness a priority and have ways to decompress from the stressors of the job.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid saying that you do not have a fitness routine or do not address keeping yourself psychologically and physically in shape. The interviewer will think that you are not a motivated or inspired individual and may pass you over for another candidate. If you do not take care of your physical and mental health, it will be challenging to start now and stay consistent throughout your career.

"I stay in physical and mental shape by eating healthy, doing high-intensity training workouts four times a week, and doing hot yoga three times a week. I also meditate every morning for ten minutes and find that keeps me mentally clear all day long."

What area would you like to improve upon?

"An area I would like to improve is to become better at speaking Mandarin. I learned Mandarin while living in China but never became fluent. My goal by the end of the year is to read and write fluently. I have signed up with a tutor who assured me I will be more than competent speaking and writing Mandarin before the end of the year."

This question is similar to the 'what is your greatest weakness' question. The interviewer wants to see what skill you think could improve and what steps you are taking to make it a strength. You want to describe an area of improvement that is work-related but won't disqualify you as a candidate. For example, working for the CIA requires you to work well under pressure, have good interpersonal skills, be intuitive, and be discreet. If you say that you have trouble keeping secrets, which is a major part of your job role, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate.

You want to avoid describing an area of personal improvement, such as wanting to improve your golf game or cooking skills. The interviewer is only interested in areas of improvement on a professional level. When you identify an area that you could improve upon, it shows the interviewer you are self-aware of your faults and that you set goals and are motivated to grow.

"One area I have identified that I could improve is reading body language. I am an intuitive person and know when something does not seem right with someone, but I want to understand the clues related to their body language. I signed up for a body language training course that will enable me to develop the ability to interpret other people's body language and manage my body's communication to others."

What do you like to do in your free time?

"In my current job, I work 50 plus hours per week and do not have much free time. When I have a day off, I like to spend quality time with my husband and two children. We enjoy nature and love hiking, mountain bike rides, and canoeing on a lake close to our house. I find being in the fresh air with my family keeps me rejuvenated and ready to tackle another 50 hour week."

Working for the CIA can be pretty stressful and involve long hours away from your family and home. The interviewer asks what you like to do in your free time to get a glimpse into your personality and see if you have ways to decompress from work and everyday life stressors. It is best to describe activities or hobbies you enjoy that are healthy for the mind and body, showing the interviewer that you have found a good work/life balance.

You want to avoid answering that you never have free time because you work so much. While being a workaholic may seem like a good attribute, if you do not allow yourself some free time to destress, you may burn out quite quickly and become a less productive employee. The interviewer wants to see that you have found an acceptable work/life balance.

"In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching my niece's soccer games, and having barbecues with my extended family. I also enjoy playing the guitar and will usually play music for my family when we get together."

What three skills do you believe will benefit you in the CIA?

"The three skills I believe will benefit me the most in the CIA are intuition, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Being intuitive is essential because you must be able to tell when something doesn't seem right and be aware of your surroundings at all times. In this type of profession, you must be able to collaborate well with others and work with the team's strengths while actively listening, showing compassion, and communicating your ideas concisely."

Many skills are desirable to possess when working with the CIA. The CIA seeks candidates who are discreet, energetic, intuitive, collaborate well with others, and who have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The interviewer wants to hear if the three skills you choose align with the agency's desired skills in their ideal candidate. After naming the three skills, give a brief example of how those skills will benefit you in the CIA.

Avoid naming three skills that do not align with the role you are seeking. For example, if you are interviewing for a job as an operations officer, you would not want to name a skill that would benefit a person in an administrative role, such as typing 100 words per minute. Keep the skills you list relevant to the job you applied for.

"I think the top three skills that will benefit me the most in the CIA are communication, street sense, and the ability to work well under pressure. I am an excellent communicator and am very situationally aware. I am good at telling when something does not feel right and responding appropriately. As a former Marine, I have developed that street sense and found that I perform my best work under pressure."

Have you served in the armed forces?

"No, I have not served in the armed forces. I knew in high school that I wanted to work in law enforcement and went straight into the police academy after graduating. I worked for 10 years in law enforcement and am excited to help protect my country if hired by your agency."

The interviewer asks if you have served in the armed forces to determine what role they might place you in if hired. It is not a requirement to have served in the armed forces to be considered for a position with the CIA. However, having military experience for specific jobs within the agency is highly desirable. The CIA website describes how they value the skills, dedication, and unique perspectives military veterans bring to the agency. The CIA also provides additional benefits to veterans.

If you have served in the armed forces, you want to avoid simply saying that you served. You want to describe who you served with, your rank, and for how long you were in the military. Be descriptive in your job role, showing off your skills and experience that will benefit the CIA if hired.

"Yes, I served eight years in the Army as a counterintelligence agent. My job duties included conducting investigations, collecting and processing physical and forensic evidence, and identifying and mitigating foreign and international terrorist threats."

Have you ever lived overseas, and if so, where and for how long?

"Yes, I lived in Taiwan for five years working as an engineering manager for Nest Intelligence. I then moved to Singapore for three years after receiving a job offer for Twitter as a threat fusion program intelligence analyst. I am very familiar with the cultures and customs of both countries and speak fluent Mandarin and Malay."

It is not required for you to have lived overseas to work for the CIA, but a higher preference may be given if you have. Candidates that have lived overseas are more in tune with different cultures, customs, and languages. Since some CIA employees work overseas, having that experience will set you apart from those candidates that have not. Describe where you have lived and for how long, and if you speak the language of that country fluently. If you have not lived abroad, explain that you have not, but you would be excited to move if needed.

During your background investigation, the CIA will find out everywhere you have lived, and you do not want to be dishonest. You want to avoid saying you lived overseas if you have not. Suppose you traveled extensively overseas but never actually lived in one place. In that case, you can describe your travels, explaining that you did not stay in one place, but it shows the interviewer that you have knowledge of other countries and cultures.

"I have never lived in one place overseas, but I traveled extensively through Europe and Asia. I spent one year traveling around Europe and learned to speak fluent German, French, and Russian. I then traveled to Asia, where I spent another year visiting multiple countries and picking up two more languages, Chinese and Japanese. I feel confident speaking and writing in all of the languages I learned and particularly enjoyed experiencing the customs of other countries and how people live."

Why did you leave your previous job?

"I left my previous job to pursue my master's degree. I wanted to fast-track my degree and could not do it working 50 hours a week while attending the program. I left on good terms after giving two weeks' notice and am still in contact with my former supervisor and coworkers."

The interviewer asks this question to see if you left your previous job because you gave notice, you were fired, or laid off. The CIA will find out this information in your background investigation, but they want to hear your reason why. Based on your response, the interviewer can determine if you might be challenging to work with or if you will be a good fit for the team. If you say you were fired or laid off, they will want to know why and what you learned from the experience. If you gave notice, the interviewer wants to hear why you chose to leave. If you left because you wanted to further your career or pursue a job with the CIA, the interviewer will see that you are motivated and inspired by professional growth. Describe why you left your previous job.

You want to avoid speaking negatively of your previous coworkers or supervisor. If you did not get along with someone at your last job, which is why you left, it is better to say there was an internal conflict without mentioning anyone's name. It might come up that you had a dispute with someone from your previous job during the background investigation, so you need to be truthful.

"I left my previous job after having an issue with the new supervisor. I disagreed with his leadership skills and the direction he was taking the company. I felt my skills and expertise would be put to better use working with the CIA, so I gave notice and started the application process with your agency."

Do you consider yourself to be more book smart or street smart?

"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 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 stressTell 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.

"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."

Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

"Yes, I speak Korean and Russian fluently. I learned Korean after marrying my wife, who is from South Korea. She speaks English very well, but I wanted to be able to communicate with her family who does not speak English. I learned Russian as a young child since my father is from Russia, and he wanted me to learn both English and Russian from a young age."

The interviewer wants to know if you speak any foreign languages fluently to see where you could fit in with the agency if hired. The CIA looks for individuals who specialize in a range of languages spoken worldwide, emphasizing Russian, Korean, Mandarin, Chinese, Persian/Farsi, Kurdish, Arabic, Indonesian Dari/Pashto, and Turkish. If you speak any of these languages, you will be looked at favorably in the hiring process and may be eligible to receive a large hiring bonus as an incentive. Even if you do not speak any of the languages mentioned, be sure to list any foreign languages you speak fluently and how and why you learned the languages. If you speak some languages but not fluently, explain what languages you are learning and how close you are to becoming fluent.

If you speak a foreign language fluently, you may be given an exam to test your skills. You want to avoid saying you speak a specific language fluently if you do not. If you only speak a few words or phrases of a different language, that is not considered fluent.

"Yes, I speak Spanish fluently. I learned Spanish while volunteering for a year in South America. I was on a project helping develop communication systems, and everyone only spoke Spanish. I took a three-week intensive course and immersed myself in the community. After that, I was able to speak fluently quite quickly. Now, I am learning Mandarin, but I am not fluent. I hope within the next year I will be speaking fluent Mandarin."

How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

"I always handle conflict in the workplace the same. I am an honest and direct person and like to resolve issues before they become larger. I approach the person with whom there is conflict and ask if we can speak privately. I calmly describe the issue we are having and ask them how we can resolve it. I do not blame the other person and take credit for my part in the conflict we are experiencing. When I approach people in this manner, I have always been able to resolve the conflict in a mutually acceptable way."

The interviewer asks this question to learn about your conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. How you handle conflict in the workplace also gives the interviewer insight into your personality, communication, and interpersonal skills. The CIA wants to hire individuals that are rational, calm, and can handle conflict professionally. Give an example of how you handle conflict with a coworker or supervisor and come to an agreeable resolution.

You want to avoid saying that you do not like conflict and ignore the situation if there is a dispute. If you cannot approach a problem professionally and work through the issue, the interviewer will question your interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. You also want to avoid saying that you get angry when there is an issue or blame another person for causing the conflict. You want to be mature and direct and take care of the issue before it becomes more significant.

"I do not like having conflict with others, especially those I work closely with. If there is a conflict between another person and me, I like to address the issue immediately. I speak privately with the person and ask them what we can do to resolve our conflict. Usually, we can rectify a communication problem and misunderstanding by talking calmly and professionally. I have never been unable to diffuse a situation by working through conflict in this manner."

CIA Interview Questions

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1. Do you consider yourself a discreet person?
2. How would you describe your interpersonal skills?
3. How well do you cope with stress?
4. Have you ever failed a polygraph exam?
5. Why do you want to work for the CIA?
6. If you were required to move overseas if offered the position, would that be an issue for you?
7. Have you ever been arrested?
8. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?
9. Are you a United States citizen?
10. Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs, and if so, when was the last time?
11. Which branch of the federal government does the CIA fall under?
12. When was the Central Intelligence Agency created?
13. How is the CIA organized?
14. What is the worst thing that will show up during your background investigation?
15. Who works directly under and supports the director of the CIA?
16. Who is the director of the CIA?
17. If hired, you may be required to move to the Washington, D.C. area. Will that be an issue for you?
18. Do you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview?
19. What is the mission of the CIA?
20. Name three of the CIA's guiding principles.
21. Tell me about your previous work experience that has prepared you for a career with the CIA.
22. What was your GPA when earning your bachelor's degree?
23. Tell me about your education and how it has prepared you to work for the CIA.
24. Where do you see yourself in five years?
25. What interesting fact did you find out about the CIA during your research?
26. How do you stay in shape both mentally and physically?
27. What area would you like to improve upon?
28. What do you like to do in your free time?
29. What three skills do you believe will benefit you in the CIA?
30. Have you served in the armed forces?
31. Have you ever lived overseas, and if so, where and for how long?
32. Why did you leave your previous job?
33. Do you consider yourself to be more book smart or street smart?
34. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?
35. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

CIA Interview Questions

1. Do you consider yourself a discreet person?

2. How would you describe your interpersonal skills?

3. How well do you cope with stress?

4. Have you ever failed a polygraph exam?

5. Why do you want to work for the CIA?

6. If you were required to move overseas if offered the position, would that be an issue for you?

7. Have you ever been arrested?

8. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?

9. Are you a United States citizen?

10. Have you ever used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs, and if so, when was the last time?

11. Which branch of the federal government does the CIA fall under?

12. When was the Central Intelligence Agency created?

13. How is the CIA organized?

14. What is the worst thing that will show up during your background investigation?

15. Who works directly under and supports the director of the CIA?

16. Who is the director of the CIA?

17. If hired, you may be required to move to the Washington, D.C. area. Will that be an issue for you?

18. Do you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview?

19. What is the mission of the CIA?

20. Name three of the CIA's guiding principles.

21. Tell me about your previous work experience that has prepared you for a career with the CIA.

22. What was your GPA when earning your bachelor's degree?

23. Tell me about your education and how it has prepared you to work for the CIA.

24. Where do you see yourself in five years?

25. What interesting fact did you find out about the CIA during your research?

26. How do you stay in shape both mentally and physically?

27. What area would you like to improve upon?

28. What do you like to do in your free time?

29. What three skills do you believe will benefit you in the CIA?

30. Have you served in the armed forces?

31. Have you ever lived overseas, and if so, where and for how long?

32. Why did you leave your previous job?

33. Do you consider yourself to be more book smart or street smart?

34. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

35. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?