If you have worked in the military or law enforcement, focus on giving an example from your industry. If you are new to the field, provide an example of how you have demonstrated leadership qualities at church, school, sports, or a previous job.

You want to avoid saying you do not demonstrate leadership qualities. You can be a motivator and a confident communicator in any situation. Give an example of how you coached a coworker who had difficulty preparing for a big presentation. Maybe you gave them confidence in their strengths by encouraging them, or perhaps you offered some helpful hints. Give the interviewer some reason to believe that you demonstrate leadership qualities and have the skills they seek in an agent.

Remember that the agency is looking for Special Agents who have the core competencies they list on their website, with leadership being the first. This is a highly rated skill the agency is looking for, so you must show them you demonstrate leadership qualities even when not in a leadership position.

"I always lead by example, with or without managerial authority. I always try to come in a bit early and stay a bit late, pitching in and going the extra mile whenever possible. I feel this makes you just a good teammate and human, setting you up for a strong career trajectory. When the opportunity for a true leadership role presents itself, I have positioned myself to be top of mind for the promotion."

"Yes, I do. Last month, I was asked to lead a shift when my superior officer was unexpectedly called away. I took charge for two days, and the experience was quite positive. I believe the biggest success factor was that I tried to emulate his leadership style and asked for his help when I wasn't sure what to do. I feel this experience prepared me for a leadership role. I am excited to take on a team lead role again."

"I believe before you can be a good leader you have to be an upstanding member of the team first, and willing to follow orders and learn what it means to be a good leader by first learning what it means to be an ideal subordinate. I have done this, and then as a leader I learned what it meant to command, and what I looked for in my ideal subordinates, and how to foster those qualities in my teams. So, even when I am not in a leadership position, I share the vision of our leadership, act as a support system for them within the ranks, lead by example, and perform in every way I can to ensure we stay on target and support the mission."