Safety is a top priority at NASA. How have you prioritized working under strict safety protocols during your career?

"In my current position, safety is always a top priority in my work. Working both in an office setting and a production floor, I know the safety protocols of both settings and follow them diligently. In this role with NASA, I would be very cognizant of all policies on proper safety gear and the proper use of tools and equipment necessary for the job."

"This role would be my first professional experience where safety protocols are a concern. I would ensure that I review the protocols upon arrival and discuss anything I am unclear about with a supervisor. I take my personal safety and the safety of others very seriously, and I would remain committed to diligently following the safety rules every day I work at NASA."

"As a quality control expert, I think about safety in the workplace in two main ways. First, I make it a priority to review the policies for every location where I work. The company I work for currently has three main plants and the protocols are slightly different at each location. I always ask the senior leaders there if there have been any changes to the policies in the event it has been a while since I have worked at a particular plant.

Once I feel comfortable with the protocols for the safety of myself, my coworkers, and any contractors or clients that may be on-site, I focus on safety protocols from a quality control perspective. My role requires that I stay up-to-date on all regulations and that I thoroughly test all of the equipment I am scheduled to review. I also have several team members who report to me, and I make sure to carefully review their work and thoughtfully answer their questions. I realize that a missed step or sloppy work could have severe consequences, and I am proud of my accident-free track record of ensuring the quality of the products I review."

"It is a top priority to ensure that I work in a safe environment. I travel often and I always make sure I am up to speed on the rules before I arrive at any site. Additionally, I make sure I investigate the protocols for the members of my team or any clients who travel with me. I make it a part of my process to ensure that everyone understands their role and how the rules apply to the work they will be doing. I know that NASA has very clear policies in place, and I appreciate the continual investment NASA makes to prioritize the safety of their employees and citizens who tour facilities or observe launches."

As you answer this question, be sure to be very specific when you talk about safety procedures you have followed in previous jobs, and also explain why following those procedures was important. You might consider walking your interviewer through a specific scenario in which your attention to safety protocols added value.

For candidates who have not yet worked in a role in which safety protocols were a driving factor, be sure to communicate clearly that you understand the importance of safety and your willingness to learn all of the necessary protocols. Let them know you plan to be diligent in following all procedures required for safety despite your relative inexperience in this area.