35 NSA (National Security Agency) Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Communication Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Diligence Questions
- 7. Direct Questions
- 8. Discovery Questions
- 9. Diversity Questions
- 10. Leadership Questions
- 11. Operational Questions
- 12. Teamwork Questions
- 13. Technical Questions
Accomplishment
1. What do you consider to be your greatest work-related accomplishment?
How to Answer
With this question, your interviewer wants to hear about your greatest accomplishment to gain a sense of your values and personal motivations on the job. They're also looking for concrete evidence of your competency as they consider you for this role at the NSA. A successful answer will highlight your passion for your work and the aspects that give you fulfillment. Be sure to mention any accolade or outcome that directly followed this accomplishment. Assure your interviewer that you continue to set career goals in the field and would continue to do so in this new opportunity at the NSA.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"There is definitely one work-related accomplishment that comes to mind that I would say I am the proudest of. Nine years ago when I started in my current position, I led a multi-department team in creating an ethical standards guideline for our organization and the work that we did. Prior to my arrival, the organization had two lawsuits brought against it and the need was high for new standards for staff to adhere to. From the day we completed writing and rolling out the new standards, it has been nothing short of positive outcomes for my organization. The greatest accolade I felt from this project was several industry leaders and connections reaching out to adopt similar guidelines for their organizations."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Adaptability
2. Are you fluent and adaptable when it comes to learning new computer programs and software?
How to Answer
At the National Security Agency, technology leads the way in the signals intelligence and cybersecurity measures taken to protect the security of the country. If hired to join the team at the NSA, you will likely be using a variety of new systems and programs and your interviewer wants to ensure that you will come in with the ability to learn and master these quickly. As you answer this question, reiterate that you have excellent computer skills and don't hesitate to give examples of the variety of programs that you have worked in throughout your career.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am computer literate and am confident in my ability to learn quickly any program required for this role at the NSA. If hired, you will quickly find that I bring a wide array of programming skills and language knowledge to your team. I also have experience working with a wide range of statistical analysis tools. I feel confident that my experience leading up to this interview puts me in a great spot to be open and flexible to learning any new programs for the person hired for this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Behavioral
3. What are one or two behaviors, attitudes or traits in colleagues that are most likely to cause conflict with you at work?
How to Answer
To get a sense of how you will interact with the various staff that you will be working closely with at the NSA, your interviewer wants you to be open and honest about the kinds of potential interpersonal challenges you might have. In the national defense and security field, chances are that you will be working with some pretty bold personalities. Prior to your interview, put some serious thought into the attitudes and behaviors that irk you the most, and don't hesitate to talk candidly about them. As you answer, make sure that you discuss how you work with these personality types so your interviewer gets a strong sense that you are able to work effectively with any member of the NSA team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Honestly, my two pet peeves in colleagues are dishonesty and disrespect. I was raised by my parents and grandparents to take pride in myself and my work and I expect my colleagues to do the same. I also was raised to show respect for all people that I work closely with and expect the same shown to me. I've worked with a couple of colleagues during my career that weren't honest and transparent in their work and I was never hesitant to talk with them on those issues. As well, I've been in a few situations where colleagues weren't respectful. Just last week, I witnessed a colleague show complete disrespect towards another colleague by brushing off their opinions on a project we were working on. To draw the line, I called out the disrespect among our group of five and asked the person to start being respectful when working as a part of my team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Behavioral
4. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?
How to Answer
As you research working for the National Security Agency, you'll quickly learn excellence in their work is something that they take pride in and they've even made their commitment to excellent service their top core value. Along with this need and constant striving towards excellence comes the need for each individual on the NSA to take feedback on their work in stride and make positive changes moving forward. While this is a relatively simple question, many candidates struggle in providing a great answer. What your interviewer is really asking is how do you handle all feedback and are you going to be dismissive of constructive feedback that will help better the team. As you answer, try to show that you have the emotional intelligence needed to take feedback positively and communicate with all leaders and members of your team at the NSA no matter what type of feedback you receive on the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Of course I welcome and thrive on constructive feedback, but many times even positive feedback contains important information. No matter how information is presented to me, I always try to reflect and understand how a person feels and what information they are actually conveying. If a person offers negative feedback, it is because they are frustrated or having some problem. In that case, I try to look past their tone or negativity and understand the problem that is frustrating them so I can work to offer a solution."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Behavioral
5. How would you manage the stresses that come with working for the NSA?
How to Answer
Managing large, complex projects in any job comes with many challenges. Adding the fact that the NSA is working on intelligence and cybersecurity for the defense of the United States can add more immense pressure to any person on the staff there. In asking this question, your interviewer would like to know that you have a method for handling stress on the job. As you answer, discuss the tools and resources that you lean on to help navigate stress in your work environment and speak confidently in your ability to do so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I have developed a few techniques for handling the stress that comes with this work. The first key in maintaining a stress-free work environment is being on task and organized. I utilize many tools to help keep me on track and organized and these tools include a detailed work calendar and project list with deadlines and milestones clearly outlined. From a personal perspective, I try to limit myself as much as possible to an eight-hour workday. If possible, I delay any tasks or activities that pop up outside of normal work hours until I actually start the workday. I think it's important to draw this line for others to respect my personal time for me to remain stress-free. I also dedicate no more than two hours at a time to deep project work each day. Deep work is any activity that needs to be performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that pushes my cognitive capabilities to their limits."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Behavioral
6. How do you handle critique, constraints, and new information in the work that you do?
How to Answer
This stress-based question is designed to show your interviewer at the NSA how you approach changing your work at a moment's notice, how you react to tight deadlines, and how you incorporate last-minute information that could potentially change the course of your work. Your ability to be agile in your work is critical for success at the NSA. If possible as you answer, talk to your interviewer about a time when a significant change occurred on the job for you in the past. Talk about how you handled the situation to maintain positive progress and results.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, I worked with my VP of Sales and our Marketing Director to craft a strategic national roll-out. Three months later, after working on the strategy each week as a collaborative team, I was informed that we were putting a pause on the project until further notice. The executives thought the company wasn't ready for such big clients yet, so instead, I had to scale the national roll-out back to be a local market strategy. After the initial sting and frustration of pulling out of the project, I was able to use that same framework to plan local market roll-outs in several major cities effectively. It proved to be a good learning experience overall for me. If offered this position at the NSA, you would be getting an employee who can roll with the punches and is open to feedback at all times. It's how I continue to learn and grow."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Behavioral
7. Tell me about a crisis you encountered on the job. How did you handle the situation with ease?
How to Answer
In the National Security Agency's commitment to serve and pursue critical missions in national security, there are times when their teams have to work in crunch-time situations. To get at your ability to handle pressure-packed work at the NSA, your interviewer wants to hear you talk about a time where you had to handle a crisis on the job in the past. Prior to your interview, think about a time when a high-needs situation came up all of a sudden where you can prove your ability to take responsibility and act with ease in solving the problem. If possible, talk about how you worked resourcefully in solving the situation using resources and people available to you at the time.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Two years ago, I successfully navigated a managerial crisis in my current job when a major project fell behind schedule and two members of my team went on lengthy sick leaves. With pressure still coming down from top leadership to delivery on time, I grabbed the reins and got to work. My first task was reorganizing our team and reassigning tasks on the project. This involved several meetings with the team and using groupthink efforts to come up with a solid plan. From there, we all had to reprioritize our workloads and put in some extra hours to deliver. In the end, the project was a huge success and I was commended by our senior leadership team for handling the situation with grace."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Communication
8. Describe your communication style. How will it benefit you at the NSA?
How to Answer
Effective communication is crucial in almost any job, and this is especially true in an organization like the NSA. Your interviewer wants to get a sense of how effectively you communicate. As you answer, describe how you lead conversations with subject matter experts, cross-functional stakeholders, team members, and/or external customers. Your interviewer will ideally want to hear that your communication style fits well in the environment in which you work. As you answer, don't hesitate to talk about the National Security Administration's core values like integrity and transparency as they both can be reflected in your communication style.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I would describe my communication as being forthright, open, and honest with all of my colleagues. I know that the NSA encourages integrity in all that they do, and being upfront and honest with people is the best way to act with integrity. I'm not intimidated by any job title, so I won't be hesitant to communicate with any colleague here at the NSA."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Compatibility
9. What would you find to be most rewarding in this role at the National Security Agency?
How to Answer
Your interviewer wants to get a feel for your commitment and your passion for this role at the NSA. While there are many directions you can take your answer to this question, be sure to speak with passion as you align your career goals with the mission and values of the National Security Agency. As well, as you study the job description prior to your interview, don't hesitate to talk about one or two aspects of this job that you will find the most rewarding, both professionally and personally. In the end, make sure your interviewer gets the sense that you will take great pride in working for the NSA.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"For me personally, the chance to put my talents to work towards something greater than myself would be the most rewarding part of working for the NSA. As your organization looks to carry out projects that directly impact national security, I love the fact that adherence to the law and transparency with the public are held in such high regard by the NSA. This environment would be somewhere I would be proud to call home."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Compatibility
10. What do you think you will most be looking forward to in coming to work for the NSA?
How to Answer
Your interviewer asks this question to assess whether you can fulfill new responsibilities at the NSA and whether you fit well with their culture. When putting your response together, align the responsibilities and opportunities at your current role with the one you're applying for. Assure your interviewer that you've done your research on the job and the culture at the NSA by speaking about what makes you excited about the new job. No matter how you answer this question, be sure to speak with passion as that will be one of the top qualities they will be looking for in the candidate that they hire.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"The sheer prospect of coming to work for an organization that has a greater impact on the safety and wellbeing of others has me the most excited about this role. As I started a career search, the National Security Agency hit the top of my wish list quickly. Your commitment to serving and protecting our country is a mission I can get behind each and every day in this role and it would be a badge of honor that I would wear proudly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Diligence
11. What initial hurdles do you anticipate for yourself in this role if hired to join the NSA? How would you plan to meet those hurdles head on?
How to Answer
Challenges will always be present when starting a new job. Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder or applying at a new organization, a career move can be challenging because of the changes in job duties, the context in which these tasks are executed, expectations, environment, and employee relationships. In looking to join the NSA, stepping into government work may be totally new to you. Discuss a couple of responsibilities present in this new role at the NSA that could present a learning curve for you. Consider all factors as you talk about your ability to recognize and tackle the challenges if you were to be hired for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I anticipate a few challenges in this new role at the NSA, but I do feel that they are all manageable. In coming to work with any new team, the first challenge is to become fully acquainted with the staff that I would be working closely with. I think it's critical to acclimate to their styles and the collective energy of the team because I know teams are more effective when they work cohesively. So I'd plan on doing this through both casual conversations and formal one-on-one sessions. Another challenge for me in this role would be stepping into the public sector in national defense. Prior to embarking on a new job search, I knew that the national security and defense industry would be a big change for me and I'm ready to make this leap in my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Direct
12. What do you feel is the biggest challenge the NSA faces today?
How to Answer
As technology morphs and develops to become more sophisticated, so does the need for finding and preventing bad groups or individuals from doing harm with that technology. Today, the National Security Agency faces many potential threats and your interviewer wants to hear you speak with some insight as you answer this question. While there are many routes you can take your answer, be sure to research some of the biggest challenges the organization may face when it comes to cybersecurity and signals intelligence. As you answer, try to speak as knowledgeably as possible, even if this industry isn't in your wheelhouse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I would believe that one of the biggest challenges you face daily at the National Security Agency is the sheer amount of data that is out there on the web. Each day, that data continues to grow, and successfully monitoring it all takes a full-fledged effort in cybersecurity."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Direct
13. What is cryptography, and what are some common practices used in this discipline?
How to Answer
In looking to join the NSA in any role, it is important to understand that cryptography is an essential piece in the cybersecurity efforts of the organization. If you have direct knowledge and experience of cryptography and how the NSA applies it to their cybersecurity efforts, talk knowledgeably about the topic. If you don't have direct knowledge of what cryptography is, be sure to research the topic ahead of time so you can show your interviewer that you put forth the effort to learn a bit prior to your interview. This will earn you bonus points in your interview process.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Cryptography is the practice of ensuring that data transmitted across a network is secure. Threats to the security of any data can come from both internal and external sources. Common practices used to secure data all involve encryption of the information. The sender encrypts the data, which is then decrypted by the authorized recipient, using both off-the-shelf and customized software tools. While I don't know the exact methods that the NSA uses in the cryptography efforts, I'd sure be excited to learn if hired for this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Direct
14. What are the NSA's core values and what do they mean to you in the work that you would be doing here?
How to Answer
In the National Security Agency's pursuit to achieve the best national security outcomes, the organization has put together a great list of core values that they abide by in all that they do. Prior to your interview, be sure to read up on their core values of a commitment to service, transparency, respect for the law, respect for people, integrity, and accountability. To go the extra mile in your answer, explain what these values mean to you in the work that you would be doing at the NSA. As you answer, be sure to speak with excitement when it comes to joining the NSA n their mission!
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Prior to applying for this role at the NSA, I was reading through your organization's core values and they really struck a chord with me. To start, I am a firm believer in displaying respect on the job and I firmly believe in your mission to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. In this role, integrity is imperative in the communications I would have on a regular basis with colleagues, and being held accountable for my own work and actions is equally important. Last, the NSA's commitment to excellence in all that you do would drive me to deliver the best possible results in each and every task that I take on this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Direct
15. Here at the NSA, we take confidentiality very seriously. Are you willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if hired for this role?
How to Answer
With the NSA being a part of the United States Department of Defense, confidential and classified information may be a regular part of your job if hired for this role. With that being the case, there is a good chance that you will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement if you were to be offered and accept the position. Talk to your interviewer about your willingness to sign an agreement. If you are currently under a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement with your present employer or have been at any time in the past, now is the time to discuss that.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have had one job where an NDA was required in the past, although I am not currently required to have one. If hired at the NSA, I fully understand the need for one and would have no hesitation in signing one."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
16. Why are you interested in joining the National Security Agency?
How to Answer
Here is the ultimate question that gives your interviewer the opportunity to gauge your true interest and passion for helping to produce the greatest national security outcomes possible. While they are likely considering many well-qualified candidates to join the NSA, their hiring decision may come down to the candidate that best proves their passion for the work that the NSA does on a daily basis. To impress your interviewer and prove your passion, try to pick one or two of the NSA's core values that you hold near and dear to your heart and talk about how this would help you be the most dedicated and loyal candidate they would hire for this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"First and foremost, I am so proud of my family members that have served our country, including my grandfather and uncle. When I saw this opportunity come up, I was thrilled to be able to apply and give myself a chance at serving the greater of our country. As I researched the NSA and formally applied for this position, I was so impressed at the core values that your organization follows. I am a firm believer in accountability on the job and respect for all people. If hired for this role, you can be sure that I would display these values in all that I do on the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
17. If hired for this role at the National Security Agency, how long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team?
How to Answer
In an ideal scenario, your interviewer would like to know that you are prepared to contribute from the start in this role with the NSA. If you were to be a successful candidate, put some serious thought into how you would be able to make a viable contribution to the organization upon starting. Talk to your interviewer about your plan to create a fast impact in this role by thoroughly reading the job description and matching your skills and experiences for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am confident in my ability to make an impact right away at the NSA and have already crafted a plan to make that happen. I am a competent and enthusiastic project manager, and I plan to learn everything I can about your processes right away. Once I know your processes, I am confident that I could be helping to increase the activity for your department within the first few weeks of my onboarding."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
18. Who is the smartest person that you know and why do you consider them smart?
How to Answer
In an attempt to get to know your personal side a bit better and see the type of person they'd be hiring to join their team at the National Security Agency, your interviewer is posing this question to you. You can have fun with this question and choose a family member, friend, mentor, author, or celebrity. Just be sure that you can back your answer and prove why you consider that person to be the smartest. If you can relate your response to an influencer in your industry, that's the best way to approach this question. A great way to keep this conversation going would be to ask the interviewer the same matter in the end.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am a history buff and have always loved studying the presidential history of our country. I consider John F. Kennedy to be one of the smartest people that I've studied. While he was known for having a high IQ and graduating from Harvard, his smarts came through in the most memorable inaugural address ever given and his great programs he established to boost the economy in the US."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
19. What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
How to Answer
It's important for your interviewer to know they are considering a well-rounded individual to join the staff at the National Security Agency. They also want to gauge your personality and interests for the sake of compatibility within their team. As you answer this question, be sure to share a few activities you genuinely enjoy. It is also important for leadership to see that you have ways of recharging yourself outside of work so that you can come to work both physically and mentally refreshed each day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Outside of work, I am a family dedicated dad and husband. Our family enjoys many outdoor activities depending on the season. We love spending time on the water, whether it be fishing or kayaking as a family. As well, we spend a lot of time biking the trails around the area. I'm also very into cooking and my family and neighbors love the monthly barbecues that I put on."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
20. What would providing excellent service mean to you in this role with the NSA?
How to Answer
Prior to your interview with the NSA, as you research their core values, you will find that their top value is a commitment to service. Where traditional jobs focus on customer service, it is important to know that NSA's service is dedicated to the United States, its friends, and its allies. In this mission to serve the greater good, the NSA does so with excellence. Prior to your interview, put some thought into how your work will help in the NSA's commitment to serving the general public and the country as a whole. While it can be hard to pinpoint in thought, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand the NSA's commitment to service in a wide-viewed perspective.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"What really excites me the most me about this role with the NSA is the fact that I will get to contribute to the greater good and safety of the United States. While I've spent the first 15 years of my career in the private sector doing great things, I really feel that this job is my calling to give back to more than just a business. For me in this role, a commitment to service would include a laser-like commitment and focus on all projects that I was assigned. It would also entail the utmost in confidentiality in the work that I would be performing."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
21. We encourage innovation at the NSA. What does innovation mean to you in your work?
How to Answer
To stay one step ahead in the national security game when it comes to cybersecurity and signals intelligence, the staff at the National Security Agency have to always be innovative in the projects that they take on. As you answer this question, try to talk specifically about what you feel innovation means in the work that you would be doing at the NSA. As well, don't hesitate to research and touch on some of the great innovations in technology that the NSA has developed and even brought to the private sector of business.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In this role at the NSA, innovation would come from my ability to stay educated and informed on new technologies in cybersecurity. I fully believe in thinking outside of the proverbial box in my work and would love to bring this mindset to work here. Prior to my interview, I was reading about your 'Technology Transfer' program and was enamored by the great innovations here in the past at the NSA that have been made available to the private sector to help better our world."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
22. Are you familiar with ways that the NSA is using artificial intelligence in our work?
How to Answer
In foreign and domestic intelligence, AI is being put into practice in many areas to provide the best security possible. At the NSA, AI is being used to pattern and understand a large amount of signals data that it collects. It is also used to detect oddities in web traffic that could give insight into a future attack. If asked a question like this during your interview, your interviewer will want to hear that you are familiar with the ways that the NSA is putting AI to use in the work that they do. Prior to your interview, try to research some ways and be able to talk about them during your time with your interviewer. To earn bonus points, don't hesitate to talk about any experience you have in working with AI and how you feel it will continue to help the mission of the NSA into the future.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Prior to my interview, I was reading about some of the great ways that the NSA using artificial intelligence to change the world. While I'm very familiar with using AI to pull large amounts of web data and searches, the one use that I find really fascinating is how the NSA uses AI to ensure compliance with the law in your queries. I can't even begin to imagine all of the authorities and laws in the cybersecurity intelligence world and knowing that AI can help ensure compliance is amazing."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
23. We take great pride in the workplace culture we have built at the National Security Agency. Tell me about your ideal work environment.
How to Answer
The National Security Agency has put a great amount of effort into building its workplace culture around serving the people of the United States and doing so in a manner that takes the civil liberties of the public into account. As you research the NSA prior to your interview, you'll find that their core values truly reflect their culture of service. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to ensure that the culture and workplace environment is a fit for you. As you answer, talk about your cultural preferences in a workplace and be sure to reiterate that this environment is the right one for you in your career.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"From what I understand, your workplace culture is one that is dedicated to excellence in the pursuit of serving the public in every critical mission. I love the fact that the NSA does this with a focus on integrity in all that you do and by being transparent with the general public in your mission. I know I would thrive in this work environment because I have a strong desire to help serve the safety and security of our country. This is a mission that I would be proud to be a part of at the NSA."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Discovery
24. As we look to consider you to join the NSA, what experiences or credentials set you apart from others interviewing for the role?
How to Answer
While your interviewer can tell a lot about the education, experience, and credentials you would bring to the NSA team by looking at your resume, they want you to walk them through your path that led you to this interview. As you answer, be sure to highlight the experiences and education that you have that truly make you a unique and well-qualified candidate for the particular job that you are interviewing for. Don't hesitate to brag a bit about yourself, because it may just seal the deal for you in your interview. As well, always keep some of the unique duties of the job that you are interviewing for in mind that you feel you are the most qualified to handle. To do this, be sure to carefully read through the job description prior to your interview.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have eight years of experience as a cryptographer in the healthcare industry. In an industry where HIPAA laws demand the most stringent security measures, I would bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience in secure communications to the National Security Agency. As well, my Ph.D. in cryptography is a very unique credential that I hold very near and dear to my heart."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Diversity
25. At the National Security Agency, we show respect for all people. Do you have experience working in a culturally diverse environment?
How to Answer
One of the NSA's core values is respect for people and within that value stems a belief that all personnel at the organization are respected, included, and valued for their diversity, experiences, and skills. Discuss with your interviewer any experience you have with diversity and inclusion and working in a culturally diverse environment. If you have any formal training in diversity and inclusion, now is a great time to talk about that experience. In the end, try to share how you celebrate diversity and remain inclusive in the workplace.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As a visible minority myself, I make a conscious effort to include others in learning about my unique culture. Also, I am broad-minded when it comes to the needs and differences of others. Diversity to me is not simply a matter of culture but also of gender, identity, age, and more. I am conscious of being sensitive to others in every action that I take in the workplace. In my current job, I get to see the true benefits of cultural diversity when my team turns unique and groundbreaking ideas into reality and our differences in backgrounds help foster this."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Leadership
26. At the NSA, we seek to hire natural leaders. What leadership skills and qualities would you bring to this role?
How to Answer
The NSA's mission to produce excellent national security outcomes takes true leadership skills and capabilities from every team member. In asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear you talk about any leadership experiences and skills that you would bring to their team if hired for this position. Whether you are interviewing for an actual leadership titled position or not makes no difference when asked this question. Your interviewer wants to hear how you can be a natural leader if hired as part of their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"While I've never held titles like supervisor, manager, or director, I've always taken pride in my ability to take the lead with any team that I've been a part of. If I were to be hired at the National Security Agency, you would quickly find out that I am a teammate that brings compassion, respect, and integrity in all that I do on the job. My colleagues are drawn to these qualities and look to me to lead by example and provide assistance when needed. I also bring a sense of respect to a team by being courteous and civil in all situations."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Leadership
27. Talk about your favorite leader you have had during your career. What qualities did they have that stood out to you the most?
How to Answer
This question gives your interviewer a glimpse of what you value in a leader, and how you exemplify those values in the work that you do. Provide an example of a leader who has had a lasting impression on you and influenced your own leadership skills. Discuss the different qualities they have and how those qualities have impacted the way you work and how that would impact your role in the new organization. As you answer, this is a great time to point out some of the core values of the National Security Agency that you like to see displayed in a leader.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"If I were to be offered this position at the NSA and leave my current job, I would miss my current director the most. He is a leader that has always instilled accountability, integrity, and respect among his entire team and he does so by giving us the freedom to work independently while also keeping an open-door policy at all times. Because of his leadership, I would bring these same values of being a steward of public resources and committing to excellence at the NSA."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Operational
28. We consider research to be the backbone of what we do at the NSA. Do you think it's important to conduct research before beginning a project or would you rather jump right in?
How to Answer
Talk to your interviewer about your work habits and the way in which you prefer to approach a new project. If you have a sense of how the NSA and the team you are interviewing for prefers to approach the work in the role that you are interviewing for, you should discuss that method. For instance, if your interviewer tells you that they prefer extensive research before beginning a project, that is your cue to talk about your excellent research skills. Carefully reading the job description prior to your interview will help you to answer this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I agree that research is the backbone of a strong project. Without it, important details are missed and a lot of time can be wasted. I like to research before starting a project so that I can lay out a plan and understand the potential hurdles that may come. I don't hesitate to talk with subject matter experts involved in any project that I am involved with."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Operational
29. How would you use structured problem solving to make improvements here at the NSA?
How to Answer
There are many ways to use a formally structured problem-solving approach on the job. Oftentimes different organizations have different methodologies they prefer and they will likely even have different methodologies they apply depending on the type of problem at hand. If hired at the NSA, they will likely offer detailed training on their preferred methodology. The intent of this question isn't to determine if you are an expert at the NSA's specific problem-solving approach. Rather, the question is used to determine whether you have experience using a structured methodology to solve problems. Prior to your interview, be sure to reflect on if you've been trained and used any structured problem-solving approaches like A3, fishbone diagrams, and 8D. Even if you don't have hands-on experience with the formal methods, there are definitely ways you can talk about a structured approach to solving problems on the job at the NSA.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"If hired at the NSA, I would bring an innate ability to solve the most difficult of problems in this role. While I have experience with using fishbone diagrams to analyze cause and effect for any issue, I take a straightforward approach in defining the problem, hypothesizing solutions, weighing the options, and then acting on a solution. In the world that the NSA operates in, I fully understand that I would be employing this tactic in a matter of minutes at times and I am fully comfortable in my ability to do this."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Operational
30. Why is standardizing work processes important to you?
How to Answer
Project work at the NSA is very standardized and for good reason. As a government entity under the Department of Defense, the NSA has to follow both the rule of law and open transparency with the public, and standardizing work processes helps make both much easier. If you have any experience working under lean, kaizen, or any other standardized work process procedures, be sure to talk about that experience and the benefits you personally witness of a standardized work process. If you don't have experience working under any of the established and well-known work processes, that is okay. Just be sure to talk about the importance of the work that you do being standardized and how that will apply to your work with the NSA.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Standardized work is significant for many reasons. By adhering to standardized work, I can ensure that I am working safely and producing the required quality standards. Standardized work is integral to lean systems, which I am very familiar with. Standardized work gives an organization like the NSA a stable base to improve. If hired for this role, I would be excited to learn and master the work processes to become a key member of your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Teamwork
31. If a colleague wasn't pulling their weight on a project here at the NSA, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
In looking for you to join the National Security Agency, your interview will be expecting that you can lead and manage others in large team projects that could impact national security. In this role, you may run into a person that doesn't want to do their fair share of the work on a project. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are able to handle a situation like this with a direct approach. As well, they'll want to know that you can do so with respect and a forward vision for the project. If you have an example of a time where you dealt with a colleague in a situation like this, don't hesitate to talk about how you handled it with ease and success.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"On any project, a true team effort is a must. Every person involved has a specific role to play, and I know mine. If a team member wasn't doing the necessary work or giving the necessary information, as a leader, I would first approach them directly in a one-on-one situation to reset my expectations for them as part of the project. I wouldn't place blame. I would listen to them and absorb what they were saying to me. Ultimately I would stay positive. I'd stress just how critical their involvement is to this project was, and that the project goes as the people driving it goes, and if they lacked support in some way, then we would resolve that issue."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Teamwork
32. How would you work in the cross-functional environment we have here at the NSA?
How to Answer
Prior to your interview with the NSA, it is important that you understand that you will be working closely with teams from other departments within the organization. These different teams can include engineering, computer sciences, intelligence analysis, data management, project management, and legal teams. No matter what team at the NSA you will be looking to join, your ability to work with cross-functional teams will be a significant asset to the NSA. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you will bring this ability. Ideally, they'll be looking to hear about any prior experience you have in working with colleagues from different departments and different levels of an organization. As you answer, your interviewer will be keying into your ability to communicate effectively, build trust and handle conflict.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Exposure to cross-functional teamwork in my current position is widespread. I believe that when expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning, a cross-functional team project can be very successful. I go into these types of projects with an understanding that everyone has their strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function. When I collaborate with people that I don't usually collaborate with on the job, I quickly look to build trust with my ability to do what I say and say what I do at all times."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Teamwork
33. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had while working in a team environment. What made it so satisfying?
How to Answer
In all that the NSA does to provide the best national security outcomes, teamwork is vital! With this question, your interviewer at the NSA ideally wants to hear that you feel accomplished through teamwork. Talk about a time when you felt fulfilled through a team setting or project collaboration. An example may be a time when you worked on a team project during your college experience or a recent work collaboration. Discuss the positive results of teamwork and how you attained a positive outcome as a group. Don't hesitate to talk about the role that you played in that team environment to show your interviewer how you work effectively as part of a larger team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My current work team was not getting along a few years ago, so I reached out to an external team-building consulting service. With their help, we organized a day full of development exercises that were meant to draw our team closer to each other by developing a sense of trust and camaraderie. This experience was incredibly rewarding because I saw relationships and bonds quickly form. I had a plan in place for keeping the momentum over time, which has also worked well to this day. Looking back, trust and communication were huge issues on this team and I learned that these two things can be fostered with a little effort."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Teamwork
34. If hired at the NSA, how would you go about building rapport with the team that you will be working with?
How to Answer
In looking to hire you as a critical member of their team at the NSA, your interviewer wants to know the steps you would take from your first day forward on building rapport, trust, and respect with all colleagues that you would be working closely with. There are many ways to build rapport and each individual's personality could lend itself to different methods of building it. As you answer, try to think about some of the core values of the National Security Agency, like integrity, accountability, and transparency, and work those values into how you would build trust if hired for this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"To build rapport with the team that's new to me, I try to get to know each individual on a personal basis. Even though I will likely not develop close personal friendships with each of them, I think it helps to know one another on somewhat of a personal level. It is easier to work together, especially in trying situations, if the team and I have some level of personal respect for one another. Other than that, I ask the team to allow me to follow through on what I say. I make sure that when I tell the team that I will help them with something, that I follow through. I make sure that the communication is always open with the team, even if the information I may be communicating is not to their liking. I find that people respect honesty and transparency much more than just getting lip service or having someone tell them what they want to hear."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Technical
35. Can you explain how traceroute is used in the practice of cybersecurity?
How to Answer
As you prepare for your interview with the NSA, you should be prepared for at least a few cybersecurity technical questions to be thrown your way. Even if your career path to this point hasn't directly put you in a position to work for hands in with these technical aspects, you need to still come to your interview prepared to discuss them. With this question on traceroute, give a high-level definition of the term and explain how it is used in the cybersecurity world. Then, if you know this could be a part of your job at the NSA, elaborate more on your knowledge of traceroute and how you think the NSA uses it to their benefit.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Traceroute is a tool used by cybersecurity professionals to determine the path a packet follows across a network. The traceroute identifies each point or network device a packet passes through. It is used to determine why a packet may not be reaching its intended destination and whether this is related to a cybersecurity issue. At the NSA, I envision traceroutes are used to monitor the security of networks used by the military and other government entities."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021