How do you handle having to reprioritize and set aside work that you were heavily involved in?
This question is aimed at helping your interviewer assess how adaptable you are, and how capably you multitask while keeping track of your progress when forced to re-prioritize, without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. How you answer could potentially inform them of your performance level, your attention to detail, your ability to meet tight deadlines, and your attitude in high-pressure situations. The NSA advertises that they put great efforts towards "empowering an adaptive, expert workforce" which possesses characteristics, such as "scalability" and "adaptability."
"A couple of years ago, I was challenged with drafting a strategy for a major project. I spent two months performing intensive research, and the last month putting together the strategy and creating a road map for some control group tests. That was when I was informed we were putting a hold on the project until further notice. I was then challenged with scaling back the resources I tapped into and being ready to prepare to be assigned other priorities. Not knowing when or if we'd return to this important work, I hurriedly generated some reports so progress could be resumed with no rework at a later date, and flagged the resources for when they would need to be tapped into again. With our next assignment, I was able to use the same framework I'd implemented for the previous project and performed more effectively than I would have otherwise. The learning experience from the previous project proved invaluable. Then, months later, when we wrapped up ahead of schedule, I was able to resume the previous project, picking up right where I left off, applying what I'd learned from the other project, and performing better than I would if not for both experiences."
Knowing well the pressures and strains of the job, the NSA devotes considerable resources to help their workforce deal with their stress, such as their civilian fitness program which allows up to 3 hours of paid leave per week to engage in physical fitness activities at approved locations. They also offer flexible hours, generous vacation time, and support services for mental health such as their behavioral health and life services, their employee assistance program, 24/7 psychological crisis support, workplace psychological consultation for high-tempo and challenging workplace environments, and psychological education and training on topics such as stress, suicide awareness, and coping with uncertainty. These are but a few of the services they offer their workforce aimed at fostering a positive work-life balance.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Having to change what I am doing mid-flow is something I expect. If I was making something a particular way, there are points to be critiqued, a new constraint I need to satisfy, or the objective of the software might have changed altogether. I just need to find an efficient way to adapt my work to ongoing events.
Marcie's Feedback
To strengthen your answer, can you provide an example of a time when this happened to you? How did you overcome it?
Anonymous Answer
Extremely well. In my current position, we like to say the only consistent thing in the Coast Guard is change. The direction of how the coastguard directs our workflows changes monthly, if not weekly. I like to keep a positive outlook on things when this happens and think of it as always having a new experience to learn.
Jaymie's Feedback
Change is difficult for many to adjust to, but it sounds like this is a major strength of yours! Be sure to include how you handle critique in your response as well. Are you open to feedback? Can you take constructive criticism well and use that to grow and develop?
Unlock all 38 NSA (National Security Agency) questions
Prepare for polygraph discussions and questions that test your judgment under scrutiny.
Get Started