"I am forthright, open, and honest. I am upfront and honest and conduct myself with integrity. I am very empathic and a strong listener. I pay close attention to the nonverbal cues of those who I am communicating with, and am quick to adapt my communication style to others, or as appropriate to any given situation. I am respectful, always levelheaded, and thorough and deliberate in my oral and written communication."

When combing through several of the NSA's job postings, you'll find the competencies that are required for that position. But don't just limit your research to the position for which you are applying. Spend time familiarizing yourself with the other roles they are looking to fill at the agency, regardless of whether you are interested in pursuing it as a potential future career path or not. Doing so will offer you a bigger picture of the other teams you'll be working with, what their role entails, and what your cross-functional communication will look like.

For example, in many of the positions they need to fill, both written and oral communication is a required competency. "Listening, being receptive to others, attending to non-verbal cues, and responding appropriately. Clearly and effectively expressing ideas, facts, or other information to individuals or groups. Making clear and convincing oral presentations in policy, procedural and technological topics. Communicating relevant information accurately, in a succinct and organized manner, and using the proper format, grammar, and spelling. Producing written material that is compelling and appropriate for the intended audience. Educate and advise employees on how to communicate with impact on topics that matter most. Articulate ideas and craft communication products that tell a compelling story. Whether your specialty is visual communication, writing, editing, or web development, you will create internal or external communications that provide vital information to many critical audiences."