How would you employ structured problem solving in your work?
Your interviewer is curious how your approach to solving problems, and the systems and methods you employ to maximize your efficiency in your work, will align with and complement how they do things at the NSA. Ideally, the training they offer will enhance the skills you already possess, rather than require you to relearn everything in a new approach. After learning what you can about the NSA's approach, showcase how you apply a structured methodology to your work, regardless of whether you have hands-on experience with their formal methods. Showcase that you're an apt pupil, and would quickly be able to adapt.
Take some time to reflect and map out your approach to tackling difficult problems and situations. Take note of all the systems and processes you would use, and how your unique approach would complement the NSA. When it comes to problem-solving, the NSA requires their employees to be adept at "identifying and analyzing problems, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information, making recommendations and providing solutions to problems."
"I pride myself on having a strong attention to detail and being very analytically minded. I have an innate ability to quickly trace things back to the source. Once there, I consider myself resourceful and quick to generate conventional or outside-of-the-box solutions, depending on need. I also don't have much of an ego when it comes to the suggestions I offer. Too often, ego only contributes to the problem. Finding an agreeable outcome is always my primary motive and concern."
