What about your work do you find most rewarding?
Your interviewer wants to get a feel for your commitment and passion, and the pride you take in your work. Align your career goals with the mission and values of the National Security Agency. Study the job description, and outline the aspects of this job that you'll find most rewarding, both professionally and personally. You want them to imagine you in this role at the NSA.
How you answer this question will offer them clues as to how invested you are in this opportunity. It will inform them of what aspects of this career path you find the most attractive and motivating. To get a better feel for what the agency has to offer, and more insight into what their target talent looks like, spend time reading up on the testimonials of their current employees. And don't limit your research to the NSA's web pages. Also, spend time combing through their LinkedIn and Facebook pages as well. The more versed you are in all the available information pertaining to the NSA, the stronger your work ethic will seem.
The National Security Agency describes their people as their greatest resource. By offering them a more sustainable and rewarding work environment, a strong work-life balance, and an abundance of education and training opportunities, they create an atmosphere that offers greater opportunities for innovation and advancement. Here are a few testimonials from their people attesting to this: "I get to do what I love every day!" "Getting to see the world. Endless opportunity to learn and make a difference." "The privilege to work with great people from all walks of life marching toward common goals whom have inspired me personally and professionally." "My passion as an individual is mentoring others." "I take pride in knowing that I am able to help advance the mission and am able to serve as mentor and leader for those who will take my place in the future."
"Working with the military has increased my awareness of our men and women in uniform. I have never been as grateful to them for their service as I am now." "The most rewarding aspects are the opportunities to develop either by formal education programs, certifications, agency classes, or peer-to-peer training, from technical skills to leadership skills." "The people and the opportunities. I work with the most incredible people day in and day out." "I get to work with incredibly brilliant and dedicated people every day. I love that I can voice my ideas and have them heard. I love that NSA cares about me. I love that I have the ability to flex my time to meet my personal needs. I love that what I do matters."
"Well, I chose this career path because I find it rewarding sheerly because I am good at what I do. In fact, among my own circles, at school and in my communities, I am one of the best. So, now, I wanted to be surrounded by the best of the best. I want to collaborate and work with great like-minds. So, that's what I find rewarding about my work. It's being good at what I do, and the thrill of working with brilliant minds who surprise me by teaching me something new. So, the chance to put my talents to work for the NSA in this environment would be thrilling."
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
I need exposure to the industry and be part of a real team. I will be exposed to stressful work environments, constraints, workflow, etc. All of this adaptation is very good for my personal growth.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! So it's the challenge of a real-world job that you're looking forward to? Remind the interviewer how you believe you can only find this type of challenge at their company in this role.
Anonymous Answer
Personally, I think just being a part of something bigger than myself, and helping achieve the highest standard in anything while also supporting anything NAS would be most rewarding.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great!
Unlock all 38 NSA (National Security Agency) questions
Prepare for polygraph discussions and questions that test your judgment under scrutiny.
Get Started