What are the NSA's core values and what do they mean to you?
The NSA expects everyone in their workforce to be fully versed in the agency's core values, mission, and culture, and up to date with recent news, events, and everything pertaining to the NSA. So, they're asking this question to help identify those candidates who have the strongest work ethic, and who went above and beyond in preparing for their interview. When preparing, go beyond memorizing their core values of commitment to service, transparency, respect for the law, respect for people, integrity, and accountability. But also memorize how they define them. Go the extra mile in your answer, explaining what these values mean to you and how you identify with them.
"The agency's core values are very much in line with my own, and it wasn't difficult at all to memorize them. I am a firm believer in respect being integral to teamwork and collaboration. I am honest and very transparent in all my communications. Integrity is integral to my character. I always hold myself accountable for my own work and actions. Excellence is everything I strive for, and I always aim to deliver the best possible results in every task I take on. And lastly, my ethical nature makes me the most law-abiding person I know."
"NSA is committed to remaining the pre-eminent foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity agency in the nation. From protecting our warfighters around the world to enabling and supporting operations on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in the cyber domain; to partnering with academia, private industry, and our allies to enhance mission, our employees model these six core values in their work.
"Commitment to Service: Knowing that the country, our friends and allies are relying on us, we are dedicated to fulfilling our commitment to serve and to excellence in the pursuit of our critical mission. Transparency: We are committed to fostering public understanding of NSA's mission and to providing complete transparency to those who authorize and oversee NSA's work on behalf of the American people. Respect for the Law: Everything we undertake in our missions is grounded in our adherence to the U.S. Constitution and compliance with the U.S. laws, regulations and policies that govern our activities.
"Respect for People: We are committed to ensuring that all NSA personnel are respected, included and valued for their diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and contributions to our mission and culture. Integrity: We are committed to communicating honestly and directly, acting ethically and fairly and carrying out our mission efficiently and effectively. Accountability: We are accountable for our actions and take responsibility for our decisions, practicing wise stewardship of public resources and placing prudent judgment over expediency."
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
NSA's core values are ethics, honesty, efficiency, and effectiveness. These are values that I live by as well. These are necessary values to be a decent human being. Being efficient and effective saves you resources, and helps you perform adequately.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you know what the NSA's core values are. Talk more about what they mean to you and how you live them. Really emphasize that you are a person of integrity. Build this answer out further to show the interviewer how passionate you are about this role.
Anonymous Answer
NSA’s core values are Commitment to service - committed to helping a person or situation in any way I can. Transparency - is to be open and honest, doing so I believe builds trust and leads to better decision-making. Respect for the law and people - this is pretty self-explanatory to me. The law is there to keep you safe. And treat others how you would like to be treated.
Integrity and accountability - be proud of the work you do and take responsibility for the choices you make.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great! Your answer shows that you researched those values and have taken the time to really think about what each means.
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