Practice 30 TSA Screener interview questions covering security protocols, passenger interaction, and threat detection.
Question 29 of 30
What You Need to Know
General
Entry Level
Community Answers

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The TSA puts integrity and character first when making hiring decisions. The hiring authorities not only want to hear you say that you possess these characteristics; they want to see these traits in action.
Integrity, a core value of the TSA, is the cornerstone upon which they build the foundation of public trust. Take some time to think about the tangible ways you will exude honesty, integrity, and character every day as a TSA Screener.

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I understand that less than three-tenths of a percent of U.S. government agents are found to violate any critical code of conduct. These instances involve corruption, bribery, domestic violence, and driving under the influence. To exude integrity and earn and keep the trust of the public, I will always behave in a way that is honest, fair, and right. Even the smallest delinquency is unacceptable. I live a clean lifestyle, which includes refraining even from alcohol. I was raised to do what is right, even when nobody is looking. Rest assured, I would keep myself on the straight and narrow while also holding my fellow teammates accountable."

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I'd treat everyone with kindness and respect. Some people have issues with those in authority because those in authority abuse their position. But I would do my job to the best of my ability. For example, while working security for a music venue, there was one occasion when we were performing metal detector screenings and minor pat-downs for entrance to the events. The lists of items were very specific. A young man confessed he had a flask of tequila in his vest pocket before stepping through the machine. He asked if I would look the other way. I respectfully explained that I couldn't, but I treated him with kindness and respect. It was a nice flask. He said he didn't know what to do with it and asked if I would keep it safe for him. I told him I couldn't. I suggested he hide it in his car, and he confessed he didn't have one. But I told him if he figured it out and returned to the line sober, he could come right up to the front, and I would admit him. He agreed and returned shortly after. Everything checked out; I screened him and told him to have a nice night."

Interview Coach
Jaymie
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0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
To demonstrate integrity and to earn and keep the public's trust, I will always behave in a way that is honest, fair, and correct. I will treat the public and my fellow employees with respect, patience, and honesty.

Cindy's Feedback
Very good. Do you have an example from a prior position that demonstrates these characteristics in action?
Anonymous Answer
It's very important to remember that the job description doesn't change. The surroundings change.
Work hard, be professional, and having integrity which is being honest- in my opinion, is vital to any job. In my restaurant career, the saying goes - customers make paydays possible. I believe that you do need to treat them with respect and appreciate the travelers that are doing things correctly.
Marcie's Feedback
You're right - no matter the person you're dealing with or what their behavior is, it will be your job to continue being a hard worker, professional, and full of integrity. Your answer successfully explains that you will maintain these high standards no matter what or who you're dealing with, which is what the interviewer will want to hear. Perhaps consider explaining that not only will you treat people with respect and appreciate travelers who are doing things correctly, but you'll also show up on time every day, put your all into everything you do, dress professionally and neatly, and make sure to be fair and honest at all times.
Anonymous Answer
I will greet the public with a friendly demeanor.

Chad's Feedback
This is a good start, and a friendly demeanor will contribute to your ability to gain and maintain public trust! I recommend expanding on your response to also address how you will maintain high standards of hard work, professionalism, and integrity in the role, should you be hired. Integrity is a core value of the TSA and is the cornerstone upon which they build the foundation of public trust. The interviewer will not only want to hear that you possess this characteristic but also how it shows up in your life.
Anonymous Answer
I will exude this commitment by living my life with integrity and always doing what is right no matter the circumstance.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! But how exactly will you do this in terms of interacting with the public? Will you always maintain a calm and professional demeanor and tone of voice even when someone is being rude? Will you uphold the rules at all times even if someone pressures you to bend them? Go into more detail to make your answer more powerful. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
I will show up on time every day to work, dress professionally and neatly.
I will do my best, to be honest and fair all the time.

Jaymie's Feedback
This is a great start! If you can incorporate some customer service and conflict-resolution skills, that will be beneficial as well.
Prepare for behavioral scenarios and security questions that TSA interviewers prioritize.
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Written by Rachelle Enns
30 Questions & Answers • TSA Screener

By Rachelle

By Rachelle