How to Answer: The TSA is often under the scrutiny of the public eye. Are you prepared to work in this type of environment?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a TSA Screener job interview.
27. The TSA is often under the scrutiny of the public eye. Are you prepared to work in this type of environment?
What You Need to Know
The TSA works tirelessly to protect the public from harm and help travelers arrive safely at their destinations. We see many incredible stories of heroic and attentive TSA officers who discover and confiscate loaded guns, knives, bombs, weapons, and other items meant for harm. However, with this positive media comes negative press, too.
The interviewer wants to hear that you will support the organization even during challenging times in the media. Show the interviewer that you respect the TSA's mission and that you stand by the high standards of safety that the Transportation Security Administration has put into place. Share that you want to be a part of this mission and look forward to joining the team.
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 23rd, 2020
Entry Level Example
"No existing government unit escapes the critical eye of the media. One day on the news, I saw that a TSA officer confiscated a loaded gun from someone trying to board a plane. Then, in the same breath, another media outlet will report that the TSA's security guidelines are too relaxed. I understand that being under the scrutiny of the public eye is a part of this job. I will react by being consistent, following my mandate to the tee every single day, and being an enthusiastic advocate for the TSA and its efforts in protecting the public from harm."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 23rd, 2020
Experienced Example
"Air travel can be difficult for a lot of people. It's an ordeal arriving two to three hours before your flight, and you never know what to expect with security lines. Many, in addition to their stress, have issues with those in positions of authority. So you might encounter someone who fits this description, who lacks better judgment or has less control over their impulses and project this stress onto you. This doesn't bother me. I expect it, and it is part of this job. This could be compared to different aspects of any job where you interact with the public. I have no control over the misperceptions someone brings with them when they meet me. All I can do is to be prepared to bring my best self to work, which means I bring my best attitude and the empathy that comes with it. This way, I ensure their misperceptions go on being misplaced, and hopefully, by the end of their experience, changes their view."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
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