TSA Screener Mock Interview
Practice 30 TSA Screener interview questions covering security protocols, passenger interaction, and threat detection.
Question 14 of 30
The TSA is often under the scrutiny of the public eye. Are you prepared to work in this type of environment?
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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 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.
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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Anonymous Answer
I previously worked in an organization that also received negative feelings from the public. But knowing I was keeping the public safe and the fact that they didn't see the measures I took on a daily bases to keep them safe made it easy to go to work with a positive attitude on a daily bases.
Mary's Feedback
Great response linking previous and translatable experience! See adjustments for reformatting.
I currently work in a organization/position that receives negative feelings by the public. I know I am doing my part to keep the public safe, even if others do not see the daily measures I take. Knowing my personal contribution makes it easier to keep going to work every day with a positive attitude.
Anonymous Answer
I've seen some of the news about the TSA in the past. But I think I bring a level high level of ability to interface with people and hopefully give them a positive impression of the TSA.
Rachelle's Feedback
Nice start! Be sure to add in some detail regarding what you have heard and exactly how you will interface with people.
"I understand that the TSA has faced scrutiny in the past, related to service and communication. With that said, I understand that the TSA has had record-breaking years as of late. These successes include records for firearm discovery, as well as the seizure of concealed weapons. I believe the public is becoming more receptive as they see the boost in safety that the TSA provides. I have a great ability to communicate with others in a friendly yet impactful way, and I believe that my contribution will help to solidify further a positive impression of the TSA to the public."
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I understand the public can be distrustful of people in authority. I am prepared to remain positive and consistent.
Cindy's Feedback
Good start. Can you also discuss how you've demonstrated these qualities in similar positions?
Anonymous Answer
Yes. I understand that at any given time, people can have out their cell phones and be recording. The last thing we would want is to be the center of negative attention in the press.
Marcie's Feedback
You're right. Nowadays people use their phones to record everything, and people in positions of authority are under tremendous scrutiny at all times. It's good that you are ready for this. To strengthen your answer, talk about how you're prepared to work in this type of environment and give examples of times in the past when you've successfully dealt with negative attention or scrutiny.
Anonymous Answer
I understand that the TSA is often under the scrutiny of the public eye and I will tackle this by following my mandate to the tee every single day while also providing exceptional customer service so that our passengers leave with a positive view of the TSA.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! It's great that you plan to follow the rules and provide excellent customer service so the public view you in a positive light. Have you ever had a job or previous engagement when you were scrutinized by others? How did you handle this? Providing an example will further strengthen your answer. Good job!
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