TSA Screener Mock Interview
Practice 30 TSA Screener interview questions covering security protocols, passenger interaction, and threat detection.
Question 22 of 30
Walk me through your experience in security and protection.
What You Need to Know
Experienced
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.
This is similar to the common interview question 'Tell me about yourself.' When you walk the interviewer through your related background, your approach should give a high-level overview of the most relevant points. Share where you have worked and your job title, discuss your primary responsibilities, and tie these factors back to how your experience will benefit the TSA, should they hire you as a Screener. Show your enthusiasm for this line of work, and include any related education and training.
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.
"Immediately after high school, I pursued a Security Guard License. Upon obtaining my certification, I worked full-time for a third-party security provider. I was responsible for the night patrol of a financial institution, a jewelry store, and numerous residential construction sites. Through this experience, I gained much patrol experience in high-risk industries. I have consistently proven myself to be an incredibly reliable and trustworthy individual. Today, I am ready to take the next level in my career by joining this administration and committing my career to protect the public on a more critical level."
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.
"In junior high school, I took Aikido, which started my passion for self-defense, which I continue to practice to this day. In high school, I served as a hall monitor for four years. Then, in college, I supported myself in my freshman year by being the doorman at a club. My easygoing demeanor and excellent self-defense skills caught the attention of the manager of a high-class apartment building. He recruited me into that job, where I worked my sophomore year and the following summer. This led to me being hired by one of the tenants of the building, who ran a private security company. I have letters of recommendation from all of my prior employers, and if you would like to call them, they are ready and willing to share."
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Anonymous Answer
I don't have any official security experience. I have been in positions where just the presence or appearance of authority has was required. I look forward to the training that TSA will provide.
Kevin's Feedback
I've clarified your answer a little. See below.
Although I don't have direct security experience, I have held positions of authority, which provided a sense of security in certain situations. I really enjoy this type of role, and look forward to the training and development I will get through TSA.
Anonymous Answer
22 years as a Corrections Officer.
Mary's Feedback
Excellent experience! To add more depth, consider including skills from your role that translate to the job description. See below for example [example only- refer to job description]
I have worked for 24 years as a Corrections Officer which includes [i.e. providing security and protection], [i.e. maintaining composure under high-stress environments] and [i.e. working collaboratively in a team]. I believe this experience has well-prepared me for becoming a TSA agent.
Anonymous Answer
In the US Navy, I was a daily contributor to the security of the ship. This included coming onboard security to a roving security patrol.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent - this response will provide the interviewer with a lot of confidence in your abilities. Now, be sure to include the training you received, and discuss how it will benefit the TSA should you be hired.
Anonymous Answer
My experience with security is limited to the restaurant. Making sure the cash drawers and safe are secured. The back door is always locked. No one is allowed outside in the dark alone to do the trash runs. When the armored car truck shows up for money delivery there need to be two people on the receiving end.
Marcie's Feedback
This is a great answer, and you list very applicable examples of instances when you have helped to maintain security! Try to begin your answer on a more positive note, however. See below.
While working in the food services industry, I have gained experience in security and look forward to continuing to grow in this area. In my current role, I make sure that the cash drawers and safe are secured and that the back door to the restaurant is always locked. This is especially important to me because I like to know that my coworkers are being kept safe. No one is allowed outside in the dark alone to do the trash runs; instead, we use a buddy system to make sure nobody is left vulnerable and alone in the dark. Finally, when the armored car truck arrives for money delivery, we always ensure that there are two people on the receiving end for security purposes.
Anonymous Answer
As a substitute teacher, one of my responsibilities was to ensure the student's safety. I remained observant in every setting that I was in and called for school security when anything was amiss or, if I was dealing with little ones, I would personally jump in to stop potentially harmful behavior.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! Can you give an example of a time when you helped protect a student? This will make your response even more impactful. Also, remember to end your answer by reminding the interviewer that you are confident in your experience in this area and look forward to continuing to hone these skills. Good job!
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