TSA Screener Mock Interview
Practice 30 TSA Screener interview questions covering security protocols, passenger interaction, and threat detection.
Question 1 of 30
What did you most like and dislike about your previous job?
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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 interviewer is asking what you enjoy the most about your previous (or current) opportunity so that they can uncover your greatest strengths, abilities, and interests. Think about your favorite days at work at what they entail. Maybe you love being a face to the public, helping them solve issues. Perhaps you most enjoy training a coworker on a new software update. Or, maybe you give outstanding presentations and love to speak publically. Whatever your answer, be sure to show enthusiasm for what you do.
In the second part of this multi-part question, the interviewer wants assurance that you are not merely looking for a job replacement to soothe issues that will follow you into your role. For instance, if you say that your private security job is too stressful and the hours are challenging, this would be a red flag because the work of a TSA Screener is also challenging and stressful, and the hours are not a typical 9-5.
Give a meaningful, positive answer, and never speak poorly of your current employer.
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.
"What I like most about my current security position is that I meet new people every day. It's fascinating to see the sheer diversity of our population, and it's important to me that I remain in a role where I can engage with other people regularly. I am happy with most aspects of my current role; however, if I could change one thing, I would update some of the technology we use. It is challenging to document instances efficiently, and our equipment is too slow to handle program upgrades. I appreciate that the TSA has invested in state-of-the-art tech to help Screeners do their job efficiently and accurately."
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 enjoyed working with people and having positive interactions every day. I enjoyed the physicality of the job as well. What I disliked most was the toxic masculinity of some of my coworkers and the unfiltered opinions they would share about their worldviews that disparaged other groups of people or demographics. This is primarily why I am seeking a career change and why TSA feels like a good fit, based on their principles and values."
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Anonymous Answer
I enjoy interacting and helping the customer but there really isn't a purpose or goal. At the end of the day, I don't feel as though I accomplished anything.
Kevin's Feedback
I've reworded you answer slightly slightly for clarity. See below.
In my previous role, I really enjoyed interacting with customers and helping customers. On the other hand, I never felt as though I had a larger purpose or goal. At the end of the day, I never felt as though i accomplished anything tangible.
Anonymous Answer
I liked the closeness to my home. I disliked them being understaffed.
Mary's Feedback
Try considering a 'like' that highlights the experience you have developed.
I liked the experience the job gave me in working with diverse backgrounds and developing respect for all individuals regardless of background. What I did not like was the understaffing that often occurred.
Anonymous Answer
What I like most about my current position is serving the public. I enjoy helping people and feeling as though I made a positive difference in their lives. What I dislike most is that there isn't any opportunity to advance in my current position.
Cindy's Feedback
Great. Your answer suggests you'd be a good fit and also lets the interviewer know that you would like to grow your career with the TSA.
Anonymous Answer
I like the fact that my job has some flexibility in scheduling.
The regular customers who have been coming for years and truly are like family.
A few very loyal employees who have been there over ten years.
On the flip side, I dislike that there is a lot of turnover. There are a lot of teenagers that have their first jobs or go to college. The pay is minimal.
Marcie's Feedback
Great answer! Perhaps explain what your existing role is so the interviewer gets a better understanding of your current situation. Flexibility and coworkers/customers who feel like family undoubtedly make your job enjoyable. High turnover and low pay are also understandable cons to the job. Perhaps add a sentence that explains what you hope to find enjoyable in the TSA screener position and why you're excited to apply for the role.
Anonymous Answer
There are many things that I like about substitute teaching but if I am to point out one thing that I dislike is the inconsistency. When I am not working long-term at a school, I sub for all grades and subjects. For instance, I can be in a 12th-grade science class one day and a special ed kindergarten class the next. Although I enjoy the diversity of experiences that comes with the job, I dislike the fact that I cannot really establish myself in a classroom and create rapport with a group of students. But I love my job when I do get the chance to do that. At one point I was helping in a special ed kindergarten class for 3 months and every day was challenging but I meet it head-on because in that environment it was so rewarding to guide students and see them progress into people that can potentially thrive in general society. And that applies to all grades that I have been able to work long-term with.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! This is a strong answer but consider re-structuring it so that you talk about what you like about substitute teaching first and then go into what you dislike about it (versus starting with dislikes that carry the risk of making you sound negative or like you're complaining). Try to focus more on the positives and then mention just one dislike towards the end of your response. (And even try to talk about the dislike in a positive manner if at all possible!) Otherwise, you've done a great job explaining yourself here. Good job!
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