TSA Screener Mock Interview
Practice 30 TSA Screener interview questions covering security protocols, passenger interaction, and threat detection.
Question 9 of 30
What kind of situations make you feel uncomfortable?
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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.
A variation of, 'What is your greatest weakness?' this question targets any areas where you may feel ill-equipped. How you answer this question will help your interviewer to determine where you may require additional support or training. Consider awkward or uncomfortable situations that would not be a deal-breaker for the TSA Screener role.
The work environment of a TSA Screener can be challenging, tense, stressful, and uncomfortable. You must show resilience and the ability to handle discomfort. The TSA wants to know that you can keep your cool in situations and handle discomfort with professionalism and poise. Discuss how you approach uncomfortable situations and, if possible, give an example that shows your ability to react appropriately to discomfort.
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 become uncomfortable when people complain about their job, co-workers, or employment situation. I live by the philosophy that if I do not like an aspect of my life, I have the power to change my situation. To deal with uncomfortable situations such as complaining from others or unprofessional conversations, I will tell my co-worker straight away that I am not interested in having the conversation. Professional boundaries are essential, and I will politely decline to be a part of a conversation surrounding complaints."
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 certain situations, I feel uncomfortable doing pat downs without another security officer with me as a witness. I prefer not to perform pat downs on someone of the opposite sex or a different sexual orientation than mine. I prefer to set boundaries and strictly comply with what could only be deemed appropriate conduct in such situations. Whenever I perform a pat down, I ensure I received permission first and am clear, communicative, and respectful at every juncture."
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Anonymous Answer
Job interviews, public speaking or seeing co-workers doing just enough to get by.
Mary's Feedback
This is a great opportunity to discuss how you get through or work around uncomfortable measures at work.
Public speaking is one area that makes me uncomfortable, but I work to improve my skills by practicing in my off-time and asking for feedback from my peers and managers when given the opportunity.
OR
Seeing co-workers doing 'just enough' to get by makes me uncomfortable. When this happens, I dive in to ensure the job or tasks get done completely. When appropriate, I talk to underperforming co-workers to help get them on board.
Anonymous Answer
I become uncomfortable when people complain about their job, their co-workers, or their overall employment situation. I live by the philosophy that if I do not like an aspect of my life, then I also have the power to change it. To deal with uncomfortable situations such as listening to others complain, I try to use professional boundaries. I will politely decline from becoming a part of a conversation surrounding complaints.
Cindy's Feedback
This is a good answer. You're providing insight into your on-the-job conduct as well as providing a responsive answer.
Anonymous Answer
I feel uncomfortable when someone on your team is not cooperating.
When you are supposed to be working on a common goal and interest and someone just doesn't want to do it the same way or makes up their own rules of how to do things.
Marcie's Feedback
It's totally understandable that this type of situation makes you feel uncomfortable. To make your answer even more meaningful, consider discussing what you would do to remedy a situation like this. Would you talk to them privately and express your concerns? Would you make sure to listen to them and consider their perspective? Would you escalate the situation to a manager if necessary?
Anonymous Answer
Observing co-workers that not giving 100% to their job, for examples; looking at their phone, looking bored, disinterested. Also, co-workers that complain, don't follow the rules, gossip.
Chad's Feedback
Good answer! The situations you have listed would make most people uncomfortable. Next, discuss how you have reacted to situations such as these in the past. If possible, provide an example that demonstrates to the interviewer your ability to react appropriately, and handle discomfort with professionalism and poise.
Anonymous Answer
Personally, I find conflict to be uncomfortable. I do my best to avoid conflict through clear communication, empathy, fulfilling my responsibilities, and, if I am dealing with the public, exceptional customer service. However, I understand that conflict is not unavoidable. Therefore, whenever I am dealing with a disgruntled person I make sure to stay level-headed, and patient, and help them out however I can. For instance, when I was working at Starbucks, I would sometimes receive people who would come in already unhappy. I would never take their emotions personally and I would always be sure to serve these people with a smile and ensure that I do my best to give them the best customer service experience.
Marcie's Feedback
Good response! Despite disliking conflict, you seem aware of steps you can take to help avoid it (being empathetic, communicating clearly, etc.) This is important given that TSA agents likely deal with their fair share of conflict. Including an example that shows you know how to effectively handle conflict will reassure the interviewer that you can deal with this part of the job. Nice job!
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