Insights from a Cybersecurity Hiring Manager: How to Stand Out in Your Next Interview

An Introduction to the Author

Having spent the last two decades as a hiring manager in the cybersecurity realm, I have gained extensive experience in various areas including operations, governance, risk, and compliance. My career spans across diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, consulting, and service delivery organizations. With this background, I have gathered valuable insights into what makes a candidate truly stand out during the interview process for cybersecurity roles.

If you’re serious about building a long-term career in cybersecurity, consider these actionable tips that can help you differentiate yourself from the competition. These suggestions aim to enhance your candidacy rather than simply secure an entry point into the industry.

1. Mastering the Technical Landscape

A fundamental expectation I have for candidates is that they demonstrate a solid baseline of technical expertise. This can be validated through certifications or hands-on experience. While certifications indicate a level of mastery in specific areas, they may not reveal the breadth of your skill set. Conversely, work experience illustrates the tools you’ve utilized and the challenges you’ve navigated, even though it may sometimes reflect niche skills or unique situations.

What I truly seek is a comprehensive understanding of the workflows, processes, and procedures that underlie effective information security programs. In essence, be prepared to articulate your proficiencies, describe the tools you’ve employed, share the problems you’ve tackled, and provide detailed examples.

2. The Art of Communication

In an age where artificial intelligence can assist with basic writing tasks, the importance of your personal communication skills remains paramount. Effective writing and speaking are interlinked; the ability to convey your ideas clearly in both formats is crucial. While AI might help polish your written communication, your verbal skills need to be practiced and authentic. If you lean too heavily on technology, you risk stumbling in spontaneous discussions, especially when asked to present in your own words.

As with any skill, consistent practice enhances your proficiency, making it easier to express your knowledge and insights confidently.

3. Bridging the Gap Between Security and Business

A frequent shortcoming I encounter during interviews is when candidates delve deeply into the technical specifics of vulnerabilities, yet fail to discuss how they would engage with business stakeholders to address these issues. Our role in cybersecurity transcends merely advising the business; we must collaborate with them to explore risk management options—whether that means accepting, mitigating, or transferring risks.

If you cannot effectively discuss this