Insights from a Hiring Manager: Succeeding in Cybersecurity Interviews

Introduction

Navigating the job market in the cybersecurity field can be challenging, especially when aiming to stand out in a competitive pool of candidates. With two decades of experience as a hiring manager specializing in cybersecurity roles across various sectors including finance, healthcare, and consulting, I’ve gathered valuable insights to help aspiring professionals enhance their interview performance. Below, I share key strategies to set yourself apart from other applicants and to prepare for success in your career.

Build a Strong Technical Foundation

A fundamental expectation for candidates in cybersecurity is demonstrating a solid technical skillset. This can be achieved through industry-recognized certifications or relevant work experience. While certifications indicate a certain level of expertise in the associated subject areas, hands-on experience illustrates your ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It’s not just about what tools you’ve used or the specific challenges you’ve addressed; I also look for a deep understanding of the workflows and processes that underpin information security programs. You should be ready to outline your skills, the software and technologies you are familiar with, and describe specific problems you’ve solved in great detail.

Master Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is paramount in cybersecurity roles. Although automated tools can assist with basic writing tasks, they cannot replicate the nuance of human expression. The way you articulate thoughts, whether in writing or speech, is crucial. You might feel proficient writing polished emails with AI assistance, but if you can’t convey your ideas clearly in person, particularly in high-stakes meetings, you risk undermining your credibility.

Practice is essential. Regularly honing your speaking and writing skills ensures you’re prepared to convey complex information to colleagues and stakeholders effectively.

Emphasize Collaboration

In interviews, I often encounter candidates who can talk extensively about technical vulnerabilities but struggle to address the collaborative aspects of cybersecurity. It’s vital to remember that our role extends beyond simply informing the business about risks. We must collaborate with various teams to explore available options for mitigating these risks and prioritize actions in alignment with business objectives.

Demonstrate your ability to work alongside others in addressing security challenges. If you can’t discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in detail, it may hinder your chances of advancing in the interview process.

Present Yourself Professionally

Your overall presentation during an interview—what I like to refer to as “composure”—is critical. Consider how you would present yourself in a meeting with senior executives; this is the same level of professionalism expected