Nailing your first interview in cyber security
We're going to talk about how to land your very first job in cyber security, even if you lack prior work experience. And trust me, it's totally possible! There’s four key points to remember when going for your first interview:
Frame yourself as the solution
Research the company
Make the best of first impressions
Turn the interview into a conversation
So, let's dive right in….
Frame yourself as the solution
The first step to landing that dream cyber security job without prior experience is to align yourself as the solution to the problem the company has proposed in the job posting. Think of the job posting as a puzzle, and you are the missing piece. Look closely at the job posting. What skills are they looking for? What character traits and qualifications do they emphasize? Your task is to demonstrate how your unique experiences and qualities fit perfectly into these requirements.
For instance, if the job posting mentions problem-solving skills, talk about a time you've tackled a complex issue, even if it's not directly related to cyber security. Emphasize your ability to adapt, learn quickly, and your passion for technology.
I found an entry level cyber security job posting on Indeed.com with about one minute of searching. I then highlighted some key points that you could talk to during an interview:
Monitoring and analyzing security events - have you played around with a Security information and event management (SIEM) tool? Mention it. Have no idea what a SIEM is? Google it, or take a free course such as the free Splunk course, then share what you learned in the interview: https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/free-courses/overview.html
Vulnerability assessments - Have you used a vulnerability assessment tool (such as Nessus) at an internship or in college? Mention it. Maybe walk through the psychology behind vulnerability assessments and the subsequent patching.
Stays up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies - This one is SO easy. GOOGLE. Do research! Read about the latest cyber breach and speak to it!
Work independently AND work collaboratively - Both are necessary in the real world. Are you self-motivated? Can you handle working with a team? Well….you need to be able to. Talk about a time you had a group project, then talk about a project or hobby that you are proud of. Easy.
FAMILIARITY with cybersecurity tools and technologies - Covered in the first bullet, but just do some research. I’ve also highlighted the word “Familiarity” - they don’t expect you to be an expert coming into an entry level job, but do your due diligence, put in some work, learn about a tool, and be able to talk about it with familiarity-level understanding.
Knowledge of operating systems, network and infrastructure fundies and cybersecurity fundies. - Look at the desired qualifications - CompTIA Security+ certification or CompTIA Network+ certification. Each of these certifications cover this piece. CompTIA Security+ is the certification that I recommend to ALL entry level cybersecurity applicants. If gives you an “inch deep-mile wide” understanding of cybersecurity, lots of information about many different segments, but not at a layer that is too focused or technical on every single segment. Check out my framework for passing any cybersecurity certification. This will give you the blueprint to passing CompTIA Security+.
This section really drills down to one main point - Know it, or learn it.
How many times have I said do your research? Well… I’m going to say it a bit more…
2. Research the company
it's crucial to learn about the company you're interviewing with. Research, research, research! It's not just about knowing what the company does; it's about finding aspects of the company that genuinely resonate with you.
Perhaps they have a strong commitment to cybersecurity education or a recent initiative you admire. Mention these points during the interview. It shows you've put in the effort, and it demonstrates your enthusiasm for the company.
The About Us page on nearly every company website has a wealth of knowledge about the organization. You don’t want to work for a company with values you disagree with, right? Scroll through their About Us page, find some aspects that resonate with you, take notes on them, and then make sure you bring them up during the interview. It once shows you put in extra effort, you went above and beyond to research the company.
Then take the extra effort, and carry it into your wardrobe for the interview…
3. Make the best of First impressions
Now, let's talk about the importance of first impressions. They really are everything! When you're stepping into an interview, make sure you look and dress the part.
Dressing professionally not only shows that you respect the opportunity, but it also helps boost your confidence. Remember, confidence is key during an interview. You want to convey that you belong in the cyber security world.
Confidence is also demonstrated through your ability to speak about your capabilities, your values, and emulates your persona. Sometimes it’s tough to peel back that layer of hesitation and shyness, but of all places to do so, the interview is the most important. The more you prepare, the more practice interviews you perform, the more confidence you’ll have and more comfortable you’ll appear in the interview. Practice makes perfect.
4. Turn the interview into a conversation
Last but not least, let's talk about turning that intimidating interview into a meaningful conversation. It's not just about answering their questions; it's also about asking the right ones.
Ask about the team dynamics, the company's approach to cybersecurity challenges, and what a typical day looks like in the role you're applying for. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you gather valuable insights about the job and company culture.
Here’s a list of some common questions to ask the interviewer:
What is your favorite thing about working for this company? (Gives perspective into company culture, potential career growth, etc.)
What qualities and attributes make for a successful employee in this company/role? (Are there challenges to be overcome?)
What are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now? (then pivot off their answer and talk about how you could solve them - align solutions to problems)
What do you think encourages employees to stay at this company? (Do they have great benefits? Ask about them.)
Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications? (maybe there was something you didn’t mention during the interview that caused the interviewer to have some hesitation, this allows you to fill that gap)
Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the key is to show your passion, determination, and willingness to learn. Retain the four key points: Framing yourself as the solution, researching the company, making the best of first impressions, and turning the interview into a conversation. Keep refining your skills, network with professionals in the field, and never give up! You've got this!
