Hacking the Interview

• Tell me about yourself: Example:

  • From the job posting, it's clear the person in this Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role needs to be ready to go on day one and deliver results fast. That's what I've been able to do at Acme Inc. I developed a new SIEM tool for them within 60 days of hire and created an automation program that reduced false positives by 12%. Would you like to hear more about anything I've mentioned so far?
• What is your greatest strength? Example:

  • I would say my greatest strength is the ability to break down technical information and present it in an easily digestible format for stakeholders across an organization.
• Why are you leaving your current job?

  • While I've enjoyed my time at Acme Inc, I realized it was time to move to the next level in my career as a pentester.
• Where do you see yourself in (x) years?

  • For the next 5 years, I see myself growing in my skillset and taking on more responsibility in the organization. Can you tell me how other SOC analysts have advanced their careers at the company?
• What are your salary expectations?

  I appreciate you asking me that question. Would you be against us discussing compensation after everyone has agreed that this is a good match? I appreciate you asking that question. Are you needing a minimum salary number for your interview form?
• You ask:

  • Which key performance indicators (KPIs) would you have for me in this position over the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • This question does a few things that benefit you. First, it gets the interviewer thinking of you in the position and not other candidates. Second, it lets you know what is expected of you in the position over the next 90 days. If the interviewer (assuming it's the hiring manager) has not thought about any KPIs for the position, it might indicate they are overwhelmed with work, and it might not be a good company for you.
• What kind of person succeeds at this company?

  • This helps you understand how the company defines success. If the answer is someone that works 100-hour weeks, then you should probably run out of that interview as fast as you can
• YOU ASK:

  What do you enjoy most about working at this company?

  • If the interviewer is happy in their role, then they might share a few things they love. On the other hand, by asking this question, you might be able to save yourself some headaches from working in a toxic environment. It's amazing what some interviewers will share with you if you ask the right questions (social engineering at its finest).
• What do you see as my greatest strengths for this position?

  • This question is another way to keep the interviewer thinking about you for the position over others. And if they don't have any strengths to share, it's highly unlikely you have a chance at getting the job, so you save yourself some stress in waiting to hear back.
• Interview Tips:

  • Make eye contact
  • Smile more
  • Appearance
  • Research the company
  • Don't bad-mouth a past employer or team
  • Don't be emotional
  • Be concise in your answers
• Here are some of the things I used to do during a job interview to reduce my rambling:

  • To make a long story short is a phrase I use if I think I'm rambling so that I can wrap up whatever I am saying. You have to practice this and be conscious of the fact you are rambling for this one to be effective.
  • Keep your answer short. I used to answer interviewer questions with just a few words and then ask them if they wanted to know anything more about what I had mentioned.
• Definition of cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity is the mission-focused and risk-optimized governance of information, which maximizes confidentiality, integrity, and availability using a balanced mix of people, policy, and technology, while perennially improving over time
• You Ask:

  Would you be opposed to…?

  • Would you be opposed to me asking about career advancement for this job role?

  Would it make sense…?

  • Would it make sense for us to discuss salary after we've seen this is a good match?

  Can you offer your advice on…?

  • Can you offer your advice on how the team manages projects?