How to Prepare for a Cyber Security Interview (w/ Stephen Semmelroth)

The interview is one of the most crucial parts of applying for a cyber security position. It’s your window of opportunity to start or advance your career. You’ve probably already heard it all: make eye contact, look sharp, research the company...

But interviewing for a cyber security position is a little bit different. The technical gap makes it hard for HR professionals to find talented candidates. Just parsing a resume for the right keywords is difficult since terms and definitions in the cyber security industry is inconsistent.

In this interview with Stephen Semmelroth, we talk about the recruiting world and considerations when preparing for a cyber security interview. Stephen is a military veteran who’s transitioned from leading top cyber teams to now, the recruiting division at StrataCore, a cyber consultancy.

He shares tips and real-life experiences on how to ace the interview, be shortlisted in the process, and get hired for the cyber security job.

Several key takeaways Stephen emphasizes when you’re interviewing for a cyber security job include:

Alignment. Do your personal goals and abilities align with what the company is looking for? Tailor your resume and interview responses accordingly.

Due Diligence. If you’re chatting with a non-technical interviewer, frame your technical abilities in terms of driving business outcomes. Use your OSINT skills to find out the business reasons why a company is looking to fill a position.

Decisiveness. Many candidates expect the company to tell them their role. Rather, be decisive about the role you want and communicate with authority why you’re the right person.

Appearance. It matters. In virtual interviews factors, like camera, quiet, and sound make a huge impact on the impression for the interviewer.

Find an internal referral. This greatly increases the chances of your resume actually being read by a human. Referrals are much less expensive and risky for companies, and they tend to have higher success rates.

00:00 Introduction - Stephen Semmelroth
01:51 What do employers look for in a cyber security candidate?
03:07 How to craft a good cyber security resume
08:27 Do your former titles and responsibilities matter?
10:32 Spraying applications vs. sending targeted ones
13:02 How is a cyber security interview structured?
19:28 What hiring systems do cyber security employers use?
25:06 Using OSINT to research your target company
28:14 The DNS question
35:50 Important non-technical factors of a cyber security interview?
39:31 Reasons people fail a cyber security interview
43:43 Successful cyber security candidates
46:51 Get in touch with Stephen Semmelroth

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[Cyberspatial]

What interview tips or resources have you found valuable? Share them by commenting below!

[j_white]

Well.. this video makes me feel like I'll never go anywhere. That guy was sharp.

[Eirkyr]

This guy is really good at talking and sounding like he's saying something without actual content. Very talented HR guy, basically.

[renzoncruz]

I really like this interview with Stephen he's so direct to the point. I encountered all of these interview questions all the time!

[elatedmaniac]

Dig through the company mission and recent news/ project press releases to build a cover. Then, review your projects and how they can contribute to the company and highlight the value you bring. Review software (e.g. Wireshark, Splunk, ELK, w/e) by explaining your process as you investigate to be sure you can clearly communicate issues. Prepare for general, open-ended questions and explain simply. Loading responses with jargon is a typical (unsuccessful) tactic that will quickly get people calling bs on you.

[MrSinaPRO]

The video was very eye-opening for someone who's junior and entering the industry. Felt very honest and direct, absolutely loved it!

[confoocious]

Lots of great information in this. Really liked the emphasis on how cybersecurity is an extension of a company's ability to be successful and generate revenue. Thanks for sharing.

[alexguillen]

What a great interview. Such quality content! I gathered this: Soft skills, Technical capabilities, Interpersonal Communication, All Around Due Diligence, Personal Projects, COACHABILITY, and Respect (in no particular order) are driving factors in an individuals success.

[numericbin]

this channel is dropping

Thanks for the amazing work you do !

[aayushgore]

Great video for cyber-resume tips + tricks!

[crossfire]

That was awesome! 👍 Thanks for sharing.

[Gierboo]

Thanks for all the info!!!! Love the video

[ricksuarez]

Love this video also. I really tried to subscribe but realized I was already subscribed. Stephens awesome!

[lucidlyrich]

words of affirmation, is so universal

[thirst-t]

Thank you team...I really learnt a lot via this discussion

[Princess-Jellyfish]

Such an amazing interview and helpful tips, I have a job interview soon and that 10k SEC filing tip is amazing. I'll report back if I get it

[orlandopadron]

Awesome vid, very constructive indeed.

[bhargavyagnik]

Good Stuff really enjoyed it learnt something new.

[refael]

great video!! couldn't stop laughing at cyber-security cybersecurity xD

[cangrichris]

I’ve been feeling very confident preparing for interviews until the DNS explanation he gave. I’m not so sure about all of it I mean it was in depth but somewhat all over