I’ve Interviewed Thousands of Cybersecurity Professionals — Here’s My Best Advice

Use These Tips To Ace Your Next Cybersecurity Interview

I’ve been in cybersecurity for over 20 years, and I’ve interviewed all kinds of people — from the brilliant to the downright bizarre.

I once had a candidate who insisted he could “hack anything in under five minutes” but struggled to explain how basic encryption worked.

Then there was the guy who, instead of answering questions, just kept repeating cybersecurity buzzwords like “zero trust,” “blockchain security,” and “AI-driven SOC,” as if hoping we’d be dazzled into hiring him.

Needless to say, these interviews didn’t end well for the candidates.

While these examples might seem extreme, I’ve also seen many strong candidates stumble over avoidable mistakes also.

Cybersecurity interviews can be nerve-wracking.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, the interview process is your opportunity to showcase your skills, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking.

However, many candidates make critical mistakes that can cost them the job.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common missteps in cybersecurity interviews and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes That Can Derail Your Cybersecurity Interview

1. Bluffing About Your Knowledge

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a cybersecurity interview is pretending to know something you don’t.

Interviewers, especially in technical roles, are skilled at spotting bluffs.

Instead of trying to fake expertise, focus on demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.

What to Do Instead:

• If asked about a technology you’re unfamiliar with, acknowledge the gap and pivot to related experiences.
• Example: “I haven’t worked with Kubernetes security directly, but I’ve…