How to Prepare for a Cyber Security Interview

You’ve secured a cyber security job interview, and you’re now at the stage of preparation! Interviews can seem daunting - it’s something that we don’t do very often, and it may be a role you’re keen to secure.

There’s no great secret to performing well in a job interview, but there are ways to prepare and effectively increase your chances of succeeding. Keep reading to discover our cyber security interview preparation tips!

Researching the Company

To succeed, preparing for the cyber security interview by researching the employer is just as important. From the offset, take the time to research the company and find as much information as possible on its motivations, missions, service offerings, and company culture. Researching companies before interviews is a great way to help you feel more prepared and confident in your answers!

Additionally, searching through existing employee reviews on Glassdoor can give you fantastic insight into what to expect and is invaluable in gauging the typical salary you can expect from the role. Meanwhile, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for learning more about those that work at the roles, structure and culture of the company.

Keeping Up With Threats

As the interviewer is likely to want to know your current knowledge and interests in staying up to date, we strongly advise keeping up with the latest threats, trends and industry advances. In an ever-evolving industry, ongoing development, research, and upskilling are great ways to keep up.

In addition, attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and engaging in webinars can help follow the industry's rapid changes. Before your interview, note the ways you like to keep up!

Be Yourself

Now that you’ve learned how to prepare for cyber security interviews, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice!

Interviews can sometimes seem daunting, but be relaxed and conversational for an interview that flows better. You’ll be surprised how much this will put you and the interviewer at ease!

They want to get to know you just as much as they want to ensure you are the perfect fit for the role. Use a conversational approach to appear at ease and confident, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Ask Questions

Interviews should be two-way, so make sure the company is the perfect fit for you by asking at least two questions at the end of your interview. Asking questions will show your interest, so try to avoid walking away without asking the interviewer.

Some examples of questions to ask include:

• What would my average day entail at this company?
• What sort of technologies would I be utilising in this role?
• Are there progression opportunities?
• Can I upskill and develop in the role?
• How many people are working in the team?
• Are there certifications/training budgets offered?
• Is there an opportunity to attend cyber conferences?
• How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position?
• What would be some of the biggest challenges in the role if I was successful?

Follow-Up

After the interview, take the time to send an email to thank the interviewer for their time and acknowledge any other interview attendees who joined. Following up with a quick thank you could move you from the maybe pile to the hired pile!

If you haven’t been successful, follow up again with an email to ask for honest feedback. Don’t let rejection hinder your confidence and determination - take it as an opportunity to review and reflect!

We Can Help!

With hands-on, interactive cyber security learning, TryHackMe makes it easier to launch into the industry and continually upskill based on new threats and trends. Our real-world training prepares you for work responsibilities, and achieving sought-after skills.

TryHackMe courses are suited to all students - from the complete beginner to the seasoned hacker - making learning engaging, entertaining, accessible, and affordable.

If you’re new to the cyber security industry, take a look at our guide to Securing Entry-Level Roles in Cyber Security.