How To

10 Dos and Don'ts for Security Job Interviews

The tight job market makes the interview more high stakes than ever when applying for security positions. We asked some seasoned security recruiters for tips on how to stand out from the pack

By Joan Goodchild, Senior Editor

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Another pointer for striking the right tone: Listen a lot more than you talk, said Metzger.

"And there is no prize for speedy answers," he said "It's not like a quiz in third grade. You can sit and think for a moment and formulate a response."

Don't get caught up in past accomplishments
Most people don't know how to position themselves when competing for a job, said Lenzner.

"In addition to being an expert in your field, you have to be an expert in the world of your career," she said. "People in the security industry tend to try and educate the gatekeeper, the recruiter, as to how wonderful they are and they shoot themselves in the foot. But sometimes less is more."

Kushner agreed.

"People get caught up in interviews with what they have done. They fail to apply it to what they will be expected to do in their new role."

Do provide examples of how you would solve problems
Job-seekers should relate their skills to the environment they are interviewing for, according to Kushner.

"It's not just enough to say I can help solve your problems, employers want someone who already has solved the problem in their head. You might never have been a CISO at a healthcare organization, but can you reflect that you have experience solving the kinds of problems that healthcare organization is dealing with? That is what you have to do in an interview. You want the person on the other side of the desk to know you can hit the ground running."

After the interview:

Don't forget to follow up
Phone calls aren't great, according to Metzger. Emails are OK. But written letters are best, he said.

"A written letter demands some kind of response," said Metzger.

Take the time to craft a thoughtful 'Thank You' note to your interviewer.

Do strike the appropriate tone in your follow up
It goes without saying the job market is tight right now. Many companies are interviewing candidates and delaying the hire until they can better afford it, said Metzger.

That said, you want to follow up and let them know you remain interested, but don't be too aggressive in your approach.

"Most people who are in security are in security because they are aggressive," said Metzger. "But you don't want to be a pressure person. You want to be appropriate in your follow up. Tell them: "I understand your decision to delay. I remain interested and will for the next six months." Make yourself sympathetic to their situation. You don't want to abrasive on these things."