Interview Tips for Cyber Security Roles: Standing Out as a Candidate

Posted on Updated on by Robert ElliottCategories:Uncategorised
This entry is part 6 of 9 in the series July 2025 - Cyber Security Career Preparation

July 2025 - Cyber Security Career Preparation

You’ve updated your CV, built a portfolio, and sent out applications. Now the email arrives: “We’d like to invite you to an interview.”Excitement. Relief. Anxiety.

Interviews in cyber security can be intense—especially for junior roles. You might face a mix of technical questions, ethical scenarios, and soft skills assessments. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to pretend to be someone you’re not. You just need to prepare, stay authentic, and trust that God goes with you into that room (or Zoom call).

1. Do Your Research

Before the interview:

  • Learn about the organisation—its mission, size, industry, and values.
  • Know the basics of their security stack if available (e.g., firewalls, SIEM tools, cloud platforms).
  • Review the job description and highlight how your skills match each part.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…” — Proverbs 21:5Solid preparation is a form of faithfulness.

2. Prepare to Show, Not Just Tell

Talk is cheap in cyber security. Be ready to:

  • Walk through a project or lab you’ve done (ideally one in your portfolio).
  • Explain your thought process on solving a technical problem.
  • Answer questions like:
    • “How would you approach securing a small business network?”
    • “What would you do if you discovered a vulnerability in production?”

Even if you don’t know the perfect answer, show your logic, humility, and willingness to learn.

3. Practice Soft Skills

Security roles often require:

  • Clear communication (e.g., explaining risk to non-technical staff)
  • Teamwork
  • Ethical judgment

Expect questions like:

  • “Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what you learned.”
  • “How do you handle pressure?”

These are moments to show integrity, teachability, and emotional intelligence—not perfection.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…” — Colossians 4:6

4. Be Honest About Faith—Wisely

You don’t need to hide your faith, but you also don’t need to force it. Let it show through your:

  • Integrity
  • Respectful attitude
  • Passion to protect and serve others through your work

If you’re applying to a mission-minded or values-driven organisation, a brief mention of how your faith shapes your ethical approach may be welcome.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Always prepare 2–3 questions for your interviewer. Try:

  • “What does a successful first year look like in this role?”
  • “How does your team handle ongoing learning and certifications?”
  • “How do you support ethical decision-making when facing pressure?”

This shows maturity and initiative—and helps you discern if the company aligns with your values.

6. After the Interview: Reflect and Trust

Write down what went well and what you could improve. Send a polite thank-you email.

Then—let it go.Pray. Trust. Keep moving forward.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Remember This

  • Your value isn’t defined by how many interviews go well.
  • You don’t need to be the most experienced person—you need to be the most teachable, trustworthy, and willing to grow.
  • God can use both “yes” and “no” interviews to guide your path.

July 2025 - Cyber Security Career Preparation

Finding Your Calling: Using Your Tech Skills for God’s Glory How to Stay Ethical in a Competitive Job Market

Robert Elliott