Chatelle Lynch, senior vice president, and chief people officer, at the cyber product firm McAfee, offers some thoughts on how to secure a job in cybersecurity.
1. Work on your EQ:
“I meet and interact with brilliant people daily. What differentiates them from each other is one simple thing for me – emotional intelligence, or EQ.
“Look people in the eyes, if it’s on camera, look right at the camera and actively listen. Share stories about who you are, not just what you do. Converse, relate, and empathise with your interviewer.
“Emotional intelligence is something I look for in what’s considered ‘normal’ times, but amidst the coronavirus pandemic, I find it more important than ever. Openly address today’s reality and recognise the organisation has likely pivoted several times in a matter of months. Candidates who express genuine curiosity in how the company is navigating this unprecedented time are of heightened interest.
“Ask questions about the culture, what’s it like to work there. Whether the company you are interviewing for remains in the virtual space or shifts back to the physical workplace, digging into the company culture indicates you know the importance of being the right fit for the team – something that organisations especially need in uncertain times.”
2. Don’t let the absence of a degree deter you:
“It’s no secret the demand for cybersecurity staff has steadily grown over the past decade. Shortages are increasing to over 50 per cent and there is an estimated shortfall of up to 1.8 million cybersecurity roles by 2022. This means opportunity, so if you don’t have a degree, don’t let that slow you down. You may have unique work experience or relevant certifications, alternative learning, or transferrable skills that you need to make sure you highlight when applying and interviewing.
“Also, know the listed qualifications on a job posting aren’t always set in stone. Don’t be afraid to make your case on how you are qualified during interviews. I find that prior military service, Information Technology experience, and relevant volunteer or hobbyist activities, such as gaming, are a good foundation for cybersecurity roles.
“If you have transferable experiences, there’s likely a place for you in a company that wants to grow their talent with unique and diverse backgrounds just like yours!”
3. Be cyber-savvy and research the company before the interview:
“Research the company you are joining, and know why you want to join a cybersecurity company. I always ask candidates that and it is evident right away if they have done any research. Also, be prepared to know what cybersecurity companies do. Be aware of relevant current events. Has there been a recent cybersecurity incident in the news? Research it to understand what happened. Especially if you’re applying for a position where you don’t appear to meet the minimum qualifications, be ready to demonstrate your domain knowledge.
“Ahead of the interview, assemble any work samples and prepare to discuss them. Cybersecurity companies tend to be positively inclined toward candidates who have a passion for the mission, but know sharing any past work considered confidential won’t be received well. Cybersecurity companies take a culture of security very seriously.”
