It’s been six years since I last interviewed for a job.  The world has changed since then, but the mechanics of getting a job in the technology sector are still the same.  Specifically challenging though, is the Cybersecurity interview.  Candidates are expected to know the ins and outs of an industry that is constantly on the move and contains too much complexity for one individual to master.

I recently conducted a panel interview with two separate candidates.  While both were not the most qualified individuals for the job, there was a clear distinction between the two that I wanted to highlight in this brief post.

Do you have desire?

Do you know what it means to really want something? To want something so bad that you can’t see yourself doing or wanting anything else in the moment. You eat, sleep and live for that something. Soon, you find yourself doing everything possible to be in the best position to receive that something. Desire, in my opinion, is about willing yourself into you wants and dreams. Whether it’s a new house or a new project, your will to find a way to make it happen starts with the desire to go after it in the first place.

Do You Have Confidence?

Before you decide to step into a room and interview for a position, you MUST have confidence in yourself.  You MUST be able to show that confidence to those in the room with you. If you are not confident in yourself, why would you expect someone else to be. Confidence is not cockiness. Confidence is knowing what you know and knowing when to say you don’t know. Confidence is respectful and professional. Confidence is interesting and peace. Confidence enables you to move forward and never look back. Take a step toward confidence and you will take a step toward the things you desire.

Are You Capable?

Even for the most technical interviews, you may not know or understand everything that is thrown at you.  That’s not the point.  Can you take feedback?  Are you willing to listen to direction?  Are you willing to learn?  These qualities are oftentimes just as important as the technical qualities a hiring manager desires you to have. Infants come into this world with little more than basic carnal instinct, but are extremely capable of learning fine motor skills soon after they are born. Your desire to learn new things and the confidence to try them will demonstrate to those around you that you are capable.

After I sat through the interviews with the two candidates, I realized while neither of them were technically qualified for the job, one of them was able to clearly distinguish themselves as the best candidate by demonstrating these three characteristics. While this may not work in all cases, it certainly can be a foundation for seeking out your next opportunity in CyberSecurity. Dream big….make it happen!