Do Not Lie During Cybersecurity Interviews .. Do This Instead
Let me tell you about a person I know .. let’s call him Kevin
Kevin had an interview lined up for a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role which he was really keen about.
Kevin, an ambitious candidate, was asked about his experience with threat hunting tools.
Though Kevin had only dabbled in them during his training, he decided to exaggerate his expertise, hoping it would impress the panel. This is Do Not Lie During Cybersecurity Interviews .. Do This Instead.
“I’ve extensively used Splunk and CrowdStrike in live incident response scenarios,”
He claimed that he fabricates stories about detecting advanced persistent threats (APTs) in critical environments. Initially, his answers seemed to land well, and the company was impressed. However, the hiring manager, an experienced SOC lead, started probing deeper as the interview progressed. He asked Kevin to walk through specific configurations in Splunk and detail how he’d created detection rules.
Kevin stumbled; his answers were vague and contradictory.
By the end of the interview, it was evident that Kevin had clearly overstated his abilities.
The hiring manager thanked him politely but noted his lack of transparency in their feedback.
Kevin didn’t get the job — not because of his limited experience, but because his dishonesty raised red flags about his integrity.
Kevin’s bluffing attempt not only cost him the opportunity but also tarnished his professional reputation with that employer.
Here’s how you can confidently address knowledge gaps in your interviews and turn them into strengths.
1. Acknowledge the Gap Without Hesitation
When faced with a question about an area you’re unfamiliar with, start by acknowledging the gap. Trying to fake expertise is dangerous — most experienced interviewers can see through it, and it could damage your credibility.
Instead, use phrases like:“I haven’t had hands-on experience with [specific technology], but I’m familiar with the underlying concepts.”
This approach shows self-awareness and maturity. Cybersecurity is a vast field, and no one expects you to know everything.
What they do expect is honesty.
2. Highlight Similar Experience
Even if you lack direct experience with a specific tool or technology, you’ve likely worked on something similar. Drawing parallels to related experience demonstrates that you have foundational knowledge and transferable skills.
For example, if you’re asked about Kubernetes but have worked with Docker, you could say:“While I don’t have hands-on experience with Kubernetes, I’ve led projects securing Docker containers. These projects involved image hardening, runtime monitoring, and implementing strict network policies — all of which are critical for container security.”
This not only answers the question but also shifts the focus to your expertise, making you appear confident and resourceful.
3. Show Your Willingness to Learn
Employers value candidates who are proactive about upskilling. If you’re already taking steps to bridge your knowledge gap, mention it. This shows initiative and a commitment to professional growth.
For instance, you could say:“I’m actively expanding my skills in Kubernetes security and currently working through a Kubernetes security certification. I’ve also been following best practices in container orchestration to ensure I’m prepared to tackle similar challenges.”
By framing your gap as an area of ongoing learning, you demonstrate a growth mindset — an essential quality for success in cybersecurity.
4. Pivot to Your Strengths
After addressing the gap, steer the conversation toward your strengths. Highlight how your existing skills can be applied to the role or technology in question.
For example:“My experience in container security has taught me to adapt quickly to new tools and frameworks. I’ve developed processes for securing complex environments, and I’m confident I could apply the same approach effectively to Kubernetes.”
This reassures the interviewer that, while you may need some ramp-up time, you have the foundational skills and adaptability to succeed.
Why This Approach Works
Addressing knowledge gaps with honesty and professionalism has several advantages:
Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Acknowledging what you don’t know shows confidence and maturity. It proves you’re not afraid to admit your limitations, which is a sign of integrity.
Highlights Adaptability: Employers value candidates who are proactive about learning and can adapt to new challenges. By showcasing your willingness to upskill, you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional.
Builds Trust: Integrity is paramount in cybersecurity. Employers need to trust you to protect their systems and data. Bluffing erodes that trust, while honesty reinforces it.
Creates a Positive Impression: Pivoting to your strengths and expressing a clear desire to learn leaves the interviewer with a strong impression of your professionalism and enthusiasm.
What Happens When You Bluff?
Bluffing might seem tempting in the moment, but it can have serious consequences.
If your bluff is uncovered during the interview, it damages your credibility and can cost you the opportunity.
Worse, if you’re hired and later exposed as lacking the claimed expertise, it could harm your reputation and your team’s trust in your abilities.
Cybersecurity is a field where trust and accuracy are everything.
If you can’t demonstrate integrity in an interview, how can an employer trust you with their critical systems?
So .. next time you face a tough question, take a deep breath, be honest, and let your strengths shine.
Good luck with your interviews!
Taimur Ijlal is a multi-award-winning, information security leader with over two decades of international experience in cyber-security and IT risk management in the fin-tech industry.
Taimur can be connected on LinkedIn or on his YouTube channel “Cloud Security Guy” on which he regularly posts about Cloud Security, Artificial Intelligence, and general cyber-security career advice.
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