Security Job Interview Question

mizterkewl

I recently received my Server+ certification and have had a couple System Admin interviews, but they are very technical. I don't have any experience with Servers and Server+ didn't really prepare me for the questions they ask. I am able to maybe tell you what an acronym means or even the definition, but when getting into more detailed usage of programs I can't answer the questions. Ultimately I would like to get into Security and I am wondering are entry-level security job interviews similar in the fact of getting into detail about programs a company uses?

LordQarlyn

From what I have seen so far, "entry" level security jobs (and I'm assuming you mean IT security) have required either an BS degree in computer science or information technology, or, a few years of experience in the IT field where your job involved actually executing security configurations on servers and/or networks. I can't recall seeing any entry level IT security jobs that are the equivalent of help desk or NOC tech jobs.

Others here may better answers though.

ITSec14

If it's a technical security role, then I would expect to see more in depth technical questions. It's hard to work in security if you don't know much about WHAT you're securing. I recommend building a virtual server lab at home and to get some hands on experience. If you're a visual learner like I am, then most of this stuff will come a lot easier than just reading books.

I made the jump from a sysadmin role into security and found that the interview for sysadmin was pretty technical, but I needed to know a little about a lot. It was almost like having to prove I could somewhat be the jack of all trades to keep the train chugging along and escalate when needed. The interview for the security role I worked in previously went more into the weeds, but it was really more of a conversational interview than rapid fire technical questions.

The best interview advice I can give you is when you find yourself stuck in those technical questions, ask questions back to your interviewer. Get as much detail and clarification as you can to work toward the solution. That solution can often be something as simple as calling a vendor for problem resolution. Sometimes it may just be escalating to someone in a higher tier level. Hell, I've even said I would just Google it because I didn't know the answer (We all do it!). You will still need to be pretty knowledgeable about the technology itself, but learning to dissect the questions will help calm your nerves and show the interviewer that you understand processes/procedures.