Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: Interview Questions
From: "Mark Brunner" <mark_brunner () hotmail com>
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:56:25 -0400
Keith, You sound like a tough interviewer. This is to your credit, and I find that this is the only way to go, myself. It is imperative to perform due diligence in the hiring process. A little "Hi, how are you?" then a bit of "What do you bring to the table?" You are trying to assess skills and fit, afterall. If the subject is insulted because you don't just take their word for it, they are probably not the right candidate. If they simply admit that they are unsure, they at least get partial credit in my books. They might not understand clearly what is being asked, or simply be nervous. This is where I look for a follow-up email, outlining what was discussed, and what the candidate discovered. I don't prompt or mention it. I expect the candidate to research it on their own initiative, showing genuine interest. Are you usually drilling to measure the candidate's ability to think on their feet, or would you react positively to the production of sample work relevant to the question posed? Would you see this as showing preparedness and understanding of potential issues, or just smoke and mirrors? I ask, as I cart around a portfolio of work, employer reviews, example docs, and the like for occassions such as those where there are many possible answers or ambiguity. It is often very difficult to formulate a realistic strategy when confronted with minimal information and/or a complex technical issue. I was wondering what others think of such strategies. (I get mixed reactions, but not enough interviews lately to really analyze. I am working, though...) When interviewing, I will sometimes take a break from the interview room with the person, and go for a coffee. This tactic usually disarms them, and allows me to crack the facade before asking subtle but probing questions.
I hit 'em with a tech quiz, then follow it up with the "we're planning on deploying ....... and security is a huge concern with this project, as such what suggestions would you have for ...... and how would you approach ......"
Cheers! Mark -----Original Message----- From: Keith T. Morgan [mailto:keith.morgan () terradon com] Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 2:01 PM To: security-basics () securityfocus com Subject: RE: Interview Questions .... What I've found works, is a compromise between very specific technical questions, and then more general questions such as the one mentioned by another poster. But that comes after I determine if their resume is full of lies and exaggerations. We've had great hiring success with this mixed approach. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This list is sponsored by: Norwich University EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE The NSA has designated Norwich University a center of Academic Excellence in Information Security. Our program offers unparalleled Infosec management education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. Using interactive e-Learning technology, you can earn this esteemed degree, without disrupting your career or home life. http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current thread:
- RE: Interview Questions, (continued)
- RE: Interview Questions Shawn Smith (Aug 22)
- RE: Interview Questions eric (Aug 22)
- Re: Interview Questions List Spam (Aug 24)
- Re: Interview Questions revnic (Aug 22)
- RE: Interview Questions BARRETT,WILL (Aug 23)
- RE: Interview Questions David Gillett (Aug 24)
- RE: Interview Questions BARRETT,WILL (Aug 23)
- RE: Interview Questions Camiel, Jeffrey (Aug 24)
- RE: Interview Questions tony . dimichele (Aug 24)
- RE: Interview Questions Keith T. Morgan (Aug 24)
- RE: Interview Questions Randy Johnson (Aug 25)
- RE: Interview Questions Mark Brunner (Aug 25)
- Audit Windows 2003, IRM (Aug 25)
- Re: Audit Windows 2003, Dale Neufeld (Aug 28)
- RE: Interview Questions BARRETT,WILL (Aug 25)
- RE: Interview Questions Young, Randy (Aug 25)