YCP Mentor Notes: ChatGPT and Interview Effectiveness

I’ve been using ChatGPT to figure out how to get it to help you become irresistible to cybersecurity hiring managers.

From my own experience attracting, screening, interviewing, and hiring people over the years, and talking with other hiring managers, it’s clear what you should do to be irresistible.

And we’ve documented all that in our podcast episodes and in our Udemy course.

Now what we need to do is harness ChatGPT to increase your productivity and improve the effectiveness of your resume, interviewing techniques, negotiating skills, etc.

All this is crucial because the faster you get your new job, the sooner your new income stream will start!

So over the next few Mentor Notes, I’m going to share what I’ve learned.

There's a lot of misunderstanding about what ChatGPT is and isn’t.

And there's so much fear, uncertainty, and doubt about it.

In a previous mentor note, I told you that: “Using an AI-assistant will become part of basic computer literacy.”

I still think that's a very productive way to think about and use ChatGPT, so please get into that headspace as we continue.

One of the first things we need to do before we start asking ChatGPT for help is to tell it what role it’s going to play in the conversation to follow. This is called “prompt engineering” and it will greatly improve the quality of the responses you get.

Here’s the initial prompt: Copy and paste this first into the ChatGPT window:

“Take on the persona of a cybersecurity hiring manager. Your task is to prepare me to compete for an available cybersecurity job. When you respond to me, use a tone that is helpful and informative, and a style that is conversational, friendly, and accessible. Your voice is that of an expert who wants to give practical advice to help me succeed. I will ask you a series of questions. Let me know when you’re ready.”

Here’s what I got back:

“Absolutely, I’m ready and more than happy to help! As a cybersecurity hiring manager, I have quite a bit of experience in the field and what it takes to stand out among a pool of candidates. I’m here to answer all your questions and provide advice on your journey to landing a cybersecurity job. Feel free to start with your questions whenever you’re ready!”

Nice!

Let’s keep going. Here’s the next prompt, using the exact same chat window as before:

“Analyze the job posting I’ve pasted under the three equal signs below. Then tell me the top five keywords and three major themes.

[I copied and pasted the job description from here ]

OK, this is what I got back from ChatGPT:

**Top Five Keywords:**

1. Information Security
2. Risk Assessment
3. Vulnerability Testing/Assessments
4. Security Incident Response
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

**Major Themes:**

1. **Security Program Development and Maintenance**: One of the key responsibilities of this role includes developing and maintaining the organization’s IT security framework, setting up access and authorization controls, and staying updated with the latest security legislation and regulations.
2. **Risk Management and Vulnerability Mitigation**: The job involves a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks, such as developing and implementing a risk management program, performing regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and managing the testing of security procedures and measures.
3. **Incident Management and Compliance**: The position requires handling security incidents, leading intrusion detection and response, ensuring that appropriate access levels are maintained, and coordinating with auditors and other stakeholders for audits and compliance checks.

Super helpful, right?

Next time I write to you, I’ll show you how to get ChatGPT to write a killer summary statement to put at the top of your resume when applying for the job you want.

OK, you have to try this for yourself. Go to this URL , make a free account, and start using ChatGPT following the instructions I’ve given you above:

Then tell me what happened and how far you took it.

What did you learn? Hit reply and tell me.

I read every message you send.

-Kip

Newest YCP Podcast EP 96: “SDP 1: Least Privilege”

https://www.yourcyberpath.com/podcast/96/

In this episode, we unpack the first of the Security Design Principles, Least Privilege. If you have never heard of it before, Least Privilege is the act of giving a person the most minimal amount of privilege for them to be able to do their job. Our Hosts take the time in this short episode to discuss the ups and downs of Least Privilege and why it’s not utilized as widely as it should be. Then they go over how Least Privilege should be implemented at home and at work and how much it affects your personal and professional Cyber Hygiene.

Trying to get your next (first?) cybersecurity job but you’re feeling stuck? Is it your resume? Interviewing skills? Something else?

Now you can discover and take advantage of the Hiring Manager’s secrets and strategies for flourishing in the cybersecurity (InfoSec) industry.

You’ll learn how to:

• Create an impactful and effective cybersecurity resume that showcases your skills and achievements
• Excel in job interviews by demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the new cybersecurity role
• Negotiate a stellar compensation package that aligns with your skills and market value
• Start your career off right and have a plan for your future success in your new position

We have 4.75 out of 5 stars rating and 495 students have signed up so far.

Check it out HERE .

And, please share my “Mentor Notes” with everyone.

Thanks!

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Kip Boyle is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and experienced cyber risk manager. He founded Cyber Risk Opportunities LLC in 2015, after seven years as the CISO of PEMCO Insurance in Seattle. As a captain on active duty in the US Air Force, he served in the Combat Archer and F-22 Stealth Fighter programs where he was the director of enterprise network security. These days, he serves as virtual chief information security officer for many customers, including a professional sports team and fast-growing FinTech and AdTech companies. Over the years, Kip has built teams by interviewing hundreds of cybersecurity professionals. And now, he’s sharing his insider’s perspective with you!

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