Where can you find qualified {role_name}?

What are the best practices for headhunting {role_name}?

How to shortlist candidates?

Once you have started to get applications from applicants, a thorough screening process and shortlisting of prospects will help you make the most of your time spent with the most qualified ones. 

Automated shortlisting tools :

Automated screening quickly filters out unqualified candidates, saving time for manual review. This allows the manual process to focus on the most promising candidates, ensuring the best ones are considered for further evaluation.

Screening questions to auto-shortlist based on predefined criteria

like qualifications, location, experience, and skills. Either use job board or use an ATS such as whitecarrot. Here are some questions for {role_name}

• Question: How many years of experience do you have with network security?
  • Auto-Reject: Less than 1 year
• Question: How many years of experience do you have in a cybersecurity role?
  • Auto-Reject: Less than 1 year
• Question: Are you located within [specified location] or willing to work remotely?
  • Auto-reject if not willing to work remotely or relocate if required
• How proficient are you in using security tools such as firewalls and SIEM?
  • Auto-Reject if Not proficient

Skill based question to auto shortlist candidate

Analyze the skill test data to automatically shortlist top-performing applicants. (recommended screening test time - 15 minutes). Here are some skill test questions for {role_name}

Security Tools and Technologies

Familiarity with various security tools and technologies. Some sample questions:

• Which tool is commonly used for vulnerability scanning
• Options: some text
  • Nmap, 
  • Nessus, 
  • Wireshark, 
  • Burp Suite
• What is the function of a SIEM system
• Options: some text
  • Collect logs, 
  • Monitor network, 
  • Analyze data, 
  • All of the above
• How do you use Wireshark in network security?
• Options: some text
  • Capture network traffic, 
  • Analyze packets, 
  • Detect anomalies, 
  • All of the above

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Understanding basic cybersecurity principles and best practices. Some sample questions:

• What is the CIA triad in cybersecurity?
• Options: some text
  • Confidentiality, 
  • Integrity, 
  • Availability, 
  • All of the above
• Describe the process of penetration testing.
• Options: some text
  • Planning, 
  • Scanning, 
  • Exploitation, 
  • Reporting, 
  • All of the above
• What is phishing and how can it be prevented?
• Options: some text
  • Email filtering, 
  • User education, 
  • Anti-phishing tools, 
  • All of the above

Network Security

Knowledge and expertise in protecting network infrastructures

• What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
• Options: some text
  • To monitor network traffic, 
  • To block unauthorized access, 
  • To encrypt data, 
  • All of the above
• How would you mitigate a DDoS attack?
• Options: some text
  • Use a WAF, 
  • Increase bandwidth, 
  • Implement rate limiting, 
  • All of the above
• What tool would you use for network intrusion detection?
• Options: some text
  • Snort, 
  • Wireshark, 
  • Nessus, 
  • Metasploit

Note - Auto reject candidates if scores less than 70% in this section

One way video interview

Use tools like hirevue, whitecarrot.io to ask candidates pre-recorded questions about their experience and skills.

Use sample question given in scorecard.

Collect other information 

Collect data from shortlisted candidates, such as salary expectations and visa status.

Manual candidate profile shortlisting:

Thoroughly review the CVs of the top scoring candidates from the automated process

Look for evidence of the required skills, experience, and achievements

Review the candidate’s portfolio or GitHub repositories to see examples of their work.