Landing a CISO interview is thrilling, especially for newcomers! But be prepared for a marathon. These interviews can involve multiple rounds with numerous participants, particularly if it’s the organization’s first CISO hire. The most I ever had was 19 people who interviewed me. Yes, you read it right!
So why does it take so long? because many times organizations don’t really know what they need or want and if they didn’t do their homework properly before starting the hiring process they may be somewhat lost. That’s where your interview becomes more than just a formality. It’s your chance to gather crucial intel and assess if the organization’s vision and commitment align with your expertise, values and career goals.
Forget the generic “What’s your security budget?” – let’s go beyond. Here are business questions you, the prospective CISO, should ask to truly grasp the organization’s landscape and set yourself up for success.
the right business questions to ask
- How does the organization generate its value?
This isn’t just about understanding the revenue model. It’s about uncovering the core essence of how the business creates impact. Is it through innovation, customer service, or operational efficiency? Knowing this tells you what assets and processes are most critical to protect. - What is the business strategy?
Understanding the strategic direction reveals the company’s long-term vision and priorities. Are they looking to disrupt an industry, expand into new markets, or optimize existing operations? This informs your security roadmap and ensures your efforts align with the overall business goals. - What are the business goals for this year?
Short-term objectives can reveal immediate challenges and opportunities. Are they launching a new product? Entering a new market? Understanding these goals helps you align your security initiatives to support and enable these goals without hindering progress. - What are the opportunities for the business over the next 5 years?
This is about future-proofing your security vision and strategy. Are they planning for major technological advancements? Entering new markets? Knowing their growth trajectory helps you anticipate future security needs and build a scalable program that can adapt to their evolving landscape. - What are the current business challenges?
Competition, market shifts, talent shortages – these can all pose significant threats. Identifying their challenges allows you to assess potential risks that might not be immediately obvious. It may also inform you about how and where the budget is allocated. - What are the threats to the business? (not just security)
With this question you are seeking to understand if the business even thinks about “What potentially can go wrong?”. Think beyond cyberattacks! Consider economic downturns, legal challenges, or technological disruptions. Understanding these broader threats allows you to build a more resilient security program. - What are the organization’s core values?
Values are the DNA of a company, shaping its culture and decision-making. Are their values like transparency and accountability aligned with yours? Can you see yourself building a security program that complements their culture and fosters trust?
The bonus question
This may actually be the first question you should ask, and even more so, a question you might want to ask several people. What is the leadership vision for security? They may not know to answer but any answer here will be revealing something, pay attention if this is a generic answer or more thoughtful.
This question reveals a lot about leadership’s commitment to security. Do they see it as a cost center or a strategic advantage? A generic answer might raise red flags, while a thoughtful vision shows they understand its importance and are willing to support and invest.
COnclusion
These questions are not just about getting answers; they’re about building a conversation, understanding the company’s DNA, and demonstrating your ability to think strategically. By asking these insightful questions, you’ll show that you’re interested in the heart and soul of the organization and position yourself as a CISO who can truly protect and empower the business from the inside out.
What other business questions did you find helpful to ask in your interviews? I would love to hear from you.
Read Part 2 : Questions about the CISO role
