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Landing a job at KnowBe4, the leading security awareness training platform, is a coveted opportunity for many cybersecurity professionals. With its exponential growth serving over 47,000 organizations worldwide, KnowBe4 has cemented itself as an industry leader
However, cracking the KnowBe4 interview requires thorough preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we provide tips, examples and insights into the top 15 KnowBe4 interview questions to help you put your best foot forward and land your dream cybersecurity job.
Overview of the KnowBe4 Hiring Process
Typically the KnowBe4 interview process consists of
- A cognitive assessment or technical test
- 1-3 rounds of interviews via video call or in-person
- A final interview with the hiring manager
Interviews range from behavioral questions to technical queries and problem-solving scenarios. KnowBe4 cares about cultural fit, so you can expect to be asked questions about your communication, work ethic, and ability to work with others.
Technical roles will involve more complex troubleshooting and scenario-based questions to assess your hands-on abilities.
KnowBe4 wants candidates to have a good interview experience by having an open and quick hiring process. Thorough preparation using these tips will help you shine throughout.
15 Common KnowBe4 Interview Questions and Answers
Here are the top 15 KnowBe4 interview questions likely to come up and our tips to craft winning responses:
Q1. How do you stay up-to-date on cybersecurity trends and technologies?
This tests your passion for continuous learning in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Demonstrate your proactive efforts to upgrade your skills and knowledge.
Example: I stay current by reading industry publications like Dark Reading and CSO Online daily. I also have email alerts set up for new threats or vulnerabilities. Recently, I completed a cybersecurity bootcamp to learn about emerging attack vectors. Knowledge is power in cybersecurity, so I dedicate time weekly to learning about new technologies like AI-driven threat detection tools. This helps me perform at the cutting-edge in protecting organizations.
Q2. How do you balance Work-Life integration working in cybersecurity?
This aims to gauge your time management abilities and ensure you can handle the dynamic workload. Convey your personal approach while showing respect for work-life integration.
Example: The nature of cybersecurity requires agility in handling emerging threats at all hours. Personally, I integrate my work and life by being transparent about my availability and schedules with my manager. This allows us to plan timelines accordingly. I also proactively automate tasks where possible, enabling me to focus on higher-value work. But I equally prioritize taking time off to recharge. By communicating clearly and using tools to enhance productivity, I’ve found an optimal balance.
Q3. Why do you want to work at KnowBe4?
Showcase your motivations beyond just getting a job. Weave in your admiration for the company’s mission, culture and products.
Example: I’m drawn to KnowBe4 for its industry-leading approach to security awareness training. Having witnessed firsthand the damage of phishing attacks at a previous employer, I’m passionate about your mission of empowering users to make smarter security decisions. Beyond protecting organizations, I’m inspired by KnowBe4’s inclusive culture that values transparency and work-life balance. I believe my skills and values align well with the team to contribute towards the company’s future growth.
Q4. How would you deal with a disgruntled customer?
Demonstrate empathy, conflict resolution skills and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Share an example if possible.
Example: I would listen patiently to understand their frustration. After apologizing for their inconvenience, I’d assure them I will do everything to resolve the issue to their satisfaction. Following policy, I’d escalate the matter internally and investigate to identify the root cause. Once resolved, I’d follow up to ensure the customer is happy with the solution and take steps to prevent repeat issues. Retaining trust is critical.
Q5. What security awareness training methods do you find most effective?
Highlight your knowledge of behavioral science-based training techniques. Show passion for educating employees.
Example: I’ve found methods like phishing simulations, interactive modules and short frequent training using microlearning principles to be most effective. They use behavior modification and adult learning concepts tailored to the modern worker’s limited attention span. Making training non-intrusive and even fun, like gamification, improves engagement too. A multi-modal approach combines different mediums for enhanced retention. My goal is to make security awareness intrinsic through reinforcement.
Q6. How do you stay motivated on projects that get postponed or stalled?
Convey your perseverance and commitment to delivering consistent value, even when plans change.
Example: I stay motivated by focusing on aspects I can control and finding opportunities to add value. For instance, I would utilize the extra time to strengthen documentation or identify process improvements for smoother future rollouts. Collaborating with stakeholders on contingency plans also reinforces collective ownership. While delays can be demoralizing, I reflect on the bigger purpose, such as enabling an organization’s cyber resilience. The end goal remains worthwhile despite obstacles. My role is adapting plans while keeping stakeholders aligned and inspired.
Q7. Tell me about a time you exceeded sales targets. What was your approach?
Illustrate your sales strategies using a specific example. Quantify your results.
Example: As a enterprise security sales rep last year, I was tasked with a 30% increase in revenue from existing accounts. I developed quarterly account growth plans tailored to each client’s maturity and needs. By bundling our different solutions, I demonstrated their combined effectiveness in enhancing the client’s security posture. Additionally, I accelerated deals by building executive rapport to position our services as a strategic investment. Through this consultative approach, I increased revenue by 40% across my accounts. It exemplified that personalized service and strategic vision are as important as the products themselves.
Q8. How do you stay organized when handling multiple client accounts and projects?
Demonstrate your project management abilities and tools you use.
Example: Managing multiple accounts requires meticulous organization. I use Asana to map out all deliverables and deadlines across client projects on a weekly basis. This provides clarity on my priorities and workload. I block time daily to focus on each project, while also building in buffers for unexpected tasks. Overcommunication is key, so I send recap emails to stakeholders summarizing action items and progress. Organization coupled with proactive communication allows me to keep all my projects on track efficiently.
Q9. How would you explain a complex cybersecurity concept to a non-technical executive or user?
Showcase your ability to simplify complex topics by relating them to the audience’s concerns.
Example: Explaining technical concepts simply requires using analogies and relatable examples tailored to the listener’s background. For instance, when explaining phishing to a non-technical executive, I would compare it to a con artist attempting to trick them into revealing personal information using urgency and impersonation. Just as they should be wary of scams in the real world, I would advise being vigilant to simulated attacks in the digital world designed to steal their credentials. The analogy helps anchor an abstract concept.
Q10. Tell me about a time you successfully collaborated across departments to achieve a business goal.
Prove you can work cross-functionally, emphasizing communication and teamwork.
Example: As a security analyst, I partnered with our marketing team to promote better password hygiene internally. After briefing them on the rising threat of credential theft, I collaborated on an engaging campaign featuring posters, intranet articles and a password strength contest. This cross-departmental initiative led to a 76% decrease in weak passwords on employee accounts, hardening our security posture. It demonstrated the power of creative collaboration.
Q11. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Sell yourself by highlighting your unique values, skills and cultural fit.
Example: As a cybersecurity professional with 12 years in the industry, I bring deep technical expertise coupled with a passion for educating and coaching others. My volunteered experience creating security awareness videos in my community exemplifies my creative communication abilities. Whether handling complex SOC duties or simplifying concepts for end users, I have a proven track record of balancing hard and soft skills. Most importantly, my integrity and solutions-focused mindset make me a collaborative team player. This blend of technical and interpersonal skills makes me uniquely suited to propel KnowBe4’s mission.
Q12. How do you stay on top of cybersecurity compliance standards?
Convey your diligence in keeping updated with changing regulations. Mention specific resources you use.
Example: I stay updated on compliance standards by regularly reviewing industry resources like the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities list, NIST framework and ISACA newsletters. I also have saved Google Alerts for any changes to regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS and GDPR that impact our business. Keeping abreast of new requirements through reputable channels ensures our policies and controls align to regulations and best practices.
Q13. What qualities do you believe are most important for a successful cybersecurity professional?
Highlight a mix of technical expertise, communication abilities and intrinsic values.
