How to Turn Cybersecurity Projects Into Interview Offers

This week I had one of those “I wish more people understood this” moments.

I was talking to someone in the community who’s been doing everything right.

Home labs, Done, Certs? Sec+, Projects, Solid.

But they weren’t getting interviews. Not even rejections. Just nothing.

I asked if they’d been posting about their work, and I heard nothing. 

I asked if they’d documented their process anywhere, More silence.

So here’s the truth I told them, the same truth I’m giving you.

In 2025, your portfolio isn’t just about what you build.

It’s about how publicly you build it.

A decade ago, getting into cybersecurity was pretty straightforward:

Get a cert, Build a lab, Apply to jobs

Now? That’s just the starting line.

The people who are getting interviews, callbacks, and referrals aren’t necessarily more skilled.

They’re just more visible.

That’s the shift.

Your personal brand is no longer optional, it is your portfolio.

When a recruiter checks your LinkedIn they’re looking for:

• How you approach problems

• What tools you’re using

• Whether you understand the space you’re trying to work in

And no, a bullet point that says “Home lab with Splunk + Wireshark” won’t cut it.

But a post that says, “I spent this week trying to write a detection rule for brute force logins, here’s how I did it,” will.

Here’s how to think about it:

1. Build projects that look like the job

Simulate phishing. Monitor logs. Write up reports.

Practice detection. Document what you did and why.

If it feels like something a real analyst or engineer would be assigned? You’re on the right track.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few real-world projects worth building — and sharing:

These aren’t just portfolio fluff. These are the kinds of projects that hiring managers actually care about.

• Secure Access with Azure Active Directory (AD)
  Set up enterprise-grade access controls using Azure AD
  → Start this Coursera lab
  

• Build a Phishing Attack Simulator with GoPhish
  Simulate phishing attacks and learn how hackers trick users
  → Try this walkthrough by AlphaSec
  

• Manage an IT Ticketing System
  Understand how support teams handle alerts and real-world incidents
  → Explore this project path on CourseCareers

2. Post on LinkedIn while you're building

That’s the platform hiring managers and recruiters are watching.

You don’t need followers. You don’t need to go viral.

You just need to show you’re doing the work — consistently and clearly.

Most people are afraid to post because they don’t feel ready.

But readiness isn’t what gets attention.

Consistency is.

3. Keep showing up

The people who win in this field aren’t just the most technical.

They’re the ones who can think, communicate, and keep showing up even when nobody’s watching yet.

The good news?

You don’t need thousands of followers. You just need one hiring manager to read your post and say, “That’s someone I want on my team.”

So start small.

Pick a project. Share a lesson. Post it on LinkedIn.

Then do it again next week.

That’s how the interviews start.

P.S. Once you’ve got the projects, and the recruiter are noticing you. Make sure you’re ready to talk about them.

I cover how to present your work, walk through real interview questions, and prep like a pro in my Cybersecurity Interview Prep Mastery course.

It’s built to help you turn your experience into offers, even if you’re just getting started.

—Sandra