Sponsored by

Welcome to Edition #39 of The Career Compass! This week, we're focusing on interview mastery, emotional intelligence, and a fresh career spotlight to supercharge your professional growth. Plus, we've added powerful tips on quickly climbing the corporate ladder and a brand-new interactive challenge to sharpen your skills. Let's dive in!

Video of the Week: How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview | Get HIRED Fast!

Struggling with how to introduce yourself in an interview? Let’s fix that.

In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to answer one of the most common—and important—interview questions: “Tell me about yourself.”

As a recruiter with over 14 years of experience, I’ll break down a simple formula that helps you sound confident, professional, and memorable.

✅ Learn the best structure
✅ Hear real examples you can model
✅ Get insider tips from a recruiter’s perspective
✅ Find out what to avoid so you don’t get caught off guard

Ready to stand out and impress from the very first question? Watch now and practice your perfect introduction.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

News & Trends in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity & AI – A Delicate Balance

As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude become deeply embedded in business processes, cybersecurity teams face new, complex challenges. LLMs now handle sensitive tasks such as analysing security logs, creating phishing simulations, and generating security policies. However, these powerful tools also carry significant risks—including inadvertent data leaks through prompts, and vulnerabilities introduced by AI-generated code.

Organisations are increasingly concerned about securing these AI applications. This has spurred a surge in roles focused specifically on AI governance and security management, particularly around compliance with evolving AI regulations. Cybersecurity experts skilled in AI-specific risk management frameworks (such as NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, and the EU AI Act) are rapidly becoming invaluable assets to forward-thinking companies.

📱 Mobile Threat Landscape Expands

The rise of remote and hybrid work environments has caused cybercriminals to shift their focus to mobile devices. Sophisticated mobile threats—including malware-laden apps, SMS-based phishing ("smishing"), and mobile ransomware—are increasingly common. Organisations are responding by adopting robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, mobile threat detection tools, and intensifying employee awareness training programs.

This trend is creating opportunities for cybersecurity professionals who specialise in mobile security, forensics, and threat intelligence, as businesses seek experts capable of defending against these evolving threats.

The Growth of AI-Enhanced Career Platforms

Artificial Intelligence is significantly altering the career landscape by automating and streamlining job searches, interview preparations, and career planning. AI-driven platforms can match candidates to roles, optimise resumes, and predict interview questions. While highly efficient, these tools still lack the nuanced human insight provided by experienced career coaches and recruiters.

This evolving landscape highlights the growing need for hybrid approaches that blend AI’s scalability and efficiency with personalised, strategic career guidance. Professionals adept at leveraging AI tools while providing human-centered coaching and recruiting services are positioned for considerable success in the coming years.

Cyber Career Spotlight: Cyber Risk Analyst

Cyber Risk Analysts play a pivotal role in protecting organisations by assessing cybersecurity risks and developing strategic solutions.

🔹 What They Do:

• Evaluate and quantify cybersecurity risks

• Conduct assessments and third-party reviews

• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards

• Develop risk mitigation strategies

🔹 Key Skills:

• Familiarity with risk frameworks (NIST, ISO 27005)

• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities

• Excellent communication and business acumen

• Competence with GRC tools (Archer, RiskLens, ServiceNow)

🔹 Career Path:

• Entry-Level: Risk Analyst / Compliance Analyst

• Mid-Level: Cyber Risk Specialist / Consultant

• Senior-Level: Risk Manager / Director of Cyber Risk / CISO

Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Thriving in the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced and diverse work environments, emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) has emerged as a critical skill—arguably as important as technical expertise or IQ for career success and organisational growth. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as those of others. Here’s why it matters so much in the workplace:

🔹 Why EQ Matters:

1. Better Communication: Strong EQ helps you navigate conversations effectively and build lasting relationships.

2. Effective Conflict Resolution: EQ empowers you to manage disagreements constructively.

3. Leadership Advantage: EQ significantly contributes to leadership success.

4. Resilience: EQ boosts your ability to adapt and manage stress.

5. Career Growth: Professionals with high EQ often achieve greater career success and satisfaction.

In Summary Emotional intelligence is not just a “soft skill”—it’s a powerful driver of professional success, team performance, and organisational health. By cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and social skills, employees and leaders alike can unlock their full potential and create workplaces where people thrive

How to Climb the Corporate Ladder Quickly

1. Crush Your Job: Deliver results that make your boss and team look good. Competence builds credibility.

2. Build Relationships: Network actively. Connect across departments, attend events, and seek mentorship.

3. Seek High-Visibility Projects: Volunteer for tasks noticed by senior leadership.

4. Up-skill Relentlessly: Continuously gain skills that align with your company's goals.

5. Communicate Your Value: Regularly showcase your achievements subtly and strategically.

6. Act Like You're Already There: Adopt the behaviors and responsibilities of the role you aim for.

7. Ask for What You Want: Clearly communicate your career ambitions.

8. Stay Adaptable: Be ready to pivot and align quickly with evolving company goals.

🚨 Pro Tip: Avoid office politics—focus on delivering results and building meaningful relationships instead.

Start implementing these steps today, and you'll rapidly accelerate your professional journey.

Free Webinar: From Stuck to Success – July 3 at 6PM AEST

Feeling stuck in your career? Join me live on July 3rd at 6PM AEST for an exclusive webinar:

From Stuck to Success – 7 Steps to Transition into a Role You Love

In this free session, I’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step career transformation framework designed to help you create real momentum—without guesswork, burnout, or fluff. Whether you’re ready for a change or just need clarity, this workshop will empower you to take control of your career path with confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ Reflect Honestly: Identify the root of your dissatisfaction and gain clarity through guided journaling prompts

✅ Define Your Core Values: Discover what truly drives you and align your career around those values

✅ Clarify Your Vision: Visualise your ideal workday and write your “Future Career Narrative”

✅ Assess Your Strengths: Map your top skills and identify what energises you and where you shine

✅ Explore New Possibilities: Research and shortlist meaningful career paths that align with your interests

✅ Set SMART Goals: Break your vision into realistic, time-bound steps to stay focused and on track

✅ Take Immediate Action: Build momentum with a 30-Day Career Reboot Plan designed to help you move fast—and smart

Interactive Challenge: Phishing Attack Response

Scenario:

Your organisation has experienced a targeted phishing attack, compromising sensitive employee credentials.

Your Mission:

• Detail your immediate incident response steps.

• Describe your internal and external communications strategy.

• Suggest proactive measures to mitigate future phishing risks.

🗣 Take Action: Share your strategy on LinkedIn using #CareerCompassPhishingChallenge and tag me [@Luke Gough]. Top responses featured next week!

Exclusive Career Coaching Offer for Subscribers

Ready to make a powerful career move or accelerate your professional growth? As a valued subscriber of The Career Compass, I'm offering you an exclusive 50% discount on your first career coaching session. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, build a tailored action plan, and equip you with practical strategies to advance your career.

📌 How to Claim Your Discount: Simply email me directly at [email protected] mentioning "Career Compass 50% Offer," and I'll arrange everything.

Let’s unlock your career potential together!

Thank you for being part of The Career Compass community. Keep growing, learning, and sharing your journey.

P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let's work together to empower more careers!

Best wishes,
Luke Gough
Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass