The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified a need for IT and cybersecurity professionals. The Cybersecurity Workforce Study from (ISC)2 estimates there is a current need for over 4 million cybersecurity professionals. The increase in working from home and need to exchange more and more information online has led to additional job openings in cybersecurity. If you’re seeking a job in the field, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Secure your background in IT. If you’re just starting out in the field on cybersecurity, first get your background in general IT. You can start out with an internship with a company near you. If you don’t see any opportunities like this listed, approach a few larger companies and see if they can make room for you in an entry level position. This kind of training will give you a foundation in the fundamentals of IT such as networking, database management, configuring & administering systems and coding.
Focus in on a specific area. After you’ve gotten your feet wet in the field (however you do it), start to focus on an area that interests you. It’s really not possible to have an expertise in all of the different areas of cybersecurity, so employers “suggest you focus on an area (e.g., networking security) and do it well,” according to Cyberdegrees.org. Imagine where you want to be five or ten years down the line and start building your resume in that area. For example, if web security or software security interests you, having a background as a web developer is a good place to start.
Work on your ideal resume. According to Techrepublic.org, when they spoke with security solutions integrator Optiv, they discovered a few things recruiters look for in cybersecurity. While it’s critical to have the right level of skills and talent, if you miss the basics, you’ll never even get an interview. So, make sure all of your communication is without grammatical errors. Tailor your resume for the specific job you’re applying for. Look at what cybersecurity-related skills the company is seeking and address those specifically in your resume and cover letter.
If the field if cybersecurity is appealing to you, you’re in a good position. The outlook for the industry is positive and expected to continue that way for years to come. Employers will be looking for highly educated and highly skilled candidates, so you must keep up you’re your pursuits in education and training. If you focus on the above tips and network with some people who are already working in the field, you’ll get off to a great start finding your dream cybersecurity job.