How to improve your Cybersecurity resume
Simple tips to make your cybersecurity resume stand out
The job market is tough in 2023
Cybersecurity job opportunities are plentiful but the recent tech layoffs also mean the market is flooded with applicants
When applying for a cybersecurity job, you really want to make sure your resume is bringing its A-game to stand out amidst the hundreds and thousands also competing for the recruiter’s attention
As someone who has hired cybersecurity professionals at all levels over a few decades, here are a few tips to give your CV that winning edge
Note: Some of these can be applied to any CV honestly and not just restricted to cybersecurity but are too important NOT to mention
1 — Make it look pretty
Your cybersecurity resume will create the initial impression and it needs to have a pleasing aesthetic
Most resumes are rejected within 10 to 30 seconds so you need to grab attention ASAP
How good your CV looks can make the difference between landing that interview or not .
With free tools like Canva available with some amazing templates, there is no excuse not to have an eye catching CV
2 — Focus on achievements not your job description
Most CISOs and recruiters can guess your job description just from reading what your title is
You do not need to create a 15 bullet list describing what you do
Focus on what you achieved instead
This is a common mistake which I have seen reviewing thousands of CV
Stress on the security processes you implemented, how they bought about improvements, what tangible benefits you bought etc.
Instead of writing “Create a security awareness program” .. how about “Implemented a successful security awareness campaign that lead to a 15% decrease in social engineering mistakes in the 2022 phishing drill ..”
3 — Dont go overboard on certifications and courses
Dont get me wrong .. certifications ARE important
They prove your baseline knowledge and are important in your entry to mid level career
BUT taking over one page of your resume with certifications and courses is not really a good idea
It all bleeds together to become a meaningless mess in the CISO’s eyes honestly
Choose the top 3 or top 5 certs you think matter and focus on those
Find something to make your CV stand out
Try to find that killer hook in your CV that makes your CV stand out.
It can a book you wrote, a course you taught, a Youtube channel you have on cybersecurity etc.
No issues if you do not have one .. but work towards it
That one thing will make the recruiter take notice and make you stand out from the rest
check out my below article for some easy ways to do
Avoid typos please !
Look everyone wants to impress CISOs with technical jargon and show off their cybersecurity skills
But there is no need to overdo it
Make sure your technical lingo is correct and your resume has been proof-read otherwise it can become embarrassing to read and sink your impression
Write in short , concise words what you did and what you can bring to the table
I hope this was useful .. let me know if there are other tips I could have covered. Good luck job hunting in 2023 !