Finding a good job can be a very long and overwhelming process. This feeling can be magnified when you’re looking for a job in a field like cyber security. There are so many different avenues to go down. As someone just starting out, it can be hard to know where to start. Even if you’re experienced in the field, you may not know how best to advance your position. In this blog, we are going to go over 5 tips that will help you in the cyber security job hunt.
1) Find a specific area to focus on.
Cyber security is a broad field. It is important for entry-level professionals to decide what area of cyber security they want to focus on. This specialization will be appealing to employers who know that nobody, especially at the beginning of their career, can do it all. It will also help you set goals, both short-term and long-term, and narrow in on the jobs you are most interested in.
2) Certifications are everything.
So, while there is no shortage of jobs in the cyber security field, entry-level candidates will face hurdles due to their lack of experience and education. In the field of cyber security, education and certifications are huge. In fact, one of the reasons for the shortage of workers in the field is not that people don’t want the jobs, but that they aren’t qualified. Because of that many large firms have come out with great certificates and programs to show your knowledge. The best part is that most of them are free! Check out this ultimate list located here:. This will help you curate a list of certificates and get that cyber security job you’ve always wanted.
3) Networking is key.
Networking is an important skill to master for any job. Cyber security is no exception. It can be incredibly helpful to get your foot in the door, both figuratively and literally. Look out for events you can attend, like conferences or hackathons. These are great places to meet other people in your field or get your name out there. Volunteering is also a great way to network and to make a big impact on the world.
4) Manage your digital footprint.
This is a tip that everyone could benefit from. However, if you’re going into a field that is primarily online, this is even more important for you. Employers are very likely to search for you on social media or other websites. You should do this yourself and see what comes up. Is it positive? Negative? Use this information as a starting point so you know what your future boss could be seeing. You never know what kind of information Google might have about you. If you don’t already create a LinkedIn. This is a fantastic platform for connecting individuals and recruiters are all over it. While you’re at it, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on our job listings.
5) Soft skills are still important.
The cyber security field puts a heavy emphasis on technical skills and knowledge. Like we mentioned earlier, certifications are super important so you can prove what you are capable of doing. However, don’t underestimate soft skills. Skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are great to have. These skills could set you apart from other candidates that may have the same qualifications that you do. Even though this is primarily an ‘online’ industry, soft skills are always important.
These are just a small handful of ideas that could help you in your job hunt. Just know, the cyber security field is desperate for jobs right now. Many companies are starting to realize how unprepared they are for a cyber-attack and are looking to expand their protection. If you’re pursuing a degree or certification regarding anything to do with cyber security, you’re already headed in the right direction. Need help finding qualified cyber security staff for your business? Aspis is here to help. Aspis Consulting is a cyber security staffing firm based out of Kansas City, MO. We also have offices in Duluth, MN and Washington D.C.
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