Come ottenere un lavoro entry level in cybersecurity

Questo post è una risposta a un amico che sta cercando un ruolo nella cybersecurity in un mercato estremamente competitivo. Dato che questo è un problema diffuso oggigiorno, I decided to write a post rather than simply leaving a comment.

Various statistics from multiple sources suggest that there is a wide gap in cybersecurity roles, with millions of cybersecurity jobs waiting to be filled by new talent. Boot camps often use these numbers to promote their products. Although such a gap might exist, the talent shortage is usually most evident in specialized roles rather than among general candidates seeking entry level positions with limited experience.

Many applicants receive no response when applying for cybersecurity jobs even though there are supposedly millions of those opportunities available. Some may think they are not good enough or that something is inherently wrong with them for not receiving a callback. However, in many cases their applications are simply not reviewed.

If you are looking to enter cybersecurity, know that you are aiming at one of the more lucrative fields in technology and fierce competition typically awaits entry level positions at well-known companies. For example, if you apply to reputable Fortune 500 companies for an entry-level role, each job opening might attract anywhere from 50 to 200 applications or even more. At this level even if you are highly capable and fully qualified, you might not be noticed.

Here are some key points you should consider before applying for these roles:

1. Be mindful of the location of your job search. The region where you reside may not have the largest cybersecurity job market. In contrast, areas such as the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) have the highest number of job openings in cybersecurity. If there are not enough jobs available in your area, your chances of securing a position are reduced.

2. Visa sponsorship is limited. Most companies do not provide visa sponsorship. If you have a foreign sounding name (as I do) and require sponsorship, your opportunities may be even more limited. Conversely, if you do not need sponsorship, consider indicating your immigration status on your resume as clear as possible. I have been personally asked about my citizenship multiple times even though I clearly state that I am a U.S. citizen, implying that some candidates misrepresent their status only to later claim they need sponsorship. Be very clear about your immigration or citizenship status because obtaining sponsorship is not an easy task.

3. Watch out for fake job postings. Out of every 10 online job postings on platforms such as LinkedIn, around 4 may be fake, that is the jobs do not actually exist. You might apply for a posting for which you are fully qualified and receive no response, leaving you to wonder why you weren’t noticed when in fact the job was never real.

4. Many roles are not publicly advertised. For every 10 jobs posted online, there could be as many as 40 positions that are never publicly advertised. These opportunities are typically filled through networking or local channels. Look up local businesses in your area that hire for your role, reach out to them or check their websites. You might also consult lists like the Russell 2000 or Fortune 500 and leveraging AI tools may help you uncover positions that aren’t listed on LinkedIn.

5. Certifications matter but only if they are the right ones. I have a friend who usually pursues certifications first and then complains about their effectiveness. It is important to determine which certifications are valued by HR and pursue those rather than simply accumulating them only to lament that HR isn’t interested. Even the best qualifications won’t matter if employers are not seeking them. The certifications you hold or pursue might not be those most in demand. Refer to this link and choose your state, which shows job openings by required certification in each state. For example, in Missouri, all 30 SANS certifications combined account for roughly 500 openings, while the CISSP certification alone has over 1,200 openings, with Security+ following at around 1,100.

6. Beware of bias. C'è un profondo senso di sfiducia e pregiudizio verso individui provenienti da determinati paesi a causa di tensioni politiche, specialmente in settori sensibili.. Se provieni originariamente da uno di questi paesi,, considera di rimuovere dal tuo profilo i riferimenti alla tua formazione o esperienza estera, anche se la decisione finale spetta a te.. For example, Se stai cercando uno stage presso un'azienda farmaceutica,, la tua formazione estera potrebbe non aggiungere valore alle tue credenziali in cybersecurity o alla tua esperienza in sicurezza nazionale..

Di seguito sono riportati alcuni passaggi che puoi seguire per migliorare le tue possibilità.:

1. Devi seguire le pratiche comuni di ricerca lavoro.. Pratiche comuni come il networking,, partecipare a comunità di cybersecurity,, migliorare la tua presenza online,, personalizzare il tuo curriculum,, seguire le candidature inviate alle aziende,, e persino inviare una lettera di ringraziamento scritta a mano. (even if your handwriting is as bad as mine).

2. Consider de-emphasizing your background on your resume. If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, consider de-emphasizing your background on your resume if you are from a country that does not have a strong relationship with the United States, as this might reduce the likelihood of being viewed unfavorably. First impressions matter, and you never know who will review your resume.

3. Craft your resume specifically for positions for which you are eligible. Read job descriptions carefully to ensure you meet or exceed all the qualifications listed in both your resume and cover letter. Merely being qualified does not guarantee you will secure an interview or the position.

4. Compile a list of job listings for the roles. Compile a list of the roles you desire, note their requirements and tailor your resume accordingly. By reviewing many listings from different companies for the same role, you will gain a better understanding of what the industry expects in an entry-level candidate.

5. Consider pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities. If you are unable to find a job immediately, consider pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities. Cybersecurity can be challenging to break into. If you cannot secure an internship at a high-profile company, look for opportunities at local libraries or community organizations. Adding more experience to your profile might prove more advantageous than emphasizing your background alone.

6. Start in IT and then switch to cybersecurity. If transitioning directly into cybersecurity proves difficult, considera di iniziare nell'IT e poi passare alla cybersecurity. Forse è meglio non menzionare questa strategia ai recruiter; invece, lavora sulla tua transizione ricoprendo un ruolo IT correlato. Dopo un paio d'anni, potresti avere un'opportunità molto migliore di entrare nella cybersecurity.

7. puntare al vertice. Infine, perseguire una certificazione che ti distingua. For example, Considera di puntare alla certificazione CISSP se hai anche un background educativo. Concesso, CISSP non è una certificazione entry level e non puoi ottenere lo status CISSP completo senza cinque anni di esperienza! Ma puoi diventare associate CISSP quasi immediatamente se superi l'esame difficile. È difficile per i recruiter escludere un candidato con un CISSP (o Associate CISSP) certificazione. Anche se la tua domanda viene infine respinta, Sarà almeno seriamente considerato. Perseguire il CISSP richiede un impegno significativo, ma se sei disposto a inviare diverse centinaia di candidature e lettere di presentazione accuratamente personalizzate e a competere con diverse centinaia di altri candidati, potrebbe valere la pena lo sforzo.