Your skillset may be in-demand. However, that won’t increase your chances if your information security resume is not well-crafted.
Well-Rewarding and In-Demand
The demand for qualified information security (infosec) professionals is high. That trend will likely remain or increase. For instance, there were more than 300,000 open infosec positions from March 2017 to March 2018. The number is more likely higher today due to many companies shifting to remote work.
Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the aforementioned number will increase by 18 percent by 2024. Furthermore, infosec jobs are well-rewarded. Such professionals earn $116,000 yearly on average.
Sounds great, right? The real challenge here is how to land an interview for the job. Statistics show that on average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job. Hence, you need a well-crafted information security resume. Such a resume greatly increases your odds of landing the job.
What To Include On Your Information Security Resume
In this article, we’ll help you craft a winning information security resume. Read on to see effective tips.
Skip the Objective, Keep the Summary
Do not write an ‘Objective’ section on your resume. The only exemption to that rule is when you’re entering the infosec sector from another sector. Start your resume with a professional summary. Begin by describing yourself with a title. Include a title that is as relevant as possible to the job description.
Afterward, write your areas of expertise. However, don’t go overboard with areas of expertise. Write only those areas that the job description highlights. Make sure that those skills align most closely with your experience.
Accomplishments, Technical Skills, and Certifications
The majority of your resume must focus on the following:
- Accomplishments
- Technical skills (or “core competencies”)
- Certifications
It is crucial that you write those three in that order. Hiring managers don’t want dense paragraphs. Hence, create a bulleted list of your career achievements. Those achievements must emphasize measurable accomplishments.
List your technical expertise. You must include the tools, languages, and platforms you used in your previous jobs. Afterward, you may include your certifications below the skills sections. Include security clearances on your certifications if the role requires such clearances.
A Demonstrated Passion for Learning
Technology evolves rapidly, and so is the infosec field. Hence, you must have a passion for learning. Include professional conferences and career achievements. Those will highlight your adaptability and demonstrates your passion for learning.
Cover Letter
Always build a cover letter that comes along with your resume. Always build one even it is not required. Yet, don’t use the same cover letter on other job posts. Copy-pasting is a big ‘no’ in job applications. Thus, modify your cover letter according to the needs of the company. Furthermore, your cover letter must reflect the keywords used in each job ad.
Replace Paragraphs with Bullet Lists
As we have mentioned earlier, hiring managers don’t want densely written resumes. Hence, avoid using lengthy paragraphs or long lists of skills. Instead, bullet the different aspects of your experience. Moreover, be as concise as possible.
