This post was originally published on this site.
Insights from Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer, ISACA.
The skills gap in the cybersecurity profession has long been a fraught challenge. Various estimates show large totals of unfilled cybersecurity positions, yet many aspiring entrants to the field report it can be challenging to break through, particularly for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Companies are often looking for backgrounds and qualifications that are in short supply. In other cases, they are unwilling to invest in their cybersecurity workforces at the level that the modern threat landscape demands.
Recently, hiring conditions have become especially challenging. According to ISACA’s State of Cybersecurity 2024 report, hiring across the industry is slowing, which could be especially problematic at a time in which the stressful nature of the industry and the longevity of longtime practitioners mean that many cybersecurity professionals will be exiting the field in the coming years.
Here are a few meaningful steps that those looking to find their place in the cybersecurity field can take to stand out when roles are harder to come by:
Achieve respected industry certifications.
As the job market tightens, it becomes increasingly important for aspiring practitioners to find substantive ways to stand out in the marketplace. A great way to do this is to achieve respected industry certifications that are relevant to the roles being pursued.
While many certifications have experience requirements, a positive development in recent years has been the creation of new credentials geared more toward newcomers and those in the early stages of their career journeys.
The initial research phase can be even more challenging than the actual exam preparation. Although many practitioners recognize the value of becoming credentialed, one common obstacle is being overwhelmed by the ever-growing number of options that exist.
Do your due diligence to understand which certifications best align with the type of roles you would like to pursue and the reputation of the organizations behind those certifications. Many credentials are fully knowledge-based, while others include a performance-based skills element, which can be especially resonant with prospective employers for certain roles. Factor all of this into your research.
Pursue emerging tech knowledge.
Cybersecurity professionals and cybercriminals alike are increasingly finding ways in which artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally. AI-powered cyberattacks are upping the degree of difficulty for cyber defenders, who in turn are turning to AI to assist in areas such as threat detection, endpoint security and automating various routine tasks.
This reliance on AI projects will only increase in the coming years, meaning it is becoming necessary for cybersecurity professionals to have at least foundational AI knowledge for many roles. Other technologies—such as blockchain, the Internet of Things and various cloud technologies—also are impacting the attack surface, and quantum computing could be the most significant emerging technology of them all in the not-too-distant future.
By showing a commitment to continuous learning on the emerging tech front—for example, through taking training courses and attending webinars, workshops and conference sessions—candidates can demonstrate their commitment to keeping up with the dynamic technology landscape while also equipping themselves to be more effective once they are on the job.
Be intentional about how you position yourself.
Even aside from the fact that the cybersecurity job market is tightening, it is a difficult era to be a job candidate. AI technology is often used to scan résumés for keywords, swiftly weeding out some potentially solid candidates. Also, attrition in the recruitment profession can leave HR professionals stretched thin, meaning candidates need to be purposeful about how they accentuate their strengths and qualifications.
Don’t assume the recruiting/human resources specialists have the time or even experience to scrutinize your full résumé to draw a carefully considered conclusion about whether you have the right background for the job. Be clear, specific and bold—both in your résumé and related application materials, such as a cover letter—about how your skills and background are an ideal springboard to succeeding in the specific role you are pursuing.
Candidates should have a strong sense of what is most important to prospective employers and make their case in a way that aligns with those priorities. One of those important skills is understanding the business landscape and having industry insights so you can directly relate with your potential employer.
Opportunity is still knocking in cybersecurity.
While the job market in cybersecurity—as is the case in most industries—can be cyclical, the underlying fundamentals of cybersecurity being an in-demand field remain intact. Companies need strong cybersecurity teams to be able to securely and sustainably innovate in a perilous digital environment.
The current climate calls for interested cybersecurity newcomers to sharpen their approach to job-seeking. By adding a valued industry credential, becoming knowledgeable about the intersection of cybersecurity, the business/industry and emerging tech and being intentional about how they are presenting themselves to employers, the outlook remains bright to break into this vibrant profession.
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