Asking Cyber Security Recruiter How to Get Hired (Avoid Rejection)

Summary

In this video, top cyber security recruiter Paul shares valuable insights on landing a first cyber security job. He discusses common resume mistakes, emphasizing the importance of highlighting relevant experience upfront. Paul also advises on standing out in a competitive field, suggesting candidates articulate their passion for the industry and bridge gaps with further studies, volunteer work, or side projects. He clarifies misconceptions about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and the importance of genuine communication skills over keyword stuffing. The video is a treasure trove for those looking to break into the cyber security industry.

Takeaways

• 💼 Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds reviewing resumes, so relevant experience should be placed at the top.
• 📄 One common mistake candidates make is including unrelated experience, like a former nurse listing nursing experience before cyber security qualifications.
• 🔑 To stand out in a cyber security job application, candidates should clearly articulate their passion for the field and highlight any relevant certifications, training, or projects.
• 📚 Transferable skills from other careers, such as report writing and presentation skills, can be valuable in cyber security if articulated well.
• 📜 Certifications like Splunk (for SOC analyst roles) or OSCP (for penetration testers) can be crucial in bridging knowledge gaps for career changers.
• 🧑‍💻 Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used in large-scale hiring processes but are less impactful for specific cyber security roles, where human recruiters prioritize relevant experience over ATS scores.
• 🎯 Candidates should be specific about which area of cyber security they are interested in, such as GRC, SOC, or architecture, and be prepared to explain why.
• ⏱ Preparation is key for cyber security interviews; candidates need to show they’ve researched the company and know why they want the role.
• 📝 Practical hands-on experience, even self-initiated projects, can demonstrate readiness and commitment to a cyber security role.
• 🗣 Good communication skills, preparation, and punctuality are as important as technical skills in landing a cyber security job.

Q & A

What is one of the biggest mistakes that candidates make on their resumes when applying for cyber security jobs?

One of the biggest mistakes is putting relevant cyber security experience or certifications on the second or third page, rather than at the top of the resume where recruiters can easily see it.

Why is it important to put relevant experience at the top of your resume?

Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume. If they don't immediately see relevant experience or skills, they are more likely to reject the candidate.

What are some effective ways for someone changing careers to stand out when applying for a cyber security job?

Candidates should articulate why they are passionate about cyber security, highlight any certifications, volunteer work, personal projects, or additional studies they’ve completed to bridge the gap between their previous career and cyber security.

What transferable skills can be valuable when switching to a career in cyber security?

Transferable skills like report writing, presenting, communication, and analytical thinking can be valuable. The key is learning how to apply those skills within the technical nuances of cyber security.

Are automated systems (ATS) a common reason candidates are rejected when applying for cyber security jobs?

According to the recruiter, ATS systems do exist, but they are not heavily relied on for cyber security roles. Rejections often come from candidates lacking proper skills or training rather than issues with ATS systems.

What are the most important qualities to demonstrate during a cyber security interview?

Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, passion for the field, knowledge of the company and role, and articulate how they’ve taken steps to develop skills, even if they don’t have extensive experience.

Why do some candidates fail during their cyber security interviews?

Candidates often fail when they cannot articulate why they are interested in the field or the specific role. Lack of preparation and clarity about which area of cyber security they want to pursue is a common issue.

What advice does the recruiter give about preparing for a cyber security interview?

The recruiter advises candidates to thoroughly prepare by researching the company and understanding the role they are applying for. They should also be able to explain what they’ve done to bridge the experience gap, such as training or projects.

What is a common misconception candidates have about landing their first cyber security job?

Many candidates believe that automated systems or lack of specific keywords are the reasons they don’t get jobs. However, the recruiter emphasized that most often, it’s due to a lack of relevant skills or training.

How can certifications help candidates when applying for their first cyber security role?

Certifications like Splunk (for SOC analysts) and OSCP (for penetration testers) can help bridge the gap in experience and provide candidates with a foundation to enter the field. Certifications show a commitment to learning and skill development.