On average, hiring managers receive 250 information security resumes per job post. Read on to see how to make your resume stand out.
Choose The Best Format When Writing Information Security Resumes
Hiring managers act like a standard antivirus checkup. Firstly, they scan every resume. Afterward, they’ll choose the resumes they want to revisit. The real challenge here is managers only take 6 seconds by average in scanning each resume. Furthermore, you permanently lose your chances to that company if you don’t make it past that scan.
The best format to use is the chronological format. A chronologically arranged resume keeps the information in order. Hence, it looks like a great security policy framework. Moreover, this format eases the lives of hiring managers as such resumes are easy to follow and familiar.
Start your information security resume with a compelling objective or summary statement. Afterward, include any experience and relevant duties and achievements. Then, include your relevant educational attainment. Afterward, add criminology skills if you have one. Then, include security clearances, certifications, and other sections.
Every Detail Matters
The key here is to include only relevant information in the job post. As we have mentioned earlier, hiring managers only use 6 seconds in scanning your resume. Make those 6 seconds count. Otherwise, say goodbye to your chances in working with that company.
It’s also crucial that your resume is legible by choosing the best fonts. Use the white space and headings efficiently. This will guide their eyes through the various resume sections. Furthermore, use the PDF format in the electronic copy of your resume. The PDF format renders the information correctly no matter what app the manager use to open it.
If this is your first time entering the infosec field, write your education section above your work history section.
How to Describe Your Experience In Information Security Resumes
Experts predict that infosec jobs in the US will grow by a whopping 28% between 2016-2026. This means that you have to compete against 28,000 people. That is indeed a lot of competition. How can you stand out among thousands of those applicants?
The key is a work experience section that isolates your resume as important. Choose the best duties and accomplishments you had in your previous careers. Of course, you need to explain it briefly. For instance, write ‘monitored organization’s networks for security breaches and investigated violations’ instead of simply ‘removed viruses.’
What If You Don’t Have Any Information Security Experience?
Remember that an infosec internship counts as an experience. Hence, don’t hesitate to put that on your resume. If you still don’t have one, your educational attainment will increase your chances. Include the relevant coursework below your degree.
What if you only finished high school? Most infosec jobs require at least a valid infosec certificate and/or associate degree. Check the job ad for the educational requirements. If you wish to apply to lower-level jobs, briefly add the high school where you graduated and the year you graduated.
Don’t add high school if you have a completed college degree. Yet, add it as a second entry if you still have plenty of space to fill.
