Cybersecurity Resume | Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Cybersecurity Resume Example

That’s one impenetrable cybersecurity resume!

Let’s take a look at what it does right:

• Reverse-chronological format.This format first emphasizes your most recent roles and achievements, making it hiring managers’ favorite.
• Relevant contact details.The resume only includes necessary contact information, such as a professional email, phone number, and links toLinkedInand GitHub profiles, keeping it focused and professional.
• Attention-grabbing resume summary.This short paragraph highlights the candidate’s top skills, certifications, and a key achievement so it can make an impact and capture the hiring manager’s attention from the get-go.
• Quantifiable achievements.Including specific metrics like percentages and time frames gives credibility to the candidate’s claims and helps hiring managers visualize the value they can bring to the team.
• Bullet points for clarity.The candidate uses bullet points to keep information organized and easy to skim, allowing hiring managers to read through the candidate’s experiences quickly.
• Tailored technical skills.Instead of listing everycomputer skillthey have, the candidate focuses on the most in-demand cybersecurity tools and techniques.
• Brief education section.Since the candidate has relevant work experience and skills, they keep the education section short and sweet, saving up precious resume space.
• Relevant certifications.The candidate highlights a couple of in-demand certifications that make them a strong candidate for security-focused roles.
• Hobbies and interests.Instead of leaving space at the end of their resume, the candidate has included some optional sections that offer a glimpse into their personality, such as their hobbies and interests.

10 Steps for the Best Cybersecurity Resume

You’ve seen what an interview-worthy cybersecurity resume looks like. Now it’s time to write yours!

We’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, starting with:

#1. Choose the Right Resume Format

Before you can start filling out the contents of your cybersecurity resume, you’ll need to choose the right format.

There are threeresume formatsto consider:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as chronological)
• Functional(also known as skill-based)
• Combination(a blend of chronological and functional formats)

In 99% of cases, we recommend sticking to the reverse-chronological resume format for your cybersecurity resume.

The reverse-chronological format is the most popular format among hiring managers worldwide. It showcases your most recent roles and achievements first, so it’s especially effective for showing the hands-on experience crucial in cybersecurity.

Here’s what the reverse-chronological resume format looks like:

#2. Perfect the Layout

Now that you’ve picked the right resume format for your job application, it’s time to focus on yourresume layout.

Before hiring managers read your resume, they’ll take a quick look at it. And if it looks messy or cluttered, they might skip reading it altogether.

You definitely don’t want that to happen, so here are some key layout tips to make sure your cybersecurity resume leaves a strong first impression:

• Choose a professional font.Choose a font that’s professional, easy to read, and not overused. Options like Comic Sans and Times New Roman are out. We recommend something modern like Roboto, Lora, or Ubuntu.
• Set the right margins.Set the margins to one inch on all sides to make your resume look neat and prevent it from getting too cramped or empty.
• Stick to one page.Hiring managers go through tons of resumes, so keeping yours short is essential. Unless you have over ten years of extensive, highly relevant work experience, make sure your resume doesn’t go over one page.
• Adjust the line spacing.Use standard line spacing to make sure your content is organized. We recommend 1.0 between text and 1.15 between sections and after headings.
• Save it as a PDF.Always save your resume as a PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format. This way, your resume’s layout will stay consistent across different devices and operating systems the hiring manager might use to open it.

Or Use a Resume Template Instead

Making your cybersecurity resume from scratch takes a lot of time.

You need to tweak the layout, set the margins, and experiment with different font styles and sizes, all while trying to fit everything on one page.

So, why not skip all the hassle?

Just use any of our free, industry-friendlyresume templates.

Each of our templates is engineered in collaboration with HR professionals from around the world to guarantee your resume is easy to read, ATS-friendly, modern, and ready to send in minutes.

Check out how one of our templates compares to a basic text editor template:

#3. Add Your Contact Details

Now, you can finally focus on your resume’s contents. First things first – thecontact information section.

This section needs to be straightforward and professional. Even a small mistake – like a typo in your phone number – can cost you a callback. So, just add your relevant contact details to yourresume’s header.

Here’s what to include:

• Full Name.(E.g. Johanna Petursdottir)
• Professional Title.Match this to the role you’re applying for (e.g. Cybersecurity Specialist).
• Phone Number.Always include the country dial code, especially if you’re applying internationally. (E.g.: forthe USand Canada, that’s +1)
• Email Address.Stick to a professional email format, ideally using your first and last name. Avoid any nicknames or quirky jokes. (e.g. petursdottir.jo@novoresume.com, not hackergurl123@hotmail.com).
• Relevant Links.Include links to any relevant profiles, such as your GitHub or LinkedIn.
• Location.If you’re open toremote workor relocation, mention it on your resume.

#4. Write a Resume Summary or Objective

Hiring managers go throughhundredsof resumes daily, and theyspend less than ten secondsdeciding if yours is worth reading.

That’s why your resume header should also contain a short paragraph that aims to capture the hiring manager’s attention in just three to four sentences. And the more engaging it is, the better your chance of making a strong impression.

There are two ways you can approach this:

• Resume summary.This is an overview of your professional experience, skills, and key achievements. If you already have some work experience, this is the best choice for your cybersecurity resume.
• Resume objective.The objective focuses on your career goals, aspirations, qualifications, and skills. If you’re an entry-level candidate with no previous work experience, it’s the right choice for your application.

What do these look like on your resume?

Let’s start with a resume summary:

This resume summary shows the candidate’s background and most important achievements and gives the hiring manager a reason to keep reading.

Now, here’s an example of a resume objective:

As you can see, evenwithout work experience, a well-crafted resume objective can help your application stand out.

#5. Emphasize Your Work Experience

The core of your cybersecurity resume is always yourwork experience section.

First, let’s see how you should format this section:

• List everything in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent work experience and work your way backward.
• Use a professional job title. Even if your previous job had a unique title like "Cyber Wizard," keep your resume professional with a more descriptive title, like "Cybersecurity Analyst."
• Add the company’s details. Always include the name and location of the company you worked for.
• Specify the employment period. Be consistent in your formatting, and stick to the mm/yyyy for start and end dates throughout your resume.
• Include responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments in every role you mention. Include up to six bullet points for your most recent role, and limit older positions to three or four bullet points.

Formatting your work experience correctly will make your resume look okay, but you need to put in more effort to wow the hiring manager.

So, here’s how to make your work experience stand out:

• Tailor it to the role.If you’ve had a lot of jobs so far, only focus on the ones that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Your summerjob as a teenagerdoesn’t need to make the list.
• Emphasize achievements.The hiring manager already knows your responsibilities in your previous role. So, highlightyour greatest accomplishmentsinstead. That will show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Quantify your results.Numbers always make your achievements look better. For example, instead of saying“monitored security systems,”say you“monitored and mitigated 20+ security threats monthly, reducing downtime by 15%.”See the difference?
• Use action verbs.Hiring managers don’t want to read what you were "responsible for" or “helped with." Instead, use powerful words to bring your achievements to life. Words like "spearheaded," "implemented," and "optimized" will help your resume shine.

Now, let’s look at a great cybersecurity work experience section:

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

Are you worried your lack of work experience could hold you back from the cybersecurity job you want? Well, there’s no need – hiring managers know thatrecent graduatesprobably haven’t worked in the field before, so they don’t expect you to have experience for an entry-level role.

So, you just need to focus on other aspects of your resume instead of work experience.

First, think about other relevant cybersecurity experience you might have.

Instead of formal work experience, you can mention:

• Internships
• Academic projects
• Volunteering
• Personal projects
• Extracurricular activities

For example, if you’ve contributed to an open-source security tool or completed any Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, be sure to mention it somewhere on your resume.

You would format any of these sections the same way as you would your work experience.

Here’s an example of how you would formatan internship:

#6. Create a Cybersecurity Portfolio

Usually, you would think attaching a portfolio is more suitable for a creative field likevideo game animation, but including one could give your application an edge in cybersecurity, too.

That’s because a portfolio showcases your practical skills and helps potential employers see the depth of your hands-on experience.

In cybersecurity, similarly to other IT orsoftware engineeringroles, a portfolio often takes the form of work you can share through GitHub repositories or personal projects.

Your portfolio could include:

• Security research papers
• Security tools you’ve developed
• Contributions to open-source security projects
• CTF competition results

So, while having a portfolio isn’t mandatory for all cybersecurity roles, it can give you an advantage over other candidates since it can show employers how you apply your knowledge to solve real security challenges.

#7. List Your In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills

One of the most important sections on your cybersecurity resume is yourskills section.

Your skills tell the hiring manager a lot, including what you’re capable of, which tools you’re proficient in, and how much training you might need if they hire you.

In turn, this section should make you stand out as the best possible candidate for the job. But that doesn’t mean listing every cybersecurity skill you can think of!

You should stay afloat of industry trends and only mention in-demand and role-relevant skills. For example, these days the cybersecurity landscape emphasizes cloud security and automation.

Say, if you’re applying for a job as a penetration tester, you don’t need to include skills like incident response or network administration. Instead, highlight skills such as ethical hacking, vulnerability assessments, and proficiency with tools like Metasploit and Burp Suite.

Follow these tips to improve your skills section:

• Reference the job ad.Read the job description carefully and note any specific skills it mentions. If they apply to you, include them in your cybersecurity resume.
• Research trending cybersecurity skills.This is one of the fastest-changing industries, so you should stay updated on the latest in-demand skills.
• Separate your soft and hard skills.Dividing your skills intosoft skillsand hard skills makes it easier for hiring managers to navigate your resume and find exactly what skills they’re looking for.

Are you unsure about what skills to include?

We’ve got you covered – take a look at our list of the 83 most in-demand skills for cybersecurity specialists!

83 Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills for 2024

12 Cybersecurity Soft Skills

1. Communication
2. Problem-solving
3. Attention to detail
4. Critical thinking
5. Adaptability
6. Teamwork
7. Decision-making
8. Analytical thinking
9. Leadership
10. Conflict resolution
11. Stress management
12. Organization skills

71 Cybersecurity Hard Skills

1. Penetration Testing
2. Vulnerability Assessment
3. Qualys
4. Incident Response
5. Network Security
6. Firewall Configuration
7. Risk Management
8. Ethical Hacking
9. Threat Hunting
10. Malware Analysis
11. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
12. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
13. SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
14. Splunk
15. IBM QRadar
16. SolarWinds
17. Encryption Techniques
18. Cloud Security
19. AWS
20. Azure
21. Scripting
22. Python
23. Security Audits
24. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
25. Forcecpoint
26. Web Application Security
27. XSS
28. ZAP
29. Burp Suite
30. Mobile Security
31. Endpoint Security
32. Network Monitoring
33. Network Protocol Analysis
34. Wireshark
35. Tcpdump
36. Fidler
37. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
38. Patch Management
39. Cryptography
40. OpenSSL
41. Digital Forensics
42. Zero Trust Architecture
43. Secure Coding Practices
44. Wireless Security
45. Aircrack-ng
46. Reaver
47. Incident Management
48. Log Analysis
49. Social Engineering Defense
50. Security Compliance
51. Red Teaming
52. Blue Teaming
53. Bug Bounty Programs
54. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
55. Phishing Simulation
56. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
57. Disaster Recovery Planning
58. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
59. DevSecOps
60. Application Security Testing
61. Vulnerability Scanning
62. Nessus
63. Kali Linux
64. OpenVAS
65. Web Proxy Configuration
66. DNS Security
67. VPN Configuration
68. Container Security
69. Docker
70. Kubernetes
71. CrowdStrike Falcon

#8. Mention Your Education

While work experience and skills are the main focus for hiring managers in cybersecurity, youreducation sectionstill plays an important role.

A strong educational background provides the foundation for your technical knowledge, and many cybersecurity roles expect at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Preferred majors includeInformation Technology, Information Security,Computer Science, or Network Security.

That said, keep your education section short and sweet, and list a maximum of two degrees, with your most recent degree first.

Here’s what to include:

• Degree Name.(E.g.: BSc in Information Security)
• University Name.(E.g.: California Institute of Technology)
• Location (optional).(E.g.: Pasadena, USA)
• Years Attended.(E.g.: 2020 - 2024)

Here’s an example:

Remember that you shouldn’t include yourhigh school educationunlessit’s your highest degree.

But what if your formal education isn’t directly related to cybersecurity? Well, then you have two options.

On one hand, if you have a degree in something like Business Administration or Marketing, it depends on the company you’re applying to. These degrees could be a great addition to your resume if you’re applying for a job at a large corporation and maybe even show that you’re prepared to collaborate with people from different departments, not just the tech side of things.

On the other hand, if you’ve made a drasticcareer changeand your degree is completely unrelated to your path in cybersecurity, youcouldskip this section altogether and focus on other certifications and specialized courses you’ve taken.

#9. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

At this point, you’re reaching the end of your resume. You might have gone into detail in everyessential resume sectionbut still have some leftover space.

This is where optional sections can come in. Some of these sections can reinforce your professional expertise and showcase your dedication to the field. Others can help highlight your personality and set you apart from other candidates with similar experience and skills.

Here are some optional sections you can include in your cybersecurity resume:

• Awards.Your resume is the best place to show off. Consider highlighting any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your work so far - they can show the employer that you’re truly accomplished.
• Certifications.Employers love candidates who keep up with the industry, and this goes double for cybersecurity. Having at least some certifications, like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CompTIA Security+, can be expected, and they can be even more important than formal education.
• Publications.Have you written any papers on cybersecurity or published research? Make sure to mention it on your resume and include a link so the hiring manager can read it.
• Projects.If you’ve worked on any personal projects, such as developing security tools or participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, list them here to show you’re proactive and passionate about the field.
• Languages.Many cybersecurity companies operate globally, so knowing an extra language or two can make you a more attractive candidate for specific roles. You might have to travel for work or even get offered a position overseas.
• Hobbies and Interests.Consider the company culture of your target employer. Many companies appreciate candidates who share their hobbies and interests, as this can reveal more about how you’ll fit in with their team.

#10. Write a Matching Cover Letter

You’re probably nota professional writer, so writing a cover letter is likely more daunting than writing your resume. But before you give up on this, hear us out!

Cover letters arestillimportantfor a successful job application.

When you include a cover letter, you show the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in this exact company and this specific role they’re offering. That automatically sets you apart from candidates doing the bare minimum by sending the same generic resume to multiple job postings.

So,writing a cover letterto go with your cybersecurity resume can significantly boost your chances of getting an interview, bringing you one step closer to landing the job.

And we’re here to give you the rightcover letter tipsto help you craft it!

First, let’s see what the structure of a cover letter looks like:

• Include details in the header.Start your cover letter with your full name, contact information, and the title of the cybersecurity position you're applying for.
• Address the letter properly.Research who to address the cover letter to, whether it’s the hiring manager or the head of the cybersecurity department. This extra step shows effort and dedication that will set you apart from other candidates.
• Start with a strong opening.Begin with a brief, attention-grabbing introduction. Mention a few key achievements or certifications that align with the role to quickly show the hiring manager that you’ve got what it takes to succeed.
• Provide details.In the body of your cover letter, expand on your relevant experience, skills, and any cybersecurity projects you’ve worked on. Focus on how your expertise fits the company's needs, especially those not fully covered in your resume.
• End with a call to action.Close with a clear statement of interest, such as ‘I’m excited about the chance to contribute to your company and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your team.’ Then, sign with a professional closing line such as ‘Best regards’ and your name.

Now, it’s time to see what a great cybersecurity cover letter looks like when we put all this advice into practice:

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end!

We’re confident you’re now ready to land that next job as a cybersecurity specialist.

But first, before we part ways, let’s recap some key points we covered:

• Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant work experience first, using a reverse-chronological format to make a strong impression.
• A well-written resume summary or objective can grab attention immediately, showing why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
• Certifications like CEH or CompTIA Security+ are critical in cybersecurity and show your commitment to staying up-to-date.
• Use optional sections like certifications, awards, or personal projects to stand out from other candidates and highlight your well-rounded skill set.
• While not required for every role, a portfolio or GitHub with personal projects can give you an extra edge in hands-on or technical roles.
• Don't skip the cover letter—it's your chance to show your passion for the specific position and make your application more personal.