Get A Cyber Security Job With Little to No Experience

We are living in unpredictable times and don’t know what will surprise us each day we wake up. With the onslaught of COVID-19, tumultuous politics, and a skyrocketing economy, can any of us catch break? Well, the one break we seem to be getting is the rise of the “great resignation”.

If for some strange reason you haven’t heard that term, it pretty much stems from workers immediately resigning from their current jobs. From what I’ve read in the media, the reasons are lack of diversity, equity and inclusion as well as workers complaining about employer’s disrespect and in some cases, unethical practices. I’m sure receiving low pay contributed to their call to resign as well.

Because of workers walking away from their jobs, many employers like fast food restaurants, shuttered their doors. This surprising revolution gave workers more power over employers. Desperate for workers, employers offered sign-up bonuses and better wages.

This surge didn’t just affect the retail and restaurant industries, it also impacted the corporate world.

I work in the Cyber Security/Information Technology field where IT professionals also caught the great resignation bug. Employers were struggling to fill various IT positions as unhappy or salary-competing employees hopped, skipped and jumped their way to better paying jobs.

Before the great resignation, there was an already existing issue of filling Cyber Security positions across the U.S. Combine this issue with the great resignation, employers had to start thinking outside the box and change their hiring strategies.

With the hustle and bustle of finding the right fit came the softening of skill requirements. Many employers decided to consider candidates with less experience.

The short window of opportunity is open for anyone who ever considered information technology or cyber security as a career and thought it was impossible. Read on to find out how you can finally enter the tech world.

What kind of candidate are companies looking for?

First, let me stipulate that companies are definitely looking for experienced job candidates for mid-level to high-level positions. So, there’s very little chance that you’ll get hired for any of these positions. Information technology and cyber security jobs are intricate to any company and their infrastructure. They can’t afford to have inexperienced employees tinkering with their networks. Fortunately, there are entry-level positions that are available from time-to-time at many companies. This is where you gain the biggest opportunity.

In the past, your best bet at getting a tech job was at an help desk. Other entry level tech jobs required a degree in the related field or a certification combined with at least 1-2 years experience. This was definitely a requirement for entry-level cyber security positions. Some companies reconsidered these requirements as finding specific talent was scarce. They relaxed the degree requirement to equivalent experience and/or technical certification(s) .

What do I need to be considered or hired?

Just because some corporations have lowered the degree requirement does not mean they aren’t looking for top candidates. They won’t add to the job description, ‘We’re looking for someone with drive, a great personality and who is passionate about cyber security or information technology.” But, I’m telling you that if you really want to enter the world of tech, you will need these three unsaid requirements: Drive, a great personality, and a passion to learn the industry. Hardly anyone can scale an interview and land an entry-level job without these three unsaid requirements.

How do I get seen especially when I don’t know anyone in the industry?

I’d be surprised if you don’t know someone who is already in the tech industry. But if, by chance, you don’t know anyone, then I’ll tell you how.

1. One easy way is to ask around. Someone you know likely knows an IT/cyber security person. Knowing someone in this field can get you a lot of insider scoops, advice, and they may be able to help you get a job.
2. Join tech groups on Facebook. There are a lot of beginner tech groups like this one or this one. I am a member of the ladder which is WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity). I’ll discuss this organization more in another post.
3. LinkedIn is another great source to find almost anyone and everyone in the tech field. I will write a post on strategies you can use to leverage LinkedIn to connect with people of interest. Right now, just make sure your LinkedIn profile is on point. I.e., professional photo, job experiences, references, etc. are completed.
4. Attend tech conferences. This is where your entire life can change in an instant. The heart of networking is at Conferences. This is where you’ll find leaders, employers, and other people passionate about tech just like you. They’ll be plenty of workshops, career advice, and so, so, so much more! Find your specific tech interest and search for those conferences (online and in-person) that interest you.

What else can I do to get a cyber or tech job with little to no experience?

Take foundational classes. They are all over the internet. You don’t have to pay for them! Youtube houses everything you need to learn the foundations of networking and cybersecurity. Professor Messer offers a free full prep course for the Network+. If you are very new to tech, you may not be ready for Professor Messer right now.

Udemy is an online course provider where you can train for ANYTHING for $12.99 and up (make sure you catch their sales. They have them regularly). There are some amazing beginner tech courses that can provide the foundations for networking and cyber security. Check out Alexander Oni, Mike Meyers, and Mike Chapple (CertMike). Alexander Oni and Mike Chapple provide great foundational training for cyber security and networking.

Gaining foundational certifications like Comptia Linux, A+, Network+, and Security+ can get you in the door a head of those who don’t have these certifications. Remember, employers are looking for someone with drive, a great personality, and passion to learn the industry. Taking foundational courses and going after at least one certification illustrate these desired characteristics.

I would be remiss if I don’t mention this last important tip.

As you learn more about cybersecurity and prepare for your first certification, don’t forget to prepare for future interviews. Mock interviews give you the practice to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, improve them, and build your confidence so that when you walk into an interview, you will walk in with the assurance that you got what it takes to get the job.

I’ve got so much more to share that will help you get closer to landing your first tech job. Stay tuned. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions at [email protected].