Cyber Security Resume: The 2023 Guide with 10+ Samples & Examples
Click here to directly go to the complete cyber security resume sample
“Cyber Security is much more than a matter of IT.”
-Stéphane Nappo
Likewise, getting a cybersecurity job is much more than applying for a job with a generic resume.
Unless you write a customized cybersecurity resume, your chances of getting selected for the job is pretty low.
You need to frame the perfect cybersecurity resume that can make you stand out amongst every other average applicant for the recruiters to shortlist you for the targeted job.
And, by the end of this blog, you will be able to write a job-winning cybersecurity resume.
Table of Content:
- What are the roles and responsibilities of a cyber security professional?
- What is the average salary of cyber security professionals?
- How to professionally write a cyber security resume?
- What sections to use in cyber security resume?
- How to frame your experience on cyber security engineer resume in the best manner?
- How to write a perfect cyber-security resume header?
- Why cyber security resume profile title is necessary and how to write it?
- How to provide the correct details in the personal information section of your cyber security resume?
- What is the best way to compose a resume summary or objective to give an overview of your resume and mention the achievements of your career?
- What are the additional information you need to include in the cyber security resume
Here are some of the related profiles you can look into:
- Entry Level Cyber Security Resume
- Security Analyst Resume
- Cyber Security Certifications
- Front End Developer Resume
- Java Developer Resume
Roles & Responsibilities of a Cyber Security Professional
As organizations are going into an online business atmosphere, the requirement of cyber security professionals is more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we will see a 31% increase in job demand for an information security professional from 2019 - 2029.
The typical cyber security job description is:
- Monitor the cloud environment and look for malicious activities
- Set up user access controls systems and monitor user access for ensuring the security
- Conduct regular security audits for identifying security Vulnerabilities.
- Configure patch management protocols for updating software automatically
- Configure vulnerability management system throughout the cloud system
- Set up and follow disaster management protocols at the time of problems & ensure complete data recovery
Cyber Security Salary
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According to Payscale.com, the average salary of a cyber security professional is $76,575 per year.
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Glassdoor.com says the average base pay of a cyber security professional is around $1,00,706 in the United States
How to Write a Professional Cyber Security Resume?
You need to follow three stages of resume writing to curate an impeccable cyber security engineer resume religiously.
The three stages of resume writing are given below:
- Stage 1: Master Cyber Security Resume
- Stage 2: First Draft of Cyber Security Resume
- Stage 3: Final Draft of Cyber Security Resume
1. Master Cyber Security Resume
The master resume is your folder wherein you need to list all the details of your professional experience, education, certifications, awards and recognitions, internships, training, contact and personal information, etc.
You need to gather every detail even though you may not need them in your current cyber security resume sample. Always keep in mind that your master folder can be used for the following time frame:
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Resume writing in the present: The master folder helps you find all the required information in one place. Thus making sure that you do not miss out on mentioning any important details on your security resume.
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Resume update in the future: For any future updates of your cyber security resume sample, you can find the required details in your master folder. This saves you time and avoids looking for scattered pieces of information.
2. First Draft of Cyber Security Resume
In the second stage of resume writing, you need to frame the first draft of your cyber security resume.
You have to compose the following sections as part of your second stage:
- Header
- Personal Information
- Profile Title
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Certifications (if any)
- Awards & Recognition (if any)
- Additional Information (if any)
Do keep in mind that every standard section must be framed, whereas the optional sections can be framed only when required.
3. Final Draft of Cyber Security Resume
The final stage of writing your cyber security entry level resume requires you to compose the following two sections:
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Key Skills: Create this section in the last second step of security resume-writing. All you have to do is create a separate "key skills" section of your resume. Then identify your most significant skills from the professional experience section of your resume and objectively place them out in this section.
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Summary/Objective: Create this section in the last step of resume-writing. You need to give an overview of your cyber security resume, and it can be done by composing a resume summary or objective. If you have fewer than 3 years or no work experience, compose a resume objective. Else, compose a resume summary for your resume.
Every stage can help you focus on the important factors that can make your security resume-writing a hassle-free experience.
Follow them religiously, and you can end up creating the perfect junior cyber security analyst resume to make the recruiters give you the required shortlist.
Cyber Security Resume Sections
Every resume consists of various sections that communicate the different aspects of your educational and professional experience, including many other details.
Listed below are the standard and traditional sections of a cyber security resume that you need to frame at all times:
- Header
- Personal Information
- Profile Title
- Summary/Objective
- Key Skills
- Professional Experience
- Education
Here is a list of all those sections which are optional and can be framed only when required or needed to enhance your cyber security resume for freshers:
- Certifications (if any)
- Additional Information (if any)
- Awards & Recognitions (if any)
Learn more about resume sections on Hiration's 2023 Guide to sections in a resume.
Cyber Security Resume: Professional Experience
Just as resume writing requires three stages to cover all the aspects of your resume, the professional experience section requires the following factors:
- STAR Format
- Frame Points
- Bucketing & Bolding
1. STAR Format
The STAR format is an important factor that can help you communicate your professional experience to the recruiters in an effective way.
STAR stands for the following points:
- S stands for the Situation: context of your professional contributions to an organization.
- T stands for the actual Task: that was assigned to you as a professional.
- A stands for the Action: that you performed to execute the task assigned for a specific job profile.
- R stands for your action's Result: or outcome in the form of an achievement figure.
2. Framing Points
Let us look at the two cyber security resume examples given below to understand why your points should be framed and how to incorporate them in your cyber security intern resume:
Cyber Security Resume Example 1:
"As a cyber security professional, I assisted the information security infrastructure for 30+ major components in my previous organization. I also Assisted in the weekly technical analysis, consulting, designing, and review of products. Multiple vulnerability scanning technologies while identifying new techniques and tools we conducted by me to ensure up-to-date means of cyber security. The evaluation of the existing technical issues was effectively managed by me. It was done by identifying innovative solutions to broaden any security challenges. I was also responsible for rendering assistance in managing various projects by consulting with various corporate teams. 3 Junior Application was assisted by me with vulnerability remediation governance and requirements. Effectively coordinated with 4 Senior System Engineers and Cyber Operations teams to research attack surfaces. Successfully executed ad hoc for the entire organization and supervised priority tracking enterprise vulnerability scanning activities."
Cyber Security Resume Example 2:
- Rendered assistance to the information security infrastructure for 30+ major components
- Assisted in the weekly technical analysis, consulting, designing, and review of products
- Conducted multiple vulnerability scanning technologies while identifying new techniques and tools
- Evaluated existing technical issues by identifying innovative solutions to broad any security challenges
- Rendered assistance in managing various projects by consulting with various corporate teams
- Assessed 3 Junior Applications with vulnerability remediation governance and requirements
- Coordinated with 4 Senior System Engineers & Cyber Operations teams to research attack surface
- Executed ad hoc for the entire organization and supervised priority tracking enterprise vulnerability scanning activities
ANALYSIS
| Framing Points | Paragraph |
|---|---|
| Improved readability | Difficult to read |
| Communicate your potential in minimum words | Use unnecessary linking words |
In conclusion, with the help of the above two cyber security resume examples, we advise you to always frame your points and avoid writing bulky paragraphs.
Grouping & Highlighting
Let us look at the two cyber security resume examples given below to understand why you should apply bucketing and bolding in your framed points and how to incorporate them in your security resume:
Cyber Security Resume Example 1:
- Rendered assistance to the information security infrastructure for 30+ major components
- Conducted multiple vulnerability scanning technologies while identifying new techniques and tools
- Evaluated existing technical issues by identifying innovative solutions to broad any security challenges
Cyber Security Resume Example 2:
Consulting & Technical Analysis
- Rendered assistance to the information security infrastructure for 30+ major components
- Conducted multiple vulnerability scanning technologies while identifying new techniques and tools
- Evaluated existing technical issues by identifying innovative solutions to broad any security challenges
ANALYSIS
| With Grouping & Highlighting | No Grouping & Highlighting |
|---|---|
| Easy to read and comprehend your work experience points | Equal emphasis on all the details |
| Recruiters can miss out on important information | Holds the recruiters' attention to relevant information |
Also, use power verbs to start your points to have more impact on your professional experience statements.
In conclusion, you should always list your points under unique buckets and bold the most significant highlights of your career to raise your chances of being shortlisted.
Implement what you have learned from the above cyber security resume example to draft a kick-ass resume for yourself.
Also Read: How to compose the work experience in your resume?
Cyber Security Resume: Header
The header of your entry-level cyber security resume can help you stand out among other applicants and make it easier for the recruiters to keep track of your security resume.
Here are the points that need to be followed to frame the perfect cybersecurity resume header:
- It should be written in the topmost part of your security resume.
- Do not write "CV" or "Resume" as the heading of your resume
- It should be written in the largest font size.
- It should be written in 16-20 font sizes.
- There should be a single space between your first and last names.
- In case you have a middle name, only the initial of your middle name followed by a period should be written between your first and last name.
- Example: Mindy Becky Iglesias should be written as Mindy B. Iglesias.
There is more about this section on Hiration’s 2023 Guide To Writing The Perfect Resume Header to help you frame the perfect header for your cyber security intern resume.
Refer to the snapshot of the perfect header from a cyber security resume sample :
Also Read: How to Write a Perfect Resume Header in 2023?
Cyber Security Resume: Personal Information
An ideal personal information section should contain the details of your:
- Contact Number
- Email Address
- Current Location
- Designation
Hiration Pro Tip: Including details like gender, passport details, date of birth, etc., depending on the country you are targeting. In the Mideast, for instance, these details are required, but not in the US. Scan the hiring norms for the country you are targeting before you include (or don't include) these details.
1. Contact Number
Your contact number can make the recruiters get in touch with you in case of any likely shortlist. Moreover, some recruiters may even want to interview you directly over the phone.
Hence, you need to provide your contact number through which the recruiters can easily get in touch with you.
Below are some tips you need to keep in mind while adding contact number in resume:
- Mention your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your contact number
- Add a plus sign (+) right before the ISD code
- Add a space in the middle of the phone number for increasing readibility
- Eg: +1 27460 17367
Note: If you have 2 or more mobile numbers, only add the active mobile number on which you are available 24x7.
If the recruiter cannot get in touch with you, there is no point in giving out your contact number in your details. Hence, be sure that you are writing it correctly in your cybersecurity resume.
2. Email Address
You need to have an official email ID through which you can email your resume to the recruiters.
Avoid giving out a fancy or made-up email id in the resume. It can make you seem unprofessional.
Example: prettymindy@xyz.com or mindypretty@xyz.com
Your email address should have your real name to maintain a professional approach at all times.
Example: mindy@xyz.co or mindyiglesias@xyz.com
3. Current Location
Providing your current location in your cybersecurity resume is important. It should be farmed by keeping the following points in mind:
- Strictly avoid mentioning your house number, locality name, street number, etc., because the recruiters do not require those pieces of information.
- Mention your current city and state if you are looking for a job in your own country
- If you are applying for a job in another country, then you can mention your city and country of residence.
Also Read: How to compose your contact information in 2023?
Take a look at the sample cybersecurity resume below for a visual understanding of the personal information section:
| Personal | Information |
|---|---|
| Contact Number: | +1 64308 50302 |
| Email Address: | ellie@hiration.com |
| Current Location: | Boston, US |
Have a look at the snapshot below taken from the cyber security resume sample drafted on our resume builder to give you a picture of how you should be writing your personal details in your cybersecurity resume:
4. Designation: Profile Title
The recruiters can recognize your professional identity through your profile title. It ideally communicates the following facts:
- Your current designation.
- Your functional industry.
- Your level of seniority in your line of work.
Frame a professional profile title by following the below-given guidelines:
- Write it as the second-largest text in your cybersecurity resume.
- It should ideally be written in 14-16 font size.
Here is our cyber security resume sample for you to get a better understanding of how an ideal profile title looks like:
Cyber Security Resume: Key & Technical Skills
The recruiters use the ATS to pick only the suitable ones, and you need to rank high on the ATS.
Your key skills section is the perfect section wherein you can use the keywords used by the recruiters in the job description.
- Read the job description carefully and identify the skills that are required for the job.
- Simply scan through your professional experience section and choose the most specific skills that you possess as a professional.
- Tally both and pick matching key skills from both lists.
- Create a separate key skills section on the cybersecurity resume and highlight the key skills in that section.
Also, make sure that every skill you highlight is justified in your professional experience statements.
Here are some common information security analyst skills for a cyber security resume:
CyberSecurity Resume Key Skills
| Key | Skills |
|---|---|
| Security Incident Management | SIEM Management |
| Security Audit | Analytics & Intelligence |
| Firewall/IDS/IPS Skills | Intrusion Detection |
| Application Security Development | Mobile Device Management |
| Advanced Malware Prevention | Digital Forensics |
| Data Management Protection | Identity & Access Management |
CyberSecurity Technical Skills
| Technical | Skills |
|---|---|
| Wireshark | Kali Linux |
| John the Ripper | Metasploit |
| Cain and Abel | Tcpdump |
Learn how to effectively curate this section by going through Hiration's 2023 Guide on what skills to put on a resume.
Here is another cyber security resume sample showcasing the perfect key skills section:
Cyber Security Resume Summary
A cybersecurity resume summary needs to be framed to give an overview of your junior cyber security analyst resume.
Given below is a list of what you should follow to write a perfect cyber security resume summary:
- Write your summary at the end to easily decide what to put in your cybersecurity resume summary and what points to skip.
- Pick only the highlights of your career from the professional experience section.
- Try and include the keywords used by the recruiter in the job listing.
- Write a cybersecurity resume summary that does not exceed 4 lines. But if you have extensive years of experience, then an exception can be made for 5 lines.
- Compose a cyber security resume summary only if you have work experience of over 3 years.
Given below is a career snapshot from our cyber security resume sample showcasing the ideal cyber security resume summary section:
Also Read: How to write a resume summary in 2023?
Cyber Security Resume Objective
An objective should be composed for your entry-level cyber security resume if:
- you have no work experience.
- you have very limited work experience of fewer than 3 years.
- you are a fresh graduate writing an entry-level resume.
Avoid making the mistake of listing your demands in an objective. Instead, mention what you can do to contribute towards an organization to achieve its targets and goals.
The role of your cyber security resume objective is to make the recruiters recognize your skills as a professional. You need to convince the recruiters that you are the perfect candidate they looking for.
Also Read: How to write a professional resume objective in 2023?
Cyber Security Resume: Education
You need to provide the details of your educational qualification as it can help you communicate the level of your knowledge to the recruiters.
There is a specific requirement of educational qualification for every job profile, so make sure that you provide yours.
The education section of your entry-level cyber security resume should ideally consist of the following factors:
- Name of the school/university you have attended.
- Name of the courses you have pursued.
- The location of your school/university.
- Enrollment and graduation dates in the month & year format.
You can take a look at the below-given cyber security resume sample showcasing the ideal education section for your resume:
Also Read: How to list your education information on resume in 2023?
Cyber Security Resume: Certification
The certification section is also an essential part of the cybersecurity resume, along with the education section.
When including the certification in the cybersecurity resume, here are the elements you need to add:
- Name of the certification
- Name of the accreditation body
- Date of certification & expiry date in the month & year format.
Here's is an ideal format of writing the certification section in a cyber security resume:
{(Certification Name) | (Certification Body) | (Date of Certification - Date of Expiry)}
Here are a couple of entry level cyber security certifications for your reference:
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- CompTIA CySA+
- CompTIA Linux+
- ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
Also Read: How to list your certifications on resume in 2023?
Cyber Security Resume: Additional Information
Additional information is related to all those details related to the languages you speak, productive hobbies you keep, or any other information that relates to your field of work.
Below are a list of additional information you can add in your resume:
- Hobbies & Interests
- Projects
- Volunteer Experience
- Publications & Research
- Language
Refer to the cyber security resume sample given-below and frame the perfect additional information section on your resume:
Cyber Security Cover Letter
A cyber security cover letter will help your resume stand out among 100+ resumes in front of the recruiter.
Here are steps to write a perfect cyber security cover letter:
- Ensure to use similar formatting and fonts in the resume and cover letter
- Do not go beyond one page for the resume cover letter. The ideal word count for a resume cover letter is 400-500 words.
- Complete the entire cyber security cover letter within 2-3 paragraphs.
- Start the first paragraph of the cyber security cover letter with your years of experience & certifications.
- Address the cover letter to the recruiter by their name.
- Always ask the recruiter for an interview at the end of your cover letter
Cyber Security Resume Sample
Click on the cyber security resume sample below to edit and download the same on our AI resume builder!- Consulted and rendered assistance for major components of the information security infrastructure
- Assisted in the technical analysis, designing, consulting and product review of security components
- Aided with multiple vulnerability scanning technologies and packages while identifying new tools and techniques
- Evaluated & assessed existing technical issues by researching & identifying innovative solutions to broad security challenges
- Rendered assistance in managing components of various projects to completion & consulting with various corporate teams
- Assisted 2 Junior Application & System Engineers with vulnerability remediation governance and requirements
- Coordinated with 3 Senior Application & System Engineers and Cyber Operations teams to conduct attack surface research
- Executed ad hoc and priority tracking enterprise vulnerability scanning activities across the organization
- Maintained and monitored the enterprise Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution while administering DLP environments
- Monitored & responded to alerts generated from tool while working with vendors to render assistance in DLP technology
- Configured policies and gained in-depth knowledge on following the incident response process via event escalations
- Responded to escalations via the Incident Response team and assisted the Cyber Security team in Live VAPT
- Implemented the strategies to perform VAPT activities on networks, web servers, websites and mobile applications
- Informed clients networks and websites about the vulnerabilities while aiding the Security Development team in patching
- Detected intrusion & deployed software technologies like C, C++, PHP, Perl, Java & Shell while performing malware analysis
- Managed and administered operating systems while working on virtualization software and networking
- GPA: 4.0/5.0
- Languages: English and Japanese
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a cyber security resume with no experience?
Below are the steps you need to take when creating a cyber security resume with no experience:
- Understand the job description
- Decide a professional and readable resume design
- Write the resume header with all relevant information
- Add a resume objective on top
- Add your education information
- Add any projects, or community activities you have under the education section
- List your relevant skills
- And add some other sections such as language, hobbies & interests.
- Send the resume to the recruiter in PDF format
What are some cyber security resume keywords and skills?
Given below are some cyber security resume keywords you can add in your resume:
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Risk Analysis | Interpersonal Skills |
| Malware Analysis | Collaboration |
| Cloud Security | Communication |
| Automation | Time Management |
| Risk Mitigation | Efficiency |
| SIEM Tools | Problem Solving |
| Incident Response | Perception |
| Programming | Attention to Detail |
| Data Encryption | Accountability |
| Intrusion Detection | Analytical Skills |
Key Takeaways
- Always write your name as the resume header to maintain your resume's unique identity and avoid writing "Resume" or "CV."
- Provide your personal information as per the requirements of the hiring guidelines.
- Compose a resume objective if you are a fresher or someone with less than 3 years of work experience or changing careers.
- A resume summary is to be composed only if you have more than 3 years of professional experience.
- Frame one-liner bullet points to write your work experience and ensure starting each point with a suitable power verb.
- Provide the dates of your professional experience or education in the "date & month" format.
Now that we have reached the end of this blog using all the cyber security resume examples and information security resume samples that we have provided in this blog, it can help you write a great resume.
Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at support@hiration.com, and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.