Are You Lost in a Sea of Applications?
The cybersecurity job market is more competitive than ever. Companies are being flooded with applications, making it increasingly difficult for candidates to stand out. If you’ve ever applied for a cybersecurity role and never heard back, you’re not alone. Many job postings receive hundreds, if not thousands of applications within days, leaving recruiters unable to effectively analyze every individual application, making it harder for the right candidates to get noticed.
Changes in the Cybersecurity Job Market
For many years now, there has been a significant talent shortage for experienced cybersecurity professionals. However, as the cost of living increased, companies faced financial strain. Start-up funding became harder to secure, and even previously well-funded companies had to stretch their budgets. In order to cut costs, many companies had lay-offs. It was thought cybersecurity staff would remain unaffected, due to teams already running quite lean, but that proved not to be the case.
Although there are still layoffs happening, we are now seeing a gradual increase in hiring again. Now what we have is many entry-level candidates competing against previously laid-off seasoned professionals.
The Reality of Cybersecurity Hiring Today
Take almost any cybersecurity job listing, and you’ll likely see hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants, mere days after being posted.
A major factor for this is the rise of AI-driven job applications and automation tools, which allow candidates to mass-apply to roles with little effort. While this might seem like a good strategy for job seekers, it often results in recruiters being buried under a mountain of unqualified applications. Many businesses now rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through resumes, but even with automation, finding the right fit can be daunting for companies.
How to Stand Out
Instead of relying solely on traditional application methods, consider alternative strategies to land your next cybersecurity role:
1. Leverage Your Network
- Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and networking events.
- Referrals carry far more weight than a resume alone. If possible, reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts for referrals.
- Do proper research on the company and show real interest outside of a simple application.
From Root to Ciso Podcast:
“I don’t want you to have just read the company’s website; I want you to have done some real research. I’ve had people before who have gone through my background and asked me questions … That’s impressive. Or even more impressive, I’ve had people who have gone and spoke to people who I know and have worked with previously, then they’re really prepared. They’re not asking about the company or its problems, they’re asking about me and have clearly shown some effort … I think that’s number one.”
– Jake Bernardes, Cybersec Recruiter & Ciso
2. Build a Strong Personal Brand
- Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with skills, certifications, and accomplishments.
- Contribute to cybersecurity discussions and show your expertise through insights and blog posts.
- Don’t be afraid to include a personal hobbies & interests section on your resume. This makes you much more memorable in a sea of applications.
3. Target Your Applications
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job description, emphasizing relevant skills.
- Research companies to understand their security challenges and align your application accordingly.
- Follow up with hiring managers or recruiters to express continued interest.
How We Can Help
Tiro Security bridges the gap between talented cybersecurity professionals and the companies that need them. Instead of sifting through 500 resumes, we deliver a shortlist of qualified candidates to businesses, making the hiring process faster and more effective. For job seekers, that means less time competing with the masses and more direct connections to the right opportunities.