Cyber Security Résumé Keywords that Work!

Whether you've been in the cyber security industry for years or you just graduated, the quality of your résumé is vital. Often times individuals with more experience are left by the wayside simply because their résumé doesn't provide the necessary keywords. These keywords not only grab the attention of a reader, but software used to scan through résumés pick up these important words and phrases.

But what kind of keywords should you use for your cyber security résumé? Here are some dos and don’ts of using résumé keywords as well as some tips for write a strong cyber security résumé in general.

How do I Build a Strong Cyber Security Résumé in General?

For starters, don't get too wordy. If you look at your résumé and you see thick paragraphs, it's time to edit. If you submit your résumé to an online job listing service, the employer using it will likely have it scanned for keywords. However, if they locate your résumé and decide to read it, the last thing they want to see is walls of text.

Long paragraphs in a résumé mean you're providing too much information. Bullet points are a great way to get information across quickly. Remember, a résumé should only ever be one page. For additional information, write a professional cover letter to show your skills and personality. 

Don't go crazy with outlandish fonts and varying text sizes. Keep it professional and easy to read. Plus, if you email a résumé with an odd text it may not translate properly. Bonus Tip: Always convert your résumé to pdf format before sending! 

Remember to always include how the employer can reach you and make it easy to locate on the page. You'd be surprised as to just how often someone provides a great résumé but doesn't have their contact information in an easy-to-locate spot on the page.

Highlight your education. This is a must. Many of the applicants are self-taught. There is nothing wrong with that, and you should continually do what you can to educate yourself on brand-new technology. However, a formal education is vital to landing the more desirable jobs. So mention both your education and certifications at the very top of your résumé.

What About Incorporating Keywords?

Here are some fast tips on your to work keywords into your cyber security résumé:

• Use the word once or twice at the max. If it reads as keyword stuffing, your employer will see it right off the bat.
• You should only incorporate keywords that directly reflect your skills. Your résumé is no good if it attracts employers who have no interest in your skillset.
• Be sure to use the proper name for each skill or platform you know. Depending on the computer scanner, it might not recognize “Secure ID” if you mean “SecureID”.
• Make sure all skills and platforms are spelled correctly. Again, “Micorsoft” is not going to be picked up, but “Microsoft” will.
• Don’t forget to list where you’re currently located. Sometimes employers pick up on geographical keywords.
• List your formal educational background and any other cyber security certifications or skills you possess. Include enough to give your potential employer a good idea of who you are without boring them with irrelevant details.

What’s the Benefit of Having Formal Cyber Security Training on a Résumé?

Keyword are great to use, but one of the most important keywords a potential employer is going to seek out is "education." They want to know how you understand the information and software you say you've listed. Anyone can just list programs on their résumé, and there is no way of actually knowing if the individual knows how to use the program. A formal education, such as a bachelor's degree, validates your skillset.

Other forms of formal education are beneficial to your résumé as well. Certifications in programming and varied security skills help your résumé. The more you know, the better, but you also need to prove how you know it. So if you're looking for a cyber security job, formal education helps significantly with this.

Are you interested in improving your résumé with a formal degree in cyber security? If all your CV needs is a formal validation of your skills, consider earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track from ECPI University. To get started today, connect with a helpful admissions advisor.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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