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How Understanding Hiring Trends Can Boost Your Career in Cyber
The journey to securing a career in cybersecurity can often feel daunting. The job hunt can be frustrating as a lot of resumes are lost to the void or hit a dead end. But learning to understand the current cybersecurity job market and industry trends can help you achieve your career goals more efficiently.
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Why Follow Hiring Trends?
Staying up to date on hiring trends in cybersecurity is important because it helps you:
- Target your job search. Focus on roles that employers are actively seeking, which increases your chances of getting hired.
- Develop skills. Tailor your education and training to meet market needs, which makes you a more competitive candidate.
- Gain a competitive edge. Get insights into the latest industry developments, which allows you to stay ahead of other job seekers.
- Advance your career. Identify growth opportunities and emerging roles, which helps you guide your career path effectively.
What Questions to Ask
Demand for Specific Roles
- What are the top job titles? Identify the most sought-after positions – e.g., security analyst, network security engineer, penetration tester and chief information security officer.
- What are the emerging roles? Look for new roles – e.g., cloud security specialist, DevSecOps engineer, and cybersecurity data scientist.
Industry-Specific Trends
- What are the sector-specific demands? Conduct research to learn which industries are actively hiring cybersecurity professionals – e.g., finance, healthcare, government and technology.
- What are the regulatory influences? Learn about the industry regulations that may drive demand for cybersecurity professionals – e.g., GDPR, HIPAA and CCPA.
Future Outlook and Predictions
- What are the growth projections? Conduct research to uncover predictions about the future growth of the cybersecurity job market and which areas are expected to expand.
- What is the technological impact? Keep track of how emerging technologies – e.g., AI, machine learning and blockchain – are influencing which cybersecurity roles are needed and which skills are required.
Where to Find Answers
Professional Associations and Industry Groups
- ISC2: The International Information System Security Certification Consortium provides valuable insights through its reports and white papers.
- ISACA: The Information Systems Audit and Control Association offers research publications and surveys on industry trends.
- SANS Institute: Known for its training and certifications, SANS publishes reports on cybersecurity workforce trends.
Research and Industry Reports
- ISMG: Information Security Media Group provides research and education for security professionals and senior decision-makers.
- Cybersecurity Workforce Study by ISC2: This annual report provides comprehensive data on workforce trends, skills gaps and hiring practices.
Job Boards and Career Websites
- Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn: Regularly check the job postings on these platforms to see what skills and qualifications are in demand.
- CyberSecJobs.com: Check this job board for cybersecurity positions to identify trends in job requirements and titles.
Webinars and Online Conferences
- RSA Conference: One of the largest cybersecurity conferences, RSAC offers sessions on workforce trends and hiring practices.
- Black Hat and DEF CON: These conferences often include tracks on career development and industry trends.
- Webinars by industry leaders: Companies such as CyberEd.io, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike frequently host webinars on industry trends.
Networking and Community Engagement
- Meetup groups: Join local cybersecurity meetups to network with professionals and learn about local hiring trends.
- Online forums: Engage in discussions on platforms such as Reddit – r/cybersecurity, Spiceworks and Stack Exchange to stay informed about industry changes and job market dynamics.
Government and Nonprofit Resources
- National Institute of Standards and Technology: NIST publishes guidelines and reports that can influence hiring practices in cybersecurity.
- CyberSeek: This initiative by CompTIA and Burning Glass Technologies offers an interactive heat map and career pathways to understand the cybersecurity job market.
- National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education: NICE provides resources and frameworks to help you understand the competencies and skills required in the industry.
And as you’re interviewing, stay up to date on the latest news and blogs about trends in IT, cybersecurity, fraud, risk, AI and operational technology at ISMG’s editorial brands.