Building Your Cyber Security LinkedIn Profile

Past Technical Experience

When recruiters look at a cyber professional’s LinkedIn profile, they are looking for hands-on technical skills. It is still essential for a professional to demonstrate technical skills such as coding or programming languages. Cyber professionals should include full job descriptions in their profiles complete with their technical experience explicitly stated and explained.

Demonstrated Knowledge of “In-Demand” Skills and Experience in Cybersecurity

Within the cyber community, specific skills and experience are in-demand. Areas such as vulnerability management and expertise in dealing with cyber attacks are at the top of recruiters’ wish lists. Thus, it is imperative that if a professional has any experience in these high-demand areas, they must make sure this information is highly visible on their profile, and not just lumped in with the rest of their overall experience.

Put Your Certifications on Display

Regardless of the many differing opinions on the value of IT certifications, it is hard not to acknowledge how important they have become in the tech industry, especially in the recruitment of cyber professionals. Certifications such as the CISSP, CISM, and OSCP have become critical check boxes for recruiters looking for new talent. Furthermore, per a Global Knowledge Survey, 83 percent of IT professionals hold an IT certification. It is essential for cyber professionals to list all their certifications and ensure they are easily visible on their profile.

Show You Network Within Your Industry

Having employees with access to an extensive network provides organizations a broader pool for future talent, access to a wider range of vendors, and relationships with potential new clients with whom the professional may have worked in the past. Additionally, a professional who networks and belongs to industry associations will have a better handle on industry trends, new skills, and new technology that may help the employer stay current and more competitive. For cyber professionals looking to acknowledge their networking ability, it is best to list all industry associations they belong to on their profile, along with getting endorsements from colleagues.

Looking Toward the Future

A LinkedIn profile can be an essential asset for a cyber professional. Thus, it is critical this career asset is in the best shape possible to gain the attention of recruiters. A few simple tweaks such as describing technical experience, listing certifications, and showing networking ability can go a long way to making a profile shine.

If a cyber professional wants to maximize their potential in the job market, it is time to reach out to a professional recruiter. At Entrust Solutions, we recruit top cyber talent for the defense industry. Contact a defense industry recruiter today to learn more!

Upload a Professional Photo.

Your profile photo should be a tasteful, appropriate headshot – of yourself only – in business attire. This is your first impression – make it a good one. Some people get professional headshots; however, if you can have a friend snap a few headshot photos of you that can work just as well. You will want to make sure the photo you post is clear and represents your best self.

Acquire Recommendations

Often overlooked, recommendations can be a game changer for your profile. Unlike an endorsement, a recommendation is a public personal note from someone you have crossed paths with professionally.

Consider asking someone on your connections list for a recommendation. You will want to approach someone you have worked well with and feel comfortable asking. Previous or current supervisors, professors, colleagues, and clients are all great options. Another way to get the ball rolling would be to offer one of your connections a well-written recommendation. Oftentimes, the recipient is willing to return the favor. Recommendations help convey credibility and authority to potential hiring managers and recruiters.

Get Social In LinkedIn Groups

A group is a private discussion community within a specific industry or topic. For example, ISCN is dedicated to careers in IT and Information Security and has more than 50,000 LinkedIn members. To be part of ISCN and most other groups, you have to ask to join. A group administrator grants you membership. Joining groups expands your networking capability and puts you within reach of thousands of professionals connected to the cyber security industry.

Those new to the field can begin by searching for groups that are relevant to the area of online cyber security they want to pursue (government, corporate, or military, for instance). Here are a few suggestions:

• ISCN

• Insider Threat Management

• Cyber Security Network Jobs

• Digital Forensics & Cyber Security Global Recruitment

• Security Bloggers

• Security Intelligence

Admins typically approve your membership within a day or two. Once you’re in, you’ll have access to all of the member content, including discussions of best practices, industry information, and industry and technology trends.

Etiquette varies from group to group, so be sure to read the “group rules” carefully. Staying active and posting within the group’s guidelines are great ways to meet professionals in your industry and to continue to build your connections across LinkedIn.

As with other social media platforms, you can “like” or comment on articles you find interesting and relevant. Other members see your name and start getting to know you. When posting, commenting, or responding to any content, remember to be appropriate and professional.

Be Active

Once you’re done setting up your profile, it’s important to stay active. Post relevant and informative articles, comment and/or like other posts. Continue to build your network. Be consistent and you are more likely to have a strong LinkedIn presence and network.