Why Summer ’24 Was a Gut Punch for Cybersecurity Job Seekers

(And How to Crush It This Fall)

Hello, Hoodies!

Summer is ALWAYS the hardest time to get a tech job. The reason is simple. Families are on vacation and not everyone is in the office, so hiring gets pushed off until the Fall.

But this Summer was ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL for Cybersecurity Hopefuls.

Here’s Why:

Summer 2024 was a wake-up call for anyone looking to break into the cybersecurity industry. The job market took a downturn, and even those with credentials and solid experience found it tough to land roles. Here’s why:

1. Mass Layoffs and Hiring Freezes:

Major tech companies tightened their belts. From layoffs to hiring freezes, budgets were cut across the board, and the cybersecurity sector wasn’t immune. Many mid-sized companies that had ramped up their security teams last year suddenly hit the brakes, halting new hires and laying off junior personnel.

2. Shifting Skill Demands:

Employers want professionals who bring more to the table than certifications alone. While Network+ and Security+ can get you in the door, they’re expecting you to have hands-on experience in cloud security, penetration testing, and even DevSecOps (which is why we will be adding these to our bootcamp). If you weren't learning and adapting to these skills, you were left behind this summer.

3. Increased Competition:

With more people entering the cybersecurity space, competition skyrocketed. Entry-level job postings that used to attract 50 applicants are now flooded with hundreds. This saturation means that only the cream of the crop made it through.

Fall Is the Season for Rebound – Here’s How to Make Your Move

The fall job market in cybersecurity is primed for a comeback, and you can ride this wave IF you play your cards right. Here’s how to break out of the pack:

1. Refine Your Personal Brand:

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card. Make it sharp. Update your bio to showcase project experience – not just certifications. Potential employers want to see hands-on problem-solving in real-world situations. Share a few posts about cybersecurity news or create quick guides to demonstrate your expertise.

2. Show, Don’t Tell:

Got certifications? Great. Now, build a portfolio that showcases how you’ve applied those skills. Create GitHub repositories, set up home labs, and document your findings. When a hiring manager asks what you've done, don't tell them – show them.

3. Hone In On In-Demand Skills:

• Cloud Security: Cloud adoption is still surging. AWS, Azure, and GCP security knowledge are in high demand.

• Penetration Testing: If you have experience with tools like Burp Suite, Metasploit, or Kali Linux, make that crystal clear.

• DevSecOps: As companies integrate security into the development process, having DevSecOps skills makes you a rare and valuable asset.

4. Network Like It’s Your Job:

Attend virtual meetups, webinars, and conferences this fall. Engage with others in cybersecurity forums and Slack channels. Often, the best job leads come from referrals and connections, not job boards.

5. Target Small and Mid-Sized Businesses:

The hiring spree at large corporations might be cooling, but small and mid-sized companies are starting to gear up for the fall. They need security pros who can wear multiple hats – analysts who can also handle incident response, for example. Tailor your resume to show you're flexible and ready to tackle various challenges.

6. Stay Patient but Persistent:

Success in cybersecurity doesn’t happen overnight. The market may be sluggish now, but the tide is turning. Keep applying, upskilling, and networking. This persistence will pay off when the right opportunity finally opens up.

TL;DR: Summer ’24 was a tough ride, but fall is your chance to strike. Focus on building your hands-on skills, networking like a pro, and showing employers that you’re ready to bring more than just certifications to the table.

Now, get out there and crush it this fall.

Ready to Take Your Cybersecurity Career to the Next Level?

Summer may have been rough, but you have the power to turn things around this fall. The market rewards those who are skilled, adaptable, and ready to show what they can do.

If you're serious about landing that cybersecurity role and want to fast-track your progress, then our Zero to Hoodie Bootcamp Express is your path to success. Get hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and master the in-demand skills employers are searching for.

Don’t wait for the market to change – make the market chase you. Secure your spot in our bootcamp now and start building the career you deserve.

👉 Join Zero to Hoodie Bootcamp Express Today!

Let’s crush this fall, together.

That’s all for now.

Keep grinding, Hoodies.

WAGMI

Your friend,

Evan Lutz (BowTiedCyber)