IT is one of the most dynamic and high-demand fields today, and crafting a strong entry-level cyber security resume is essential to stand out in a competitive job market.
In this article, we explore various beginner roles, providing detailed examples of great resumes tailored to different specializations.
From network security to incident response, each resume highlights the key skills, certifications, and experience needed for success.
Entry-level cyber security resume examples
- Entry-level network cyber security resume
- Entry-level cyber security analyst resume
- Entry-level cyber security incident response resume
- Entry-level cyber security penetration tester resume
Entry-level network cyber security resume
Entry-level network cyber security resume template
Entry-level network cyber security resume sample | Plain text
John Davis
San Francisco, CA
Email: john.davis@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567Objective
Highly motivated entry-level Network Security Analyst with a strong foundation in protocols, firewall management, and threat detection. Looking to leverage academic knowledge and hands-on experience in network security to contribute to a dynamic cybersecurity team.
Experience
Network Security Intern
Tech Solutions Inc., San Francisco, CA | June 2024 – Present
- Assist in the configuration and maintenance of firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
- Monitor network traffic using network monitoring tools like Wireshark and SolarWinds.
- Conduct vulnerability scans using Nessus and assisted with patch management.
- Collaborate with senior analysts to investigate security incidents and provide recommendations for improvement.
IT Support Intern
Innovatech Systems, San Francisco, CA | May – August 2022
- Provided technical support for network connectivity and user issues.
- Assisted with troubleshooting hardware and software issues related to network infrastructure.
- Gained practical experience in setting up and maintaining routers, switches, and other networking devices.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
University of San Francisco | Graduated: May 2024
- Coursework: Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, Incident Response
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ | Certification Date: June 2023
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Certification Date: August 2023
Skills
- Network Traffic Monitoring (Wireshark, SolarWinds)
- Firewall Configuration and Management (Cisco ASA, pfSense)
- Vulnerability Assessment (Nessus, OpenVAS)
- Security Incident Management
- Basic Cryptography and VPNs
Why this entry-level security analyst resume example works?
- John emphasizes both his academic qualifications and practical experience, demonstrating his ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
- His certifications validate technical expertise, making him more attractive to employers.
- The skills section is tailored to highlight tools and techniques that directly align with the role.
- What is the ideal layout for the cybersecurity student resume?
Category | Guideline |
---|---|
Font. | Use serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative fonts. |
Font Size. | Name: 18-22 pt Body Text: 10-12 pt Headers: 12-14 pt |
Color. | Black or dark gray for body text; subtle dark blue for section headers is acceptable. Avoid bright colors. |
Line Spacing. | Body: 1.0 or 1. Sections: 1.5 spacing for clarity. |
Margins. | 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. |
Length. | 1 page for entry-level (unless 2+ years of experience). |
Alignment. | Align text left for readability. |
Language. | Utilize action verbs like: "Implemented", "Monitored", "Managed", "Configured", "Tested", "Secured", "Assisted". Add relevant cybersecurity terms like “firewall management,” “SIEM tools,” “penetration testing.” Avoid excessive jargon. |
Lists. | Incorporate bullet points for mentioning responsibilities, skills, and achievements. |
Personal Pronouns. | Avoid using "I", "me", or "my." Write in third person. |
Tailoring. | Include keywords from the job listing to match the job description and pass ATS. |
Proofreading. | Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Attention to detail is crucial for cybersecurity roles. |
Design. | Refrain from excessive colors, graphics, or icons. Focus on a clean layout. |
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Entry-level cyber security analyst resume
Entry-level cyber security analyst resume example
Emily Brooks
Chicago, IL
Email: emily.brooks@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 678-9012Resume Summary
Detail-oriented Cybersecurity Analyst with experience in risk assessment, threat analysis, and security monitoring. Adept at identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risks to ensure system integrity and confidentiality. Eager to apply strong analytical skills and passion for cybersecurity in a growing organization.
Experience
Cybersecurity Analyst Intern
CyberTech Solutions, Chicago, IL | August 2024 – Present
- Assist in conducting security assessments and vulnerability scans on internal systems.
- Monitor security logs and alerts using SIEM tools like Splunk and AlienVault.
- Support the development and implementation of security policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the security of software and hardware systems.
IT Help Desk Technician
TechPro Services, Chicago, IL | June – August 2023
- Provided technical support to end-users, troubleshooting network, hardware, and software issues.
- Ensured system security through regular software updates and patch management.
- Assisted in data backup and recovery processes, maintaining integrity during system restoration.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Assurance
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2024
- Relevant Coursework: Threat Analysis, Security Audits, Incident Handling
Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Date: July 2024 (Exam Passed, awaiting certification)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) | Date: May 2023
Skills
- SIEM Tools (Splunk, AlienVault)
- Vulnerability Scanning (Nessus, Qualys)
- Incident Response and Forensics
- Security Audits and Compliance (NIST, ISO 27001)
- Data Encryption and Backup Strategies
Strong sides of this cyber security student resume example:
- Emily’s paper focuses on her analytical skills and experience with security tools, making her a strong candidate for a cybersecurity analyst role.
- The inclusion of the CySA+ certification is important for an entry-level position, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity.
- Experience with SIEM tools and vulnerability scanning highlights the technical skills needed for the role.
- What is the difference between entry-level cyber security resume objective and summary?
The objective is typically used by individuals who are just starting their careers or are changing industries. It focuses on your goals and what you hope to achieve in the role.
It highlights your enthusiasm and motivation to learn and grow in the field.
Example of entry-level cyber security resume objective:
Recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science and a passion for network security. Seeking to apply knowledge of ethical hacking and threat analysis to contribute to a dynamic cyber security team.
A summary is used by candidates with some experience or those who have specific skills to highlight. It provides a brief overview of your background.
It outlines your key strengths, abilities, and any relevant background you have, even if it’s minimal.
Example of entry-level cyber security resume summary:
Detail-oriented and technically skilled cyber security professional with hands-on experience in vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, and incident response. Proficient in using tools like Wireshark and Nessus to identify and mitigate security threats.
Entry-level cyber security incident response resume
Entry-level cyber security incident response resume template
Entry-level cyber security incident response resume sample | Plain text
Mark Taylor
Seattle, WA
Email: mark.taylor@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 345-6789Objective
Resourceful and detail-oriented Incident Response Analyst seeking to use my skills in threat hunting and response management to mitigate security incidents and reduce risks for a forward-thinking organization.
Experience
Incident Response Intern
Cyber Shield Technologies, Seattle, WA | June – August 2024
- Participate in the investigation and containment of security incidents, including malware attacks and data breaches.
- Conduct log analysis and identified suspicious patterns of behavior using tools like Splunk and Kibana.
- Assist in preparing incident reports and contributing to post-mortem analyses.
- Develop and refine incident response playbooks and procedures.
IT Support Intern
Techwave Solutions, Seattle, WA | May 2022 – May 2023
- Supported the response to internal security incidents by isolating compromised systems and gathering forensic evidence.
- Assisted with patch management and system monitoring to prevent security vulnerabilities.
- Provided troubleshooting support for end-users during system incidents.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Washington, Seattle, WA | Graduated: May 2024
- Relevant Coursework: Cyber Incident Response, Malware Analysis, Network Security, Digital Forensics
Certifications
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Certification Date: July 2023
- CompTIA Security+ | Certification Date: May 2023
Skills
- Incident Response and Forensics
- Malware Analysis and Threat Detection
- Log Analysis (Splunk, Kibana)
- Forensic Data Collection
- Security Incident Reporting
Why this cyber security resume with no experience is compelling?
- Mark’s focus on incident response and malware analysis shows he is prepared for the high-pressure environment of an incident response team.
- His CEH certification and coursework in malware analysis and forensics highlight his technical preparation for real-world security challenges.
- The skills section is tailored to incident response, ensuring he stands out in a highly specialized area of cybersecurity.
- How to show experience on a cyber security intern resume?
If you don’t have much direct work history, list internships, part-time jobs, academic or personal projects that are related to cyber security.
- Arrange roles in reverse chronological order.
- Clearly indicate the job title you held.
- Whenever possible, use numbers or metrics to quantify your impact.
- Include the name of the company or the platform where you did freelance work.
- Incorporate the duration of the experience, showing the time frame.
- What skills to put on resume for cyber security?
- Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge required to perform specific tasks. These are learned through education, training, or experience and are measurable.
- Soft skills are interpersonal attributes that relate to how you interact with others, approach work, and solve problems. These are often harder to measure and can be developed over time.
Cybersecurity hard skills for resume:
- Network Security
- Firewalls and VPNs
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Cryptography
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Malware Analysis
- Incident Response
- Data Encryption
- Programming (Python, C, PowerShell)
- Network Protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS)
- Access Control and Authentication
- Ethical Hacking Tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite)
- Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Risk Management
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Cybersecurity Frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001)
Cybersecurity soft skills for resume:
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Communication Skills
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Initiative
- Leadership Potential
- Analytical Thinking
- Conflict Resolution
- Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Stress Management
- Customer Service Orientation
- Decision Making
- Self-Motivation
- Continuous Learning
- Interpersonal Skills
- Patience
Entry-level cyber security penetration tester resume
Entry-level cyber security penetration tester resume example
Sarah Mitchell
Los Angeles, CA
Email: sarah.mitchell@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 567-8901Resume Summary
Self-motivated and highly analytical entry-level Penetration Tester with expertise in ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and risk analysis. Seeking to apply my skills in identifying and exploiting system vulnerabilities to improve security postures for organizations.
Experience
Penetration Testing Intern
SecureTech Inc., Los Angeles, CA | May – November 2024
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on web applications, networks, and mobile platforms.
- Used tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark to identify security flaws and report on findings.
- Assisted in developing risk reports and recommendations for remediation.
- Worked with security teams to implement corrective actions and validate fixes.
IT Intern
CyberGuard Solutions, Los Angeles, CA | May 2023 – May 2024
- Assisted with network security assessments, including firewall configuration and port scanning.
- Provided support for IT staff during vulnerability scans and system updates.
- Helped with patch management and application of security patches across systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Graduated: May 2024
Relevant Coursework: Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, Network Security
Certifications
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Certification Date: June 2023
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Certification Date: May 2023
Skills
- Penetration Testing (Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nessus)
- Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Analysis
- Network Security and Firewall Configuration
- Web Application Security Testing
- Exploit Development and Malware Analysis
Key highlights of this cybersecurity student resume example:
- Sarah’s document is perfectly tailored for an entry-level penetration tester role, focusing on ethical hacking, tools, and web application security.
- The inclusion of OSCP and CEH certifications signals a high level of competency and commitment to ethical hacking practices.
- The experience section highlights practical skills in penetration testing, setting her apart from other candidates with similar academic backgrounds.
- How to organize education on an entry-level cyber security resume?
- Outline the type of the degree you've earned.
- Specify your major. Give the full name of the university or college.
- Mention the city and state. Include your graduation month and year.
- If you hold relevant certifications or received any academic distinctions, list them in this section.
- If your GPA is strong (typically 3.5 or above), you can incorporate it.
Conclusion
Each of the cyber security resume examples in this guide provides an effective approach for showcasing the skills, certifications, and experience necessary for various entry-level roles.
Tailoring your application to the specific role you are applying for will give you the best chance to stand out in the competitive cybersecurity job market.
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