Standing Out In The Competitive Cyber Job Market: Essential Soft Skills For Success

With an ever-changing job market that seems to become increasingly more competitive, recent graduates as well as seasoned professionals are continuing to find ways to set themselves apart from the competition and strive to find ways to stand out against others in the same market.

According to a recent analysis conducted by CyberSeek in June of 2024, there are an estimated 1.2 million professionals in the United States working in the Cyber industry. As large as this number is, reports state that there is still approximately a need for at least 225,000 more professionals to close this gap. As professionals and recent graduates look to work this rising niche, many ask themselves, what can they do to stand out amongst the rest of the population and make themselves more marketable candidates. While certain hands-on skills and certifications are essential for this growing field, candidates with a variety of soft skills can also set themselves apart from the rest of the population.

Many might ask themselves, "What soft skills can I possess to make myself a more marketable candidate in the Cyber industry?"

While hands-on training, certifications, and education look great from a resume perspective, it is viable for candidates to be able to communicate how they can apply what they’ve learned not only on a day-to-day basis but as early as the initial interview with a prospective employer.

Here are a few viable soft skills Cyber professionals can focus on that are just as important as hard skills:

• Strong Communication Skills— being able to communicate both verbally as well as written, in a clear and concise manner is essential to being successful in this field. Being able to explain a technical problem to a non-technical stakeholder is essential. While documenting and reporting is a main function for those specializing in this field, it is imperative that one can clearly communicate what the issue is that needs to be addressed, and communicate the next steps while moving with a sense of urgency.
• Problem Solving— being able to use proactive analytical thinking and complex problem-solving skills in the time of an immediate threat. If you are able to think quickly on your feet and respond in a timely, but efficient manner, it can make a big difference between the start of a network threat and more damage being done.
• Teamwork— many have heard “teamwork makes the dreamwork” in the Cyber field, this is very true! Being able to collaborate and work well with others is imperative. Being able to share your knowledge, speak from experience and work well with others not only in your direct department but across an organization can potentially impact your organization’s vulnerabilities to potential threats.
• Adaptability— with Cyber criminals becoming more advanced by the day, it is essential for Cyber professionals to learn to maintain flexibility and adapt to the ever-changing threats and advancements in technologies. Being open to learning new tools and wanting to learn new technologies and developments demonstrates a candidate’s willingness to not only have growth in their professional career but also a willingness to go above and beyond to help protect the organization they work for.
• Attention to Detail— with documentation, reporting, and analyzing potential threats, attention to detail is a must. Being able to sniff out the discrepancies, notice errors that might be present and identify potential threats that may not be evident to others is critical. Having the ability to recognize these small details can be the difference between a threat being a watch item or putting your entire organizations health at stake.
• Stress Management— being able to work well under pressure and remaining calm under high-stress situations is critical. Time is of the essence and being able to make rational, sound decisions and having the ability to move quickly can help contribute to the overall health of an organization and team in a high-threat situation. This also helps to minimize error, remain focused and create a stable environment during the time of a cyber incident.

No matter what your career path is, building your resume to reflect a combination of hard skills as well as a few soft skills is essential to making yourself stand out against the competition. Be ready to speak to your strengths, and years of expertise, and note certifications you’ve obtained, but also be ready to demonstrate how you can apply some of those soft skills that will prove why you are the most valuable candidate and the one who they should hire!

At Parsons, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where your skills and ideas can thrive. By joining our team, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge projects but also help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Imagine the possibilities today and take the next step in your career with Parsons. Explore open opportunities at https://www.parsons.com/careers/ and join our team today!