TIPS FOR GETTING THE RIGHT IT JOB Look for job postings on companies’ websites and on Research the

nies’ websites and on Research the people who will interview you, so you
dedicated job websites. (That’s a given.) can better engage them during the conversation.
This cheat sheet presents practical tips for finding
and getting the right job in Information Technology. Establish a relationship with a few recruiters in your Find out the dress code for the interview. When in
industry and make sure they understand you. doubt, it’s usually safer to overdress.
Preparing Yourself in Advance
Allow potential employers to find you even when you Be ready to ask a few insightful, nonobvious
Understand what jobs you want to pursue in the
aren’t looking for your job, so serendipity can occur. questions during the interview.
short term and as part of your long-term career.
Consider whether you’ll need to move to the Treat the interview as a conversation, not a one-
Determine what skill and experience will help you get
locations that have the job openings you seek. sided Q&A session.
the jobs you desire.
Explore multiple single social circles when looking a Use the interview as a chance to explore the culture
Devise and begin executing the plan to obtain the
job: friends, former colleagues, college friends, etc. of the company where you might end up working.
relevant education, training, and certifications.
Participate in events attended by the people within Send a thank-you note after the interview, referring
Obtain the skills and experience through personal
the industries or companies where you want to work. to the specific topics discussed in the interview.
and work projects. Balance depth with breadth.
Network within the companies you want to join to Negotiating the Compensation Package
Be careful not to become complacent in a job that
find positions that might not be officially advertised. Understand what salary you can expect by looking at
makes you too comfortable.
Consider whether you’ll accept a less attractive job to survey findings, job postings, peer discussions, etc.
Build an online persona that’s both appropriate for
break into the field, industry, or company you desire. Be prepared to answer the potential employer’s
you and desirable by potential employers.
Find a way to contact the hiring manager directly in questions about your current compensation.
Craft several elevator pitches to briefly explain who
addition to applying through the official channel. Consider all aspects of the compensation package,
you are and what jobs might interest you.
Crafting and Polishing Your Resume including salary, bonus, benefits, training, perks, etc.
Treat yourself as a multifaceted company when
managing your career. Review resumes of similarly skilled people to Understand which aspects of the compensation
understand your job options and competition. package the employer can actually negotiate.
Social Networking as Part of Your Career
Understand the job requirements of the position Understand your alternatives to a negotiated
Build professional relationships with people before
beyond what's in the official description. agreement (BATNA) to know when to say “no.”
you start asking them for job search favors.
Customize your resume to match the specific Stay engaged with the hiring manager throughout
Consider how you might help others along their
requirements of the position you’re pursuing. the negotiations process, which might span weeks.
career path and offer assistance when appropriate.
Make sure that every bullet point in your resume Remember to show that you’re excited about the
Ask for advice, feedback, and guidance of the
answers the question “So What?” new job and that you also value your self-worth.
professionals whom you respect.
Don’t rely on your resume as the primary way of Research and practices influence techniques that
Seek informational interviews when learning about a
getting the job for which you’re applying. might add to your negotiating power of confidence.
potential company or a job you might pursue later.
Be truthful and brief in the text of your resume. Career Tips for Information Security
Don’t take for granted the help and advice that
people in your professional network offer. Describe both technical as well as “soft” skills Lesley Carhart's Starting an InfoSec Career advice.
(communications, sales. etc.) in your resume. Brian Krebs’ series of interviews on breaking into the
Keep the members of your social network regularly
apprised of your career progress. Handling the Interview for an IT Job information security industry
Finding the IT Position Worth Pursuing Research the organization and the position you’re Hal Pomeranz’ advice on getting started in
pursuing. How are they different from others? information security or any other career
Understand what characteristics make you stand out
from your competition. What makes you an expert? Lenny Zeltser on recruiting infosec professionals

Authored by Lenny Zeltser, who writes an information security blog at zeltser.com; you can also find him on Twitter as @lennyzeltser. You can explore Lenny’s other information security and IT tips
at zeltser.com/cheat-sheets. This document is at version 1.2. It is distributed according to the Creative Commons v3 “Attribution” License.