Have you noticed how often cyberattacks appear in the news lately? Banks are breached, applications leak data, and companies lose their business data. This has increased the demand for cybersecurity professionals globally.
By 2026, the global cybersecurity workforce gap is expected to cross 3 million professionals.
If cybersecurity is booming, why do freshers still struggle to get hired? It is because most beginners start learning without a clear roadmap.
In this blog, you will discover 7 practical steps to land your first job in cybersecurity in 2026.
1. Understand the Cybersecurity Job Market
Before diving into learning, it’s crucial to understand where the jobs are and what employers expect. Knowing the industry trends helps you focus on roles that match your skills and career goals.
Key points to know:
- India’s cybersecurity job demand is growing at 14% to 17%+ annually
- Entry-level salaries range from ₹4 to ₹7 LPA
- Common roles: SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, IT Security Executive
Understanding these numbers helps you set realistic expectations and plan a clear path. Researching the market before starting your learning journey ensures you spend time on skills that actually get you hired.
2. Master the Fundamentals Before Advanced Tools
Many beginners make the mistake of jumping straight into tools without understanding the basics. Strong fundamentals make learning advanced tools faster and improve confidence in real-world scenarios.
Focus areas include:
- Networking basics
- Linux fundamentals
- Operating systems
- How the internet works
In real SOC environments, alerts come continuously. Without strong fundamentals, handling incidents becomes stressful. A solid foundation helps you perform better during internships and interviews.
3. Earn a Certification
Cybersecurity certifications add credibility and help you stand out in a competitive job market. They are not the only factor, but they can improve your chances of getting shortlisted by recruiters.
Recommended beginner certs:
- CompTIA Security+
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- Microsoft SC-900
Certifications help pass HR screenings, but skills are more important than certificates when landing a job. Selecting the right certifications ensures your learning aligns with industry expectations.
4. Gain Real Experience Through Internships and Projects
Hands-on experience is often the deciding factor between candidates with similar qualifications. Practical work gives you insights that books and videos cannot provide.
Facts and tips:
- Over 60% of entry-level hires have internship or project experience
- Important tasks: monitoring alerts, analysing logs, using SIEM tools, writing incident reports
- Even short internships boost confidence and improve hiring chances.
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5. Apply Smart and Prepare for Interviews
Applying randomly rarely works. Applying strategically and preparing well improves your chances, as practical skills are valued more than theory.
Tips for effective applications:
- Customise your resume for each role
- Highlight labs, internships, tools used, and real problem-solving experience.
- Prepare answers that demonstrate how alerts were handled and the tools used.
- Leverage networking and referrals, which can increase interview chances by up to 4X.
A focused application strategy, strong preparation, and the right connections can significantly improve your chances of securing your first job in cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Breaking into cybersecurity as a fresher requires a clear roadmap, strong fundamentals, hands-on experience, and smart interview preparation. With demand continuing to grow, candidates who focus on practical skills and real-world exposure have a higher chance of getting hired.
Start your journey with YuHasPro’s Cybersecurity Course, offering structured learning, live projects, and placement support to help you land your first cybersecurity job. Join Now!
(Source: LinkedIn)
