Hi, I could really use some suggestions for how to set up my resume. I have been working various service jobs since leaving my last professional position in 2011 to care for my mother. I decided to return to school in 2014 when her health improved enough to allow it (she still needed care, just not as much). I graduated in Dec 2018 with my Degree in Information Security/Risk Management and took a year to build my network and skills before really digging into the job search. Unfortunately, mom's health took a turn for the worse in Fall 2019, and between that and COVID it felt like the odds were against me. A few more hits after mom passed and I’m starting from the ground up for the most part.
Nancy J Simon
Hi, I could really use some suggestions for how to set up my resume. I have been working various service jobs since leaving my last professional position in 2011 to care for my mother. I decided to return to school in 2014 when her health improved enough to allow it (she still needed care, just not as much). I graduated in Dec 2018 with my Degree in Information Security/Risk Management and took a year to build my network and skills before really digging into the job search. Unfortunately, mom's health took a turn for the worse in Fall 2019, and between that and COVID it felt like the odds were against me. A few more hits after mom passed and I’m starting from the ground up for the most part.
During this time, I have kept learning and pushing towards getting a job in the field and earned multiple certifications. This past Spring I was accepted into the SANS Women’s Immersion Cyber Academy and have successfully earned the GFACT and will be sitting for the GSEC in early August. I’m comfortable that I will pass and will go for my GCIH next.
I am stumped on how to put everything on my resume. Since 2011 I haven’t worked in any positions relevant to my training – they’ve all been seasonal, temporary or unrelated. Prior to 2011 I held positions as network, LMS, and database administrator, as well as helpdesk, along with some early security work and IAM. The result is a massive gap in my resume that looks like I have zero experience. I have tried various structures – skills based, hybrid, chronological (leaving the positions prior 2007 off and keeping things brief). I’ve never tried to cover up the gap but have tried to communicate that I wasn’t idle during that time. I had a few interviews, but mostly crickets, and no offers. Recruiters haven’t helped – they focused on my administrative skills more than my IT. I’ve been applying for entry level positions on my own that are well within my skillset.
SANS has a placement program for graduates, but I would really like to get a head start on my materials and resume before I work with them – especially since I am having to update online sites as well (LinkedIn and here primarily). I’d love some advice from any HR people out there on how to handle this – going to school for IT was fulfilling a passion of mine, and I refuse to give up after pushing so far.
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