As we draw closer to the end of the year, you might find yourself among the many who are already considering resolutions for 2025. At the end of each year, many people reflect on the year gone and set themselves new goals, whether for fitness, health, or even finding a new role. But, why wait for January? Jumping on to your cyber job search now can put you ahead of the game, giving you an advantage over the masses that will start looking after the holiday break.
Starting your cyber search now, rather than waiting can offer you benefits, making it the perfect time to focus on your career goals. These are our compelling reasons why:
The flood of new candidates typically starts in January, meaning that if you get your cyber job search started now, you’ll face less competition. With potentially fewer applicants, your resume is more likely to stand out, and you may have a greater chance of landing interviews. Give yourself the best chance at standing out by reviewing your resume format – you can download our CV template to see how it stacks up. And you want to make sure you’re highlight all the important information such as being detailed around your responsibilities/achievements for each position you have worked and listing all relevant certifications. Hiring managers are also interested in seeing your commitment to the cyber industry so showcase non-paid activities such as your participation in CTFs, Hackthebox, TryHackMe etc. And to pull it all together, include a well written and appealing cover letter to bolster your application and outline why you’re interested in both the role advertised and the company you would be joining.
The phrase, “The market doesn’t return until Australia Day,” is commonly heard at the start of the year. If you wait until January, you risk running into this seasonal lull, which can drag out the job search process well into February. By starting your cyber job search now, you’ll likely bypass the holiday slowdown, and if all goes well, you could begin the new year in your new role. Unlike some other areas of the IT market, the threat of cyber breaches doesn’t take a break just because Santa is coming! Cyber security teams are continually assessing and monitoring for potential breaches, which can make it advantageous to those looking to secure a role this side of Christmas, especially if you are happy to work the typical "shutdown periods".
For companies that align their budgets with the calendar year, November and December can be a time for last-minute hiring. Cyber teams with remaining funds may be eager to bring on new talent before budgets reset. By actively looking now, you position yourself as a ready solution for companies wanting to make the most of their budget. They will be looking to lock in interviews before the end of year, especially if they are aiming for an early January onboarding or need a cyber professional to support the team over the Christmas break. Now is a good time to brush up on your interviewing skills so you’re prepared.
The end of the year often comes with a calendar full of professional gatherings, from holiday parties to industry events such as the upcoming AISA CyberCon in Melbourne at the end of November. Use these to your advantage to connect with potential employers and expand both your cyber knowledge and your community. Networking during this time allows you to make genuine connections in a more relaxed setting and build relationships that could help with your job search.
Starting your cyber search now sends a strong message to potential employers: you’re not just another candidate waiting for the right time; you’re actively pursuing growth. Employers will appreciate your proactive approach and may see you as a very motivated candidate who takes initiative. If you’re contemplating a career shift, now is the time to act. Whether you’re planning to switch industries, climb the ladder in your field, or add to your team’s talent pool, starting early gives you a strong advantage.
If a new cyber role is on your radar—or you’re a hiring manager looking to secure new talent before year-end, let’s connect. Starting early can set you up for a smoother, more successful job search, positioning you for a dynamic start in the new year.
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