So, you’ve decided you want to break into cybersecurity but have no relevant experience. The bad news is experience is important when it comes to working in this field. But that doesn’t mean finding your first job will be impossible either.

The cybersecurity field continues to grow each year, and hiring managers are looking for varied skill sets to fill security roles. However, you will need to demonstrate you have other things to offer in lieu of years on the job in security. How do you do that? By getting creative. Here are 5 ways to stand out as a job applicant, even if you have little or no direct experience.

Get Certified

By getting certified, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills they are looking for, even if those were learned in an educational setting rather than on the job. A certification can make a huge difference when you have an experience gap on your resume. And in some hiring managers’ eyes, certain certifications can even give you a leg up over other applicants with limited experience but no certifications.

For aspiring cybersecurity and IT pros, the Associate of (ISC)² designation offers an alternative certification path as they gain required time in the field.

Find a Reference

A respected and experienced person who has been working in the industry and can speak in your favor may also give you an edge when you don’t have professional experience in your portfolio. Look for opportunities to intern or volunteer and get to know people who have been in security for a while. Learn from them and demonstrate your commitment to the industry and to expanding your security skills. Eventually, this relationship can pay off not only in new education, but in connections. A solid mentor-mentee relationship often results in a great reference down the road.

Mention Interesting Hobbies and Personal Activities

While you may not have worked in a professional security role, what have you done on the side that led to your passion for security? Find ways to tell your story and give hiring managers some insight into what you do in your personal time that is relevant to the security role. Maybe you like to take part in amateur hacking or capture the flag (CTF) competitions. Maybe you enjoy hunting down bugs in the off chance of collecting a bug bounty. While these are all hobbies, they still help build your security skill set and potential employers will want to hear about them.

Build a Relationship with Key Hiring Managers

Even if you didn’t get the job the first time, having a chance to interview and learn more about the organization is an opportunity to start building a relationship. Don’t let it end with a “no.” Let the hiring manager know you appreciate the chance to be interviewed and ask if it is possible to stay in touch. Keep on top of relevant news related to the business and connect with them when appropriate on professional social media networks. By letting the company know you remain interested in future opportunities, you may eventually turn a “no” into a “hired” when the next security job opening comes around.

Emphasize Your Education

Having some unique experience under your belt through your education can also be an advantage. Clearly explain how you broadened your security skill set and knowledge in school. Make note of any internships or study abroad opportunities that may have given you a global perspective on security. Were you involved in any clubs or groups on campus that focused on amateur hacking or computer science and security? These are all relevant choices that can also be called out to show you have taken part in valuable activities beyond traditional employment.

For more tips and resources, download the (ISC)² Breaking into Cybersecurity eBook .