Avoid These 3 Mistakes to Get HIRED Faster in Cybersecurity

Let me tell you about my first (mis)adventure in cybersecurity—it was a total hot mess express 😅.

I spent weeks cramming for a fancy certification exam, thinking I’d breeze into a top cybersecurity gig. Then came the interview. The interviewer asked me to demonstrate a malware detection process, and I froze.

I had zero hands-on practice, just a head full of theory. It was like memorizing how to ride a bike without ever touching the pedals. Not. Fun.

Next, I jumped straight into hacking techniques—because who doesn’t want to be the cool “ethical hacker,” right? But I quickly realized I didn’t even understand how networks worked.

Imagine trying to build a skyscraper without laying any foundation. Cue facepalm 🤦‍♀️.

I don’t want you to go through the same bumps and bruises, so let’s talk about the 3 biggest mistakes beginners make when starting a cybersecurity career—and how you can avoid them. 🔒

Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Certifications Without Practical Skills

You’ve probably heard the hype: “Get certified and you’re golden!” But while certifications like Security+ or CEH look great on paper, employers want folks who can actually do the work.

How to Avoid It:

• Mix studying for certifications with real practice—use free platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box.

• Set up a simple home lab and practice configuring firewalls or analyzing system logs.

• Show employers you can tackle real scenarios, not just pass multiple-choice exams.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Basics of IT and Networking

Many newbies want to jump into hacking or penetration testing because—let’s be honest—it sounds super cool. But without a solid IT and networking foundation, you’re basically building on quicksand.

How to Avoid It:

• Start with beginner-level materials like CompTIA A+ or Network+. (no need to get the certs, just studying the material is already great foundational knowledge!)

• Play with Wireshark to see how data actually travels.

• Install Linux on a spare computer or virtual machine and get comfy in the terminal.

Mistake #3: Trying to Do Everything at Once

Cybersecurity is massive. SOC analyst. Penetration tester. Cloud security specialist. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Feeling dizzy yet? Many beginners think they need to learn everything, right now.

How to Avoid It:

• Explore the options: Research various roles to find which spark your interest. Love unraveling threats? You might thrive as a SOC analyst. Prefer ensuring companies follow security regulations? GRC could be your jam.

• Pick a starting point: Many folks begin as SOC analysts or IT auditors to build versatile, foundational skills.

• Specialize later: Once you have a solid base, move into advanced specialties like penetration testing, digital forensics, or cloud security.

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to do all of this alone.

I’ve found a course that doesn’t just teach the “cool stuff,” but also helps you sidestep these common blunders.

Why it’s a game-changer for beginners:

• Hands-on learning: No fluff—just real-world, practical skills.

• Foundational knowledge: Covers IT and networking basics before diving into advanced topics.

• Clear roadmap: You’ll know exactly what to tackle next (no more random guessing!).

• Mentorship + Job Support: Connect with experienced pros and get tools to land your first IT or cybersecurity role.

Sound good?
Click here to check out the course →

Your Future in Cybersecurity Awaits,
– Sandra

P.S. I wish I’d had a holistic course like this when I was starting out. It would’ve saved me a ton of facepalms—and maybe even aced that first interview! Don’t miss your chance to start smarter than I did.