How to Get a Better Cyber Security Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy

Contents

• Understanding Redundancy in Cyber Security

• Step 1: Reset and Refocus Your Mindset

• Step 2: Identify Your Core Strengths and Preferred Role Types

• Step 3: Update Your Cyber Security CV and Skills

• Step 4: Optimise Your LinkedIn and Certifications

• Step 5: Smart Networking and Recruiter Outreach

• Step 6: Apply Strategically and Track Progress

• Step 7: Upskill in Emerging Threat Areas

• Step 8: Consider Contracting, Clearance-Based and Remote Roles

• Step 9: Manage Finances and Mental Health

• Bonus: Top UK Cyber Security Employers Hiring in 2025

• Final Thoughts: Relaunching Your Cyber Career

Understanding Redundancy in Cyber Security

Even in a skills-short market, cyber security roles aren’t immune to restructuring, mergers, outsourcing, or shifting threat landscapes. Redundancy is often about business decisions—not your ability or impact.

The good news? Demand for cyber professionals in the UK continues to grow, particularly in areas such as:

• Cloud security

• Offensive security

• Identity and access management

• Governance, risk and compliance (GRC)

• OT/ICS security

• Public sector and defence

Step 1: Reset and Refocus Your Mindset

Take a short pause before jumping back into job hunting:

• Reflect on your previous role’s achievements

• Identify what you want more or less of in your next job (e.g. tech stack, team size, leadership, flexibility)

• Use this as an opportunity to realign your career goals

Redundancy isn’t the end. It’s often a turning point.

Step 2: Identify Your Core Strengths and Preferred Role Types

Pinpoint your strongest skills and areas of expertise:

• Are you strongest in blue team (defence), red team (offence), or risk/GRC?

• Do you prefer threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, or strategy?

• What certifications, tools and frameworks do you bring? (e.g. Splunk, SIEM, NIST, ISO 27001, MITRE ATT&CK)

Match your skills to cyber job roles trending in the UK.

Step 3: Update Your Cyber Security CV and Skills

Focus your CV on results, not just duties:

• Start with a clear professional summary including key certs (e.g. CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH)

• Use bullet points with measurable impact (e.g. “Reduced phishing response time by 40%”)

• List tech tools (e.g. CrowdStrike, Azure Sentinel, Wireshark, Nessus)

• Link to writeups, GitHub, blogs, or CTF achievements if applicable

Tailor each application to the job description.

Step 4: Optimise Your LinkedIn and Certifications

LinkedIn is a powerful tool in cyber job hunting. Here’s how to stand out:

• Use a headline like “Cyber Security Analyst | SIEM | Threat Detection | Open to Work”

• Write a focused "About" section with your strengths and goals

• Add certifications, endorsements, and featured posts (e.g. SANS blogs, case studies, talk recordings)

Sample LinkedIn About Section:

Cyber Security Analyst | Threat Detection | Incident Response | Open to Work

I’m a proactive cyber security professional with 5+ years' experience in SOC environments, threat intelligence, and incident response. Redundant due to a restructure, I’m now seeking a new challenge in a security-first organisation where I can help strengthen defences and respond to evolving threats.

Core Skills: SIEM (Splunk, Sentinel), MITRE ATT&CK, Playbooks, Malware Triage, Phishing Response, ISO 27001

Let’s connect if you’re hiring or collaborating on cyber initiatives.

Step 5: Smart Networking and Recruiter Outreach

Cyber jobs are often filled through networks before they hit job boards.

• Contact cyber-focused recruiters (check LinkedIn, cyber job boards, agencies like Intaso or Via Resource)

• Join UK cyber meetups, BSides events, ISC2 chapters, or Infosec forums

• Ask former colleagues for referrals

Recruiter Message Example:

Subject: Cyber Security Analyst | SIEM & IR | Available Immediately

Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I’m seeking a new cyber role after a recent redundancy. I have 5+ years’ experience in SOC operations, threat detection, and incident response. I’ve attached my CV and would be grateful if you’d consider me for relevant openings.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
[CV attachment]

Hiring Manager Follow-Up Example:

Subject: Application – Security Analyst Role at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I recently applied for the Security Analyst role and wanted to reiterate my interest. With hands-on experience in SIEM operations, vulnerability triage and ISO 27001 frameworks, I’m confident I can contribute to your team. I’m currently available following a company-wide restructure.

Please find my CV attached. I’d welcome the opportunity to speak further.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Step 6: Apply Strategically and Track Progress

Avoid scattergun applications. Instead:

• Customise your CV for each job

• Use job boards like CyberSecurityJobs.tech, LinkedIn, or SecTemp

• Keep a spreadsheet of applications, follow-ups and contacts

• Set reminders to check in after 7–10 days

Step 7: Upskill in Emerging Threat Areas

Use redundancy time to build valuable cyber capabilities:

• Take short courses on platforms like TryHackMe, SANS Cyber Aces, Cybrary, or Immersive Labs

• Learn new tools (e.g. Velociraptor, MISP, KQL)

• Consider earning or renewing certifications (e.g. CompTIA CySA+, GIAC, OSCP)

• Write blog posts, complete labs, or contribute to open-source

Step 8: Consider Contracting, Clearance-Based and Remote Roles

Explore:

• MOD/government roles requiring SC/DV clearance

• Contract security engineering or audit gigs

• Remote roles via platforms like Outpost24, Bugcrowd, or HackerOne

These can build experience and open new doors.

Step 9: Manage Finances and Mental Health

Redundancy affects your mindset and money. To stay on track:

• Check eligibility for redundancy pay, Universal Credit or JSA

• Speak to Citizens Advice if needed

• Create a job search structure and routine

• Stay physically active and socially connected

• Avoid burnout from endless applications

Bonus: Top UK Cyber Security Employers Hiring in 2025

1. BAE Systems

2. NCC Group

3. Darktrace

4. BT Security

5. Deloitte UK (Cyber Practice)

6. NHS Cyber Security Centre

7. Thales UK

8. GCHQ/NCSC

9. Vodafone Security Services

10. Raytheon UK

11. Tesco Technology (Cyber Ops)

12. Barclays & HSBC Cyber Teams

13. Sopra Steria

14. PwC Threat Intelligence

15. Immersive Labs

Browse live cyber security jobs at www.cybersecurityjobs.tech

Final Thoughts: Relaunching Your Cyber Career

Being made redundant can be a blow, but the UK cyber security industry still needs people like you. With the right strategy, support, and focus, you can land a role that better fits your goals, values, and expertise.

You’re not starting over—you’re starting smart.

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