Worried About Background Checks? Switching Careers to Cybersecurity and Updating Your Resume

In my situation, I have 3 years of real experience in a different domain (software documentation). Now, I have completed a course in cybersecurity and am showcasing my 3 years of actual experience in cybersecurity as I look for a job in that field as an experienced professional. I will provide all my authentic bank statements and salary slips as evidence. Would this pose a problem during the Background Verification (BGV) process since I will be changing the designation to cybersecurity on my resume and payslips? Could this potentially label me as a fake candidate?

Hi, what will you do if the employer you hired conducts a background verification of your roles and responsibilities with your past company? You may edit the designation on your resume and payslip, but you will not have control over what your past employer comments on your role and responsibilities. I sincerely suggest starting your career from scratch as a fresher in cybersecurity.

Career Switching Challenges in India

There is no rule that a candidate has to work in the same domain until they retire. We have the right to change domains and upgrade. However, the problem, especially in India, is that companies often require only experienced candidates. As candidates, we don't want to start again as freshers, earning 3 or 3.5 LPA. Why do 99.99% of Indian companies not consider previously worked corporate experience and offer at least a small hike? Can't they offer the current salary, even if we lack direct experience in the new domain? Why should we start again as freshers? When will we settle down if we start anew? Life is short, right?

Employers only see their benefits from a business point of view, and I understand their perspective. But what about the candidates' situations and dreams? Do you know how many candidates actually like the job they are doing? I am still a 3-year experienced person and still in the learning phase. Until 3-5 years, it's a learning phase. Once we cross 5 years of experience, then the salaries become significant, and I agree that employers can't take risks. But for those with up to 4-5 years of experience, employers should allow career switches to reshape their careers.

The dilemma of creating fake experience in cybersecurity

The question here is not about a career switch but about creating a fake experience in cybersecurity for a period of three years, whereas in fact, there is no such experience. Do you think you will be able to satisfy the employer by claiming to have three years of practical experience in the cybersecurity domain? Having knowledge of the subject is one thing, but having real experience in the field is totally different.

Instead of stating your experience as being in the cyber field, you may mention it as an additional area you worked in, and you should also be able to recount real events in your organization when required. Agreed, a career switch is your choice or right, but attempting it in an entirely dishonest manner may not bode well. If the experience is found to be fake, it will be disastrous.

Yes, I agree, and I tried that in the initial months of the job hunt but with no success. I showed my real experience and demonstrated my skills in cybersecurity, indicating my intention to move into this field. However, they still only ask me questions related to experience, and most interviewers will not schedule an interview at all because I lack direct experience in the field. They are hesitant to consider me as a fresher as well, given that it has been four years since I graduated.

So, now tell me, what should I do? Should I give up? Please provide a practical and possible solution if you can. :)

Hi, having good knowledge in cybersecurity is different from having practical working experience in the field. If you claim 3 years of false experience in cybersecurity, your employer will expect performance matching those 3 years. It is your decision, but be cautious.