Hint: It’s not just certifications
Let’s be honest for a second.
Most people think recruiters hire entry-level SOC analysts based on:
- How many certifications you have
- How “technical” your CV sounds
But that’s not the full picture.
Recruiters are actually looking for potential, mindset, and practical skills , especially for entry-level SOC roles.
Here’s what really makes candidates stand out.
1. The SOC Mindset (This Matters More Than You Think)
Recruiters want people who think like defenders.
That means:
- Curiosity: “Why is this alert happening?”
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to investigate, not guess
- Calm thinking under pressure
You don’t need to know everything , you need to be trainable and observant.
2. Basic Technical Foundations
For entry-level roles, recruiters expect:
- Understanding of Windows environments
- Basic networking (IP addresses, ports, protocols)
- Familiarity with logs and alerts
- Knowledge of common attacks like phishing or brute force
You don’t need to be an expert , just comfortable with the basics.
3. Hands-On Experience (Even Labs Count)
Here’s a secret:
Labs and projects count , especially at entry level.
Recruiters love seeing:
- SIEM dashboards you’ve worked with
- Alert investigations
- Incident response labs
- Tools like Microsoft Sentinel or Defender
Real-world exposure (even simulated) beats theory every time.
4. Familiarity with SOC Tools
You’re not expected to master every tool, but you should know:
- What a SIEM does
- How alerts are generated
- Why tools like Microsoft Sentinel matter
- How SOC teams respond to incidents
Certifications like Microsoft SC-200 help because they’re built around real SOC tools.
5. A CV That Speaks “Security”
Your CV should translate your experience into security language.
Instead of:
“Provided IT support”
Say:
“Supported incident resolution, monitored system activity, and assisted in security investigations.”
Same experience , just better framing.
In conclusion, Recruiters aren’t looking for perfect candidates.
They’re looking for people who can grow into SOC analysts.
Show curiosity.
Build hands-on skills.
Learn how SOC teams actually work.
Do that, and you’ll already stand out.
Want to build the skills recruiters look for? Join the CYPODLAB SC-200 training cohort and start thinking like a SOC analyst