MightyRecruiterThe hallmarks of a good job description is that it is clear and concise, and that it strives to answer the candidates most important questions about the position before they need to be asked. A great job description is a hand tool for attracting top talent, while a job description that is vague or hard to read may frighten off the candidates that you most want to attract. However, writing a truly great job description is often easier said than done, which is why we have provided you with this information security specialist job description sample.
The sample may be used as a way of gathering ideas before crafting your own job description, or as a template that you can edit with the specific information about the job in question. Additionally, you can check out the list of general tips at the end of the information security specialist job description sample to ensure that your own job description is as good as you can possibly make it before releasing it into the wild.
Information Security Specialist Job Summary
This position involves understanding and taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with collecting, storing and transmitting data in a business setting. You will be expected to set up security measures that help prevent security breaches, as well as analyzing any breeches that do occur. This is a full-time position at our downtown office, though you may be required to travel to satellite offices in the area. Salary starts at $50,000, and we offer an excellent competitive benefits package.
To apply, send your resume as well as three professional references in PDF format to boss@TechCo.com.
Information Security Specialist Job Responsibilities
- Analyze existing security systems and make recommendations for changes or improvements
- Prepare reports and action plans in the event that a security breech does occur
- Organize and conduct tests and “ethical hacks” of the existing security architecture
- Monitor the network and provide early warning of abnormalities or problems
- Upgrade systems regularly to remain competitive in the field of security
- Communicate the system status and keep users informed of downtime or changes to the system
- Keep technical knowledge current through continuing education
- Provide system updates and write code fixes
Information Security Specialist Job Requirements
- Post-secondary degree in system administration, network security, network administration or a related field
•At least five years of experience in system support
•Knowledge of current security risks and protocols
•Willingness to work on-call in the event of a security breech or other emergency
•Good analytic and problem solving skills
•Ability to work under close supervision, as well as the ability to take independent initiative when needed
Company Profile
Tech Co. is a large server storage company with locations on both coasts of the United States. We maintain off-site data storage for more than a hundred small and medium sized businesses throughout the United States. We are dedicated to maintaining a small team of highly competent employees who understand the importance of data security. However, we are also dedicated to maintaining a good work-life balance and are flexible when it comes to shifts worked and time spent at the facility as opposed to working from home.
Best Practices for Writing a Job Description
- While this information security specialist job description sample provides a good jumping off point, you may still have questions and concerns. Also consider these general tips to help ensure that you job description has all the necessary information, as well as being well-written and informative.
- Do include the job location and hours, and make special mention of any unusual circumstances such as odd hours or a large amount of required travel
- Don’t include a salary or salary range if it is not allowed by your company, but do consider mentioning salary if there is no restrictions on it
- Do give clear instructions for submitting an application, and include the name and contact information of the person doing the hiring in case the applicant has questions
- Don’t be vague or pad your job description with useless buzzwords; a clear description of what you are looking for in a candidate will net your better applicants overall
- Do use present tense and avoid passive voice; you may write in second or third person, but be sure to remain consistent throughout
- Do be clear about whether the position is a supervisory one, and consider giving additional information such as what department the position is in and who the employee will report to
Information Security Specialist Job Responsibilities
A successful resume always describes a jobseeker’s experience and qualifications for a position in an engaging, easy to understand way. In the same manner, an information security specialist job description must portray a position so that it will grab the attention of potential applicants. This is particularly true of the job responsibilities section, which will give candidates the best sense of their usual tasks.
In this section, you want to help jobseekers envision themselves in the information security specialist position. The best way to do this in your information security specialist job description is through succinct bullet points that start with action verbs and give candidates a picture of the day-to-day work requirements. Avoid overwhelming the candidate with a complete list of every job responsibility, down to the smallest detail. Instead, focus on the most important duties first, and work your way down to hierarchically less important, but still essential, tasks.
Below are a few examples of information security specialist job responsibilities:
- Analyze potential vulnerabilities and threats to systems
- Issue user IDs and other login credentials to new employees
- Monitor system access for internal security violations
- Assist in development and implementation of network security systems, both hardware and software
Information Security Specialist Job Specifications
The job qualifications and skills portion of your information security specialist job description may seem like the easiest piece to put together, but do not underestimate the amount of thought and consideration that should go into this section. This is your first opportunity to weed out both underqualified and overqualified candidates, thereby streamlining your hiring process. If possible, work with a hiring manager or the direct supervisor for the role to make writing this section easier.
Like with the job responsibilities section, using concise bullet points is the best way to effectively communicate to potential applicants the position’s eligibility prerequisites. In this component of your information security specialist job description, you should use two bulleted lists. The first should be a list of requirements for the job. These are deal-breakers, things that you require in order to consider a candidate for the position, such as years of experience or software proficiency. The second should be a list of preferred skills, accomplishments that will set an applicant apart from other jobseekers, but that are not necessary to be in contention for the job. These might include language fluency or minor certifications.
You can include information security specialist job specifications like the ones below:
- Current secret or top-secret clearance required
- Must have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field plus 3 years of experience
- Foreign language fluency a plus
- CISSP, CISA or related certifications preferred
