With the increasing use of technology, the risk of cyber-attacks is rising daily. Therefore, cyber security talent acquisition has been a major hunt for industries worldwide. Companies are spending more and more on risk management. According to a report, approximately $172 billion was spent in 2022 on cyber security and risk management.
Hence, companies are more interested in hiring cybersecurity talent to deal with the issues. A huge rise in cyber-security positions has been seen in the last few years. As per the stats, over 3.5 million cybersecurity positions will be open by 2025.
If you have been part of hiring for companies, you might know how hard it is to find qualified talents with the right potential. Government institutes and companies are searching for talents in various domains such as cloud security, incident response, penetration testing, digital forensics, control systems, management security, etc.
As for now, cybersecurity talent acquisition has become a pretty complicated task. Imagine hiring a person who is incompatible with the job and results in reputational damage, violation of compliance code, or economic loss.
There are several reasons for the failed recruitment process, such as the hiring system needs to be fixed, and the existing actual talent does not possess a fancy degree or certificate or live in every circle and misses opportunities.
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Tips for Cybersecurity Talent Acquisition
Here in this blog, we will mention six tips that can help companies in cybersecurity talent acquisition and retain them for a long time.
Define the job clearly:
Cyber Security is a diverse field, and the talent is exposed to versatile jobs regularly. Therefore, a job description has a vital stand to apply for the post. The job description leaves a first impression on talent.
Ensure that you have written a comprehensive description that matches the required skills. Make sure that you have not written down too many requirements that cannot fit into one person. Likewise, do not make it too small that any Jack or Harry apply to the post. A job description should be realistic so the right person does not hesitate to apply for the position.
This can be the most basic step you can take to attract the best possible candidates, ultimately helping you in the talent acquisition of cyber security experts.
Skill Assessment Test:
The second tip on our list is to start with a precise skill assessment test. Do not start right with the interview. Instead, have a small technical test/assessment before the interview. It will give you a sound understanding of the applicant before they appear in the interview, eventually helping you with talent acquisition.
The pool of cyber security is pretty huge, and you might receive bulks of CVs. Short-listing the right person can be difficult, and assessment tests can come in handy. The test will let you shortlist only the best candidates for the job, saving lots of hassle. You can also measure the technical skills of the applicants.
Approach to the Cyber Security Talent Community:
Recruiters can skim the talent by staying in touch with the talent community. You might interact with the right talent for cyber security in some seminar, competition, or conference on software development, technology, and cyber security.
You can mingle with the right group at an event in your country. Technology has made community connections easy with social media. A talent might be right in front of you on LinkedIn, and you can never know until you stay active in relevant communities.
Many IT recruitment companies in UAE conduct events and contests so the talent can meet the right recruiter Cyber security talent is one of the highest growing communities in the world, the institutes and organizations can reach the right talent in these events.
Check the credibility of Talent:
The recruiters can check the credibility and reputation of talent by visiting their profiles on technical websites or social media platforms. You can check their professional achievements and experience on LinkedIn or whether they have written any blog or Cyber technology papers on any site or magazine. Do check how many times they participated in competitions or related conferences. These activities indicate that a person is sincere and devoted to their skills and working hard to build credibility in the market.
Become a Reputable brand:
A competent cyber security talent is always impressed by a reputable company or a renowned brand. Recruiters with a brand name can hire skilled and qualified talent for half the compensation price. You can do it by engaging and relevant branding posts on social media.
There are several ways to accomplish it. For instance, focus on posts like; Why one should work with your company. What are your values, and how can you help in making someone’s professional life better?
Moreover, mention the perks and incentives you offer your staff and employees. The perk should be more than salaries or medical insurance. For instance, some companies provide free international tours to related cybersecurity conferences, free access to private libraries or health clubs, etc.
These facilities attract the talent and increase the credibility of your brand. Therefore, they are keen to work with you in the future as soon as a job opens.
Skills not certificates:
The right cybersecurity talent is shot worldwide; hence,, the companies should be flexible on formal requirements. Requirements like a must-have Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences should be made optional, not a compulsory job requirement. In countries like Pakistan,, there is a lot of IT talent who do not get hired due to degrees.
Instead, focus on their skills and talents. Many people drop out of college or university because they are more interested in getting hands-on experience than in higher educational institutes.
Hands-on experience is the main criterion when you are going for cybersecurity talent acquisition. Once you hire such a talent, consider giving them on-the-job training. Many candidates have the skills but do not possess years of experience in the field.
Conclusion:
Cyber Security Talent acquisition is a challenge for many companies. However, with the right strategies and tips, recruiters can hire the right person for their brand. If you are striving for effective cyber security hiring, RFS HR is one of the leading IT recruitment agencies in Dubai and can help you recruit the best talent from the global candidate market.
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