How to Hire Cybersecurity Experts: Not Just a CV

By Sarah Coleman, Chief People Officer at Adarma 

In an era dominated by digital transformation and an evolving cybersecurity landscape, the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) is undergoing a profound shift. No longer confined to the shadows, cybersecurity professionals are emerging as vital connectors between technology and business strategy. This transformation prompts CISOs to hire cybersecurity experts with an expanded array of qualities beyond technical ability, which in turn is reshaping their approach to talent acquisition.

The soft skill advantage

While technical proficiency remains paramount, the value of soft skills has surged. CISOs now emphasise a holistic approach, hiring cybersecurity experts with not just a proven track record but also the potential for growth. Attributes like business acumen, collaboration, effective communication, and innovative thinking are becoming the new benchmarks. The focus has transitioned from the candidate’s technical experience to their untapped growth potential.

Navigating the cybersecurity talent hunt

Amidst the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, the challenge lies in enticing top talent. The motivations of today’s workforce go far beyond just financial incentives, so crafting an appealing employee value proposition and presenting the organisation’s allure is key.

This entails showcasing the comprehensive experience, encompassing well-being, benefits, and the organisational culture. For the cybersecurity realm, highlighting the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and push the boundaries can be a major draw. Identifying a resonating factor, such as a shared commitment to raising the bar of your cyber defence plan, holds immense significance. But, ultimately, CISOs are marketing opportunities to the brightest minds.

Defining cybersecurity roles is a collaborative project

The dynamics of hiring have experienced a fundamental overhaul. The partnership between CISOs and Human Resources (HR) is foundational, marked by transparent communication and open discussions about team objectives and business goals. Crafting precise job descriptions and leveraging diverse avenues to pinpoint the right candidates demands seamless collaboration. In today’s dynamic landscape, with ever-evolving technologies and a scarcity of skilled professionals, adopting a creative approach to staffing becomes imperative.

Careers are Adarma

At Adarma, we understand that the dynamic nature of our work requires us to take a more holistic and collaborative approach to hiring cyber security experts. We know that a one size fits all approach doesn’t suit our market in terms of our customer’s needs, the products we create and the services we deliver, which is why we take the same approach to recruitment.

People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we are committed to building a diverse, multi-talented and inclusive workforce where everyone feels represented and heard. We believe in championing equality of opportunity and are creating a workplace where people can realise their full potential through training and mentoring opportunities.

Similarly, we are refining our benefits and working policies to ensure that people with different needs and dependencies can thrive at Adarma.

To learn more about a career at Adarma or our current opportunities, please visit our Career Page and learn what it means to become a Cyber Defender.