Page 93 - Cyber Warnings

THE SKILLS SHORTAGE WITHIN CYBERSECURITY

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

by Jonathan Stock, Information Security Recruitment Consultant, IntaPeople

According to a recent global study of employer demand for cybersecurity expertise, the UK was
identified as the second worst in the world.

Employer demand outweighed candidate interest by more than a third, with only 31% of the
cybersecurity jobs posted being searched for by candidates.

So what are the issues creating this skills shortage?

Diamond in the rough

Clients are looking for the finished article instead of looking for the diamond in the rough. Job
specifications are a shopping list of everything they want; from hard to soft skills.

If the candidate has everything why would they want a similar job, they want to progress their
career?

Companies should reassess what they actually need and ensure they are looking for a diamond
in the rough. Junior candidates might not be able to hit the ground running but they will show a
loyalty to the company for giving them a chance to develop.

Talent conveyor belts

The best way to solve a skills shortage is to promote from within, creating a conveyor belt of
talent.

If you are looking for a Senior Malware Analyst is there someone internally who could make the
step up?

You can then look to replace these people with candidates at the start of their career. This
creates a positive culture where employees are rewarded for dedication and loyalty.

Graduates, graduates everywhere

Approximately 100 students, all eager to get into cybersecurity companies, attended a recent
event at the University of South Wales to gain an insight into the industry and what employers
look for in graduates.

93 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – May 2017 Edition
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