Texas Cyber Summit II

Talented professionals form the critical infrastructure of any successful business, but how do we ensure successful retention and recruitment in an industry facing talent shortage? The insights shared in this session offer methods to promote a flowing talent acquisition pipeline, supported by the findings from two recent industry surveys, which examine how security professionals search for jobs and the impact of supporting community activities.

In order to recruit tech talent, you first need to know where they search for jobs. However, our cyber security job search survey found discrepancies in the ways that job seekers search for jobs and how recruiters primarily search for candidates. In this session I will discuss the top four reported job search methods to help employers guarantee their positions are visible and accessible.

I will also discuss how to attract and retain talent by tapping into the leading motivators that draw job seekers to a company, spanning compensation, good working environments, career mapping opportunities, support of work life balance, a more transparent hiring process, and remote work.

Shrewd employers also value volunteerism, as they understand that having employees operate in the community is a positive reflection on their company, helping to support their employer brand and recruitment strategy. I will urge employers to re-examine their support of volunteer activities, as over 97% of survey respondents reported they would move to a company that supported their volunteerism.

As we assess the ways that candidates approach their job search, employers will gain valuable insights to increase visibility and interest. By leveraging these findings and supporting community involvement, employers stand to build their employer brand and sustain lucrative retention and recruitment.
Notes: In an industry facing talent shortage, it is more vital than ever that employers utilize the right strategies to locate and recruit prospective candidates. Having personally surveyed the cyber security community and also having coached thousands of job seekers and employers to achieve the mutual goal of employment, I am excited to further share my best practices with Texas Cyber Summit attendees.