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Job trends in cyber security: what’s hot, what’s not

Market Insights

Job trends in cyber security: what’s hot, what’s not

What trends are shaping the cyber security job market? Here we explore 5 key trends from 2019 which we expect to continue into 2020.

cyber security jobs

This year has seen our IT & Technology recruitment desk continue to rapidly grow, not least because of a buoyant cyber security job market. Demand outstrips supply, especially for candidates with specialist skills and experience, and the rate of unemployment in the sector is very low.

Depending on which study you trust, unemployment rates in cyber security vary between zero percent and 1%, so if you’re currently looking for a new job don’t expect to be looking for long!

Check out our latest IT & Technology jobs here.

But what other trends are effecting the cyber security job market at the moment? Here are a few that cyber security professionals, and employers, will be interested in:

  1. Companies want their own cyber security staff

While large enterprises like those in financial services and technology giants have led the way in recruiting internal cyber security teams, other companies are now following suit. In the past, a firm might have employed consultants, now they’re recruiting their own teams to protect their businesses from cyber attack and take a proactive approach to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

  1. Above average salary increases

According to the Hays 2019 Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide, salaries in cyber security have increased by 3.2% in the UK, compared to the average of 1.9% across all sectors and functions. This trend we’re seeing played out at Energi. It’s a candidate’s market and clients are prepared to reward the most sought after candidates very generously.

  1. Employer expectations are beginning to become more realistic

One of the challenges recruiters have in the technology sector is managing our clients’ expectations for highly qualified and experienced cyber security candidates. Sourcing specialist expertise is not easy. The sector is very young and fast moving which means there’s a very small talent pool of candidates that match a highly specialist job description. However, we are seeing some clients becoming more flexible about their recruitment approach, for example by looking for candidates they can invest in to get the expertise they need. As they’re struggling to get the talent ‘off the shelf’ more employers are recruiting with a view to upskilling candidates from other backgrounds or with less experience.

  1. Cloud security expertise is on the up

Many organisations have or want to migrate to the cloud and reap the benefits of digital transformation. Whether they’re going all in with cloud computing or using hybrid models, increasingly we are being asked for cyber security candidates with specific cloud security expertise.

  1. Data privacy regulations

With the introduction of GDPR last year we saw an increase in demand for cyber security professionals to help organisations protect their data and business. This demand remains high as awareness of vulnerabilities, the likelihood of an attack and the risk to business continues to increase. It’s not only organisations in regulatory sectors that are looking for candidates with an excellent understanding of data privacy regulations either, GDPR affects all businesses and this is driving ongoing demand.

If you’re a cyber security professional looking for a new role it really is a candidate’ market. However, don’t be complacent! To get the most interesting jobs and be rewarded with a top salary, it’s worth ensuring you have the most sought after skills and relevant experience.

For employers who are struggling to find the right candidates for their cyber security jobs, remember these 3 best practices:

  1. Move fast – optimise your recruitment process for speed so you can move fast on the top candidates for your role,
  2. Recruit for potential – if a candidate doesn’t have specific expertise for your role consider investing in their training to get the skills you need,
  3. Be competitive on salary – with numerous opportunities to choose from, the most in-demand candidates can expect a highly competitive salary. If you can’t compete for the most experienced and specialist cyber security candidates, go back to point 2.

I hope you’ve found this article interesting, please get in touch if you would like to discuss cyber security jobs in more detail.

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