The need for soft-skills alongside technical acumen in the Cyber security sector.

Despite the image of cyber security professionals as aloof, insular secret agents; too busy saving the world one security issue at a time for anything else, the reality is far different.

Ok those exceptional specialist skills are vital, but just as important are the soft skills that mean our candidates are real people able to flex, change and work with others as needed. Below are some essential skills and qualities to consider when recruiting in this dynamic sector.

Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication skills are crucial for cyber security employees in all areas of their role, requiring them to

• Convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Articulate security risks and recommendations
• Produce clear documents and reports

Look for

Candidates who can communicate clearly and confidently through written reports, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.

Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities

At risk of stating the obvious, professionals working in cyber security need strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to

• Identify security threats
• Evaluate and assess data
• Analyse data breaches
• Develop innovative solutions to protect systems and networks

Look for

Candidates who can analyse complex information, think critically, and apply logical reasoning to troubleshoot security issues effectively.

Attention to Detail

It can’t be stressed enough that attention to detail is paramount in cyber security! Candidates will need to be sharp enough to

• Detect and analyse security vulnerabilities
• Identify anomalies in network traffic and system behaviour
• Ensure compliance with security policies and regulations

Look for

Candidates who demonstrate a meticulous approach to their work, with a focus on accuracy in identifying and addressing security risks.

Integrity

A hugely important skill, with professionals often handling sensitive information and access to critical systems and data. Professional and ethical integrity are demonstrated in

• Strong ethical principles
• Ability to be assertive and honest
• Advocacy for ‘the common good’ and public safety
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality

Look for

Thorough background and reference checks that verify candidates’ integrity. Candidates that align with your organisation’s values and ethical standards.

Teamwork

Cyber security professionals often work collaboratively with teams involved in IT, compliance, legal and business. You are on to a winner if they can demonstrate

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to build relationships
• Effective communication with a wide range of people
• Collaborative work towards common goals

Look for

Candidates who can effectively collaborate with diverse teams, share knowledge and expertise, and contribute to an organisational culture of collaboration and information-sharing.

Adaptability

The cyber security landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging frequently. The following attributes demonstrate the adaptability needed to succeed in the sector.

• Innovative thinking around new threats and challenges
• Flexible in their approach to work
• Willingness to learn and stay updated on the latest cyber security trends, tools, and best practices

Look for

Candidates who pursue professional development opportunities (certifications, training courses) and participate in industry conferences and workshops.

Seeking these soft skills alongside technical competencies will help to identify top tier candidates equipped to excel in cyber security roles, making a huge contribution to protecting organisations from security threats.

The UK’s FinTech industry is booming, fuelled by a perfect storm of technological innovation, changing customer expectations, and an appetite for disrupting traditional financial services. At the heart of this transformation lies a relentless focus on delivering exceptional client experiences – a pursuit that hinges on having the right talent in place.

In today’s FinTech landscape, hiring the right people is more than just filling roles; it’s about curating a team that truly understands the needs and aspirations of the modern customer. This customer-centric approach demands a diverse set of skills, from technical prowess to business acumen to a deep appreciation for user experiences.

One of the critical challenges facing FinTech companies is the war for talent. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for specialised skills in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and user experience design is outpacing the supply. Companies that can attract and retain top talent in these areas will be better positioned to deliver innovative solutions that resonate with their clients.

But hiring the right people is just the beginning. Creating a culture that nurtures and empowers employees to think outside the box and challenge the status quo is equally important. FinTech companies that foster an environment of continuous learning, collaboration, and experimentation are more likely to stay ahead of the curve and meet the ever-changing needs of their clients.

Moreover, as the regulatory landscape continues to shift, having a team that deeply understands compliance requirements and can navigate the complexities of the financial services industry is paramount. FinTech companies that prioritise hiring individuals with a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks and risk management practices will be better equipped to protect their clients’ interests while driving innovation.

In the end, successful FinTech companies are those that can strike the right balance between cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of their clients’ needs. By hiring the right talent and fostering a culture of client-centricity, these companies can stay ahead of the curve and solidify their position as leaders in the rapidly evolving financial services industry.

If you’re a FinTech company seeking top talent to drive your client-centric goals, look no further than Realtime consultants. Get in touch with Kristina Filipovic, our dedicated FinTech consultant, to explore how we can help you build a high-performing team that delivers exceptional client experiences.

Effectively managing patient data is a critical challenge in the fast-paced world of healthcare. The complexities of security, interoperability, and accessibility persist as current technology falls short, paving the way for innovative solutions grounded in cryptographic technology.

Within the healthcare industry, the secure and seamless sharing of patient data among providers is not only vulnerable to cyber attacks but also entails substantial maintenance costs. Enter blockchain – its decentralised and encrypted nature offers game-changing solutions. Blockchain not only facilitates enhanced methods for sharing healthcare data, managing insurance, and performing administrative tasks but also contributes to a collaborative and efficient healthcare ecosystem. This, in turn, minimises unnecessary expenses and eliminates the need for multiple intermediaries in monitoring critical health information sharing.

Furthermore, the traceability and authentication capabilities of blockchain extend beyond patient data. In supply chain management, blockchain enhances the tracking and authentication of products. In clinical trials and healthcare analytics, the technology proves invaluable in ensuring data integrity and improving research outcomes.

As the adoption of blockchain gains momentum, the healthcare industry witnesses exciting job opportunities. Blockchain professionals, including developers, solution architects, and data security specialists, are in high demand. This rapidly evolving field provides individuals with a unique chance to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of healthcare.

Blockchain’s potential in healthcare extends far beyond data management. It presents a paradigm shift with implications for efficiency, security, and collaboration. As we navigate these transformative times, the demand for skilled professionals in blockchain technology is burgeoning. If you’re seeking opportunities as a blockchain developer, connect with us today.

When it comes to how we stay at the top of the tree in talent attraction, how much is set to change for 2024? Make sure you go into the new year confident in how to engage the top talent out there on the market – read our guide to the most important talent attraction trends in 2024.

You guessed it – AI

AI is set to continue to play a significant role in talent attraction. AI systems will be used to make our lives easier in 2024… 

• Analyse CVs 
• Write job descriptions and interview questions
• Build automated processes – think using data from real time analytics to crafting communication with candidates or scheduling appointments 

These systems can even predict whether a candidate is likely to be successful in a particular role, making the recruitment process more efficient and data-driven.

Employer Branding

Building a strong employer brand will remain crucial for attracting top talent. 

• Companies will invest in creating a compelling narrative about their culture, values, and opportunities
• Employee advocacy programs will encourage current employees to promote their organizations as great places to work, leveraging their networks and social media
• Branding extends through the full cycle from attracting talent to onboarding and feedback post hiring
• Wise use of technology and social media to build image and recruit top talent, increasingly reliant on video and AI

Hybrid working as standard

Remote and hybrid working arrangements are nothing new, but it will continue to mark out the employers that people really want to work for.

• Gives a competitive edge in attracting top talent
• Talent attraction strategies need to emphasize the benefits of remote or hybrid work environments
• Embrace the benefits of hybrid work 

 – freedom of remote working AND

 – benefit from training and development when in the office

 – organic generation of ideas created by colleagues in the moment when together

Outside the box hires

Specific skills and competencies will continue to be highly prized; more so than traditional education routes to employment.

• Focus on identifying candidates with the right skills and a growth mindset
• Offer continuous learning and upskilling opportunities to attract candidates looking for career development
• Consider early career hiring – engaging potential candidates while still in education can mean building an inclusive business with the freshest ideas and lower starting salaries

How much do you care?

Increasing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in talent attraction strategies means

• Actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups
• Creating inclusive job postings
• Using data analytics to monitor and improve diversity metrics in the hiring process

A focus on care also means prioritising workers’ wellbeing, personalised talent nurturing (use AI as discussed above) and provide a positive experience for candidates. In an Indeed survey 

• 80% of responders said they wanted faster response times from recruiters
• applicants who receive a response from an employer within four hours are 95% more likely to accept offer than those receiving a response a week later

Remember that recruitment is a dynamic industry – to stay competitive it’s important to remain agile and adaptable. Aligning talent attraction strategies with evolving candidate expectations and industry developments is a win whatever year we’re in.