The field of cybersecurity (IT and OT) is rapidly evolving, with organizations facing increasingly sophisticated threats to their digital assets. As a result, the demand for skilled cybersecurity experts has grown exponentially.

This case study explores the successes achieved by ANTAL International in Belgium in the search and recruitment of cybersecurity experts (IT & OT Security Strategists, IT & OT Security Architects, CISO, …), highlighting the effective strategies and processes to identify and attract top talents. 

Client Challenges  

The increasing reliance on digital technologies and the growing threat of cyberattacks have made cybersecurity a critical concern for organizations across various industries. As businesses strive to protect their sensitive data and maintain the trust of their stakeholders, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has become paramount.

We delve into the challenges faced by our clients in recruiting cybersecurity experts. The scarcity of qualified professionals in this field, combined with the constantly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, presents unique obstacles in finding the right talents.

ANTAL Solutions

Antal International finds talent efficiently thanks to the variety of channels they employ to source candidates.

1. Sourcing the best cybersecurity talents

Our Antal recruitment experts participate in industry-specific networking events and conferences, where they can connect with cybersecurity professionals, helping us build trusted relations with top candidates. 

Moreover, Antal International regularly collaborates with cybersecurity associations and professional organizations to gain access to cybersecurity networks, helping us tap into a pool of qualified candidates. 

In addition, we collaborate with universities that offer cybersecurity programs which gives us access to the academic arena, identifying candidates at an early stage. 

Overall, these industry contacts from various sources facilitate our targeted search strategies as Antal recruiters contact them to ask for candidate referrals. 

Furthermore, Antal International is part of online forums and cybersecurity communities to identify individuals who are actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the field. 

Finally, to further differentiate from competitors, Antal International has built an IT-dedicated job board with thousands of IT professionals around the world. Posting your IT jobs on the platform will make the hiring process faster.

2. Effective screening and selection process

Antal International's recruitment strategy streamlines the recruitment process and saves valuable time and resources. 

Our experts carefully review candidates’ CVs, cover letters, and other documents they provide, assessing the professionals’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the job requirements. Moreover, to further evaluate the candidates’ technical skills and cybersecurity skills, we conduct technical assessments consisting of practical exercises and simulations. 

As soft skills are also critical, our Antal team conducts behavioural interviews to assess the candidates’ soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. In addition to this, we conduct panel interviews to assess the candidates’ fit within the organization’s culture and ability to collaborate effectively. 

Finally, reference checks are run to verify the candidates’ profiles, ticking everything on the hiring list to find the best cybersecurity engineers for our clients.  

Recruitment Results

The successful implementation of targeted search strategies, utilization of industry networks, and an effective screening and selection process have a significant impact on ANTAL cybersecurity talent acquisition efforts.

Increased Pool of Qualified Candidates

By proactively reaching out to potential candidates through various channels, ANTAL is able to expand its pool of qualified cybersecurity professionals. This widened talent pool allows our recruitment team to select from a diverse range of candidates with different skill sets and backgrounds.

Enhanced Recruitment Efficiency

The targeted search strategies enable us to identify candidates who may not have been actively seeking new opportunities. This approach saves time and resources by directly connecting with individuals who already possess the required skills and expertise, streamlining the recruitment process.

Improved Quality of Hires

The rigorous screening and selection process ensure that only the most qualified candidates are chosen for further consideration. This approach results in hiring cybersecurity professionals who possess the necessary technical skills, soft skills, and cultural fit, ultimately contributing to the organization's ability to effectively address cybersecurity challenges.

Stronger Industry Relationships

The engagement with industry networks and associations helps us build stronger relationships within the cybersecurity community. This collaboration not only facilitates recruitment efforts but also creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnerships, and continuous learning.

Enhanced Organization Reputation

By establishing thought leadership and engaging in industry-specific activities, ANTAL reputation as a reputable and knowledgeable player in the cybersecurity field grows. This enhanced reputation attracts highly skilled candidates who are eager to be part of an organization at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements.

Find out what clients and candidates say about us: https://www.antal.com/recruitment/belgium-Beauvechain-rdv

Conclusion

Overall, the scarcity of qualified professionals and the increasing number of cyber-attacks and cyber threats require cybersecurity expertise in recruitment to be able to hire efficiently the best engineers.

Source

Case study by our team in Belgium, January 2024 – led by Managing Partner, Pierre Dagneau

If you need support hiring cybersecurity talents, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] .