As we are going to enter 2024 in a few months, the security hiring landscape is experiencing a significant transformation. It is caused by many factors: technological advancements, socio-economic shifts, priority changes and the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Security hiring managers are shifting their focus towards more innovative, strategy-driven solutions to effectively find the top talent for their organisations. Let’s explore the top recruitment trends to watch in 2024 that will greatly impact hiring, employee engagement, and security culture in this blog. Let’s dive into these trends and see what they mean for security hiring.
The potential of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the security landscape like a raging storm. It has the most potential to completely change, revolutionise and automate the way you hire, and you work in the current security industry. The security landscape is not going to look the same in the coming years all thanks to Artificial intelligence. Be ready to align your organisation with the coming revolution of AI and place adequate measures.
Automation and Integration
With the size of data and work in each security hiring, applying automation is significant to give more sophisticated control over, coming data like candidates’ information, resumes and scheduling interviews. Security hiring processes also pressurise hiring managers to provide qualified candidates in short periods and deadlines, making automation a necessary step to take.
Security professionals with soft skills
While Physical and technical competencies are essential in the security industry, soft skills like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication are becoming equally important. You can’t teach these interpersonal skills to anybody but it works like magic indeed, especially in the security field where communication is a building block, making them highly valuable. As a security employee, you want a candidate who can communicate effectively in his role right? Don’t underestimate these soft skills in your recruitment journey. It indicates your candidate can adapt, lead, and collaborate.
Diversity, Equity and inclusion in security hiring
Diversity, Equity and inclusion (DEI) are now acting as a building block in the development of security organisations. If your organisation has a diverse workforce you are already 2 steps ahead of the game. Because you have innovative ideas from diverse backgrounds, high employee morale, productivity and a variety of perspectives and experiences on the table. The security landscape is changing and encouraging candidates who bring diverse perspectives and are investing in training to create more inclusive workplaces. Make DEI your partner in your recruitment practices, both in the sourcing of candidates and in shaping the organisational culture.
Increased collaboration between security professionals and other departments
Security is no longer just the responsibility of the security team. Society is all interconnected now. All departments play their role in keeping us safe and it creates a more secure environment around us. That’s why it’s becoming a popular trend for security professionals to collaborate with other departments that require strong interpersonal and communication skills as we discussed above. For example, if your event security officer has strong interpersonal skills he can collaborate with law enforcement departments to understand the security risks they face and how to mitigate those risks.
Professional development
The rapid pace of change in the security industry has made professional development essential for employees. You want your candidate to offer learning and growth opportunities right? And why not if you are investing in professional development you can attract and retain top talent, improve employee engagement and morale, boost productivity and performance, enhance innovation and creativity, and future-proof their workforce.
Employer Branding
As the industry is evolving, a strong employer brand is becoming more essential for attracting top talent. Utilise social media platforms, to highlight your culture, values, and distinctive qualities as an employer. Allocate resources to employer branding efforts to stand out from your rivals and resonate with ideal candidates.
Conclusion
2024 promises exciting changes. From the rising tide of Artificial Intelligence that’s set to revolutionise how we hire, to the indispensable role of automation in managing data efficiently, we’re in for a transformative ride. Soft skills are also stepping into the limelight, reminding us that communication and adaptability are key. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s the bedrock of thriving security organisations. Collaboration among departments and a focus on professional development are now par for the course. And don’t forget the power of a strong employer brand in attracting the best talent. So, gear up for a year of innovation, growth, and positive change in the world of security hiring!
