“The demand is real, but the hiring system is out of sync,” said Casey Marks, ISC2’s chief qualifications officer. “Security leaders know they need adaptable, fast-learning professionals. They are starting to value the people who can grow into the work, not just those who already check every box.”
The study focused on hiring in cybersecurity roles, but it found more broadly that many organizations now prioritize soft skills and diverse backgrounds over technical expertise for a number of IT roles, reflecting a shift in a confusing job market. The research also found that certifications now outrank both education and experience when hiring for junior roles and more than half of hiring managers say they’ve passed on candidates because of social media activity.
The ISC2 study also showed that many organizations are hiring people without technical chops for IT roles, preferring candidates with non-technical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. However, a gap remains between expectations and realistic capabilities; for instance, while cloud security is deemed essential, few believe entry-level workers are ready to handle it.
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