Cyber security recruitment is more than filling roles, it’s about connecting the right people with one of the most critical industries in the world.
As threats continue to shift and organisations race to stay secure, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. For cyber security recruiters, this means working at the intersection of technology, trust, and talent. In this article, we explore why our Recruitment Partner, Mark Elford, chose this career path, what makes it rewarding, and the qualities that lead to success.
What inspired you to get into cyber security recruitment, and what drew you specifically to the cyber security space?
I’ve always had an interest in IT and the Cyber Security industry, before working at InfoSec People I had started a Cyber Security course at the Open University, so when this opportunity came along, it felt silly not to learn and grow within the space. I also have a strong belief that if you work hard, you should be rewarded, which InfoSec People embodies.
Can you share your journey into cyber security recruitment and the moment you realised it was the right career path for you?
I was completely new to recruitment before joining InfoSec People, and I didn’t know much about the real world of cyber security, only an academic understanding of cyber security, which, at the start, meant I had a lot to learn. But this is the perfect environment to do so, I think it all started clicking once I began learning directly from the people I speak to day to day. My first placement was when it became clear this was the right move, I was able to talk sensibly with the hiring manager and the candidate about skills, roadmaps, and I wasn’t getting lost in the technical talk.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a cyber security recruiter, and how has your understanding of the industry evolved since you started?
Knowledge and money, they are the most rewarding things about cyber security recruitment. Being able to hold what most would consider a technical conversation with someone whilst delivering the best service is what I strive for. This is a job where nearly every week something new pops up in the industry that people will talk about, and if you know the right people you can get ahead of the curve. It’s perfect if you’re the sort of person that wants consistent growth.
What are some common misconceptions about cyber security recruitment, and what’s one thing you wish more candidates or clients understood about the industry?
Possibly the misconception of what recruiters are, because of course there are some agencies that still operating with a short-term view, quantity over quality, not telling the whole truth etc. But there are others, like InfoSec People, which operate on honesty and karma, we will help people because we know it will come back in favour. Whether it be roles, leads, or invites to events. We aren’t sharks that work on quantity over quality, we are recruiters that actually care and think of longevity, not the quick wins.
How would you describe the culture at InfoSec People?
Not just saying this because they pay the bills, but this is the best place I’ve worked.
From management style to KPIs. The team are great, we all help each other out even with the littlest things. They have the same approach and values to work and personal growth as I do. It’s a small company, but there is a reason we are one of the most trusted agencies in the industry.
What makes working at InfoSec People different from your previous roles, and how does the team support your growth and success?
I’ve had a bit of a journey through my career, started off as stage crew, then sound engineer, to sales, and now into recruitment. The fundamentals are the same, deliver. The team here reward the hard work and support when it’s needed. As long as you are being honest and putting in the effort, they will all work hard to see you succeed. That trusted support network has helped me grow, speak at events, and be the first port of call for my network.
Why should someone join InfoSec People as a cyber security recruiter?
Because if you trust in your abilities to be successful and deliver, then you will earn. Whether that be money, knowledge, or a career into senior leadership. The culture here is ideal for someone who has that drive. We support each other, we have socials, we respect each other’s time, and with the recent acquisition by Gattaca we are in a prime environment for growth. We have plenty of house accounts, lapsed accounts to target, and a niche that makes cold BD easier.
What qualities do you think make someone successful in cyber security recruitment?
I think in general, you need to be able to present yourself and your “brand”. You need to be honest with your sales, because it’s a smaller industry than you think, people know people, and word does get around. And, you need to want it, have that drive, make your desk your own little business, it’s the ability to have initiative and motivation, have your “Why?” constantly in your mind.
Are you interested in joining InfoSec People and building a high-impact career in one of the world’s most in-demand sectors?
Apply now – let’s talk about your future with us.
InfoSec People is a boutique cyber security and IT recruitment consultancy, built by genuine experts. We were founded with one goal in mind: to inspire people to find the careers that inspire them. With the success of companies fundamentally driven by the quality of their people, acquiring and retaining talent has never been more important. We believe that recruitment, executed effectively, elevates and enables your business to prosper.
We also understand that cyber and information security recruitment can genuinely change people’s lives, that’s why we take the duty of care to those we represent very seriously. All our actions are underpinned by our core values:
- Always do the right thing
- Be the best we can be
- Add value
We work with businesses in the cyber/tech arena, from start-ups and scale-ups to FTSE100 and central Government, many of whom are always looking for great people.
Call us directly on 01242 507100 to discuss opportunities or email info@infosecpeople.co.uk.