5 New Rules for Finding the Right Job

Hiring Managers: It's All About Who and What You Know The rules of job seeking are in constant flux - particularly in information security, where demands and requirements are ever-evolving.

Where does that leave a job seeker looking to stand out from the crowd?

The following are strategies offered by information security hiring managers:

1. Network on Social Media Sites:

Job seekers today need to be active networkers. "Employers prefer to hire people who are referred to them via their own networks," says Michele Porfilio, strategic sourcing director for Crowe Horwath LLP, a public accounting and consulting firm. She recommends establishing a 'people search' process on social media sites such as FaceBook, Linkedin and Twitter by targeting a list of employer companies and establishing contacts with employees at these organization.

In addition, job seekers need to make themselves visible by actively expanding their networks -- sending invitations to real-world contacts, following people within the same industry and job profile on Twitter to reach a much larger audience. Porfilio pushes job seekers to be proactive and creative in their networking efforts.

2. Build a Personal Brand:

"Creating a powerful online brand is what will truly distinguish candidates today," says Barbara Massa, VP, global talent acquisition, McAfee. Candidates need to invest in developing an online personality that clearly sets them apart from their peers. They need to be considering:

  • Which industry affiliations and groups do they want to be associated with?
  • What are the leading edge conferences they want to attend?
  • What kind of education and training do they want to invest in to enhance their overall qualification?
  • What kind of alumni groups and industry/ job specific groups can they join to focus on their profession and interests?
  • How can they create a name for themselves?

"Marketing themselves and creating a brand is the best approach job seekers can take today to increase credibility and desirability," says Massa

3. Become a Subject Matter Expert:

"What will truly differentiate candidates today will be their ability to showcase passion of seeking and sharing knowledge," says Porfilio. Job seekers need to invest time in joining subgroups online that are of significance to their profession, and then actively participate in discussions by adding value to their role.

Starting a blog within their area of expertise can help position candidates well. "Doing this will let potential employers know that you are engaged at an expert level and can help them with your proven expertise," says Porfilio. Developing an impressive following on Twitter and LinkedIn, and constantly appearing on webinars and forums, are also great medium for job seekers to gain traction.

4. Participate in Virtual Career Fairs:

Virtual career fairs are part of a growing trend among employers looking for a new, cost-effective way to recruit high-quality talent as well as tech-savvy job seekers. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security set up a virtual job fair on its website to recruit cybersecurity professionals for 1,000 job openings. This is another venue for potential candidates to leverage while looking for a job.

5. Have a Compelling Online Profile:

Job seekers need to develop an engaging online profile "that spells their competencies, problem-solving skills, their expertise and ability to be a self-starter," says Massa. She advises candidates to invest time in creating a social media profile that has various multimedia elements, sharing options and integrated social networking feeds which all showcase the candidate as an individual who is prepared and in charge of his career.


About the Author

Upasana Gupta

Upasana Gupta

Contributing Editor, CareersInfoSecurity

Upasana Gupta oversees CareersInfoSecurity and shepherds career and leadership coverage for all Information Security Media Group's media properties. She regularly writes on career topics and speaks to senior executives on a wide-range of subjects, including security leadership, privacy, risk management, application security and fraud. She also helps produce podcasts and is instrumental in the global expansion of ISMG websites by recruiting international information security and risk experts to contribute content, including blogs. Upasana previously served as a resource manager focusing on hiring, recruiting and human resources at Icons Inc., an IT security advisory firm affiliated with ISMG. She holds an MBA in human resources from Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa.




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