10 Essential Qualities to Look for When Hiring Permanent Staff


The demand for cybersecurity and tech professionals has skyrocketed. The cybersecurity skills gap is very real—the latest statistics estimate that the cybersecurity workforce shortage has risen to over 4 million worldwide. The disparity between the required workforce and the available talent has surged by 12.6% annually, attributed to reductions, economic volatility, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), and a complex threat landscape, all serving as pivotal driving factors.

The hunt for the right talent in these specialized fields has become a top priority for companies looking to fortify their digital defenses and innovate within the tech landscape. With over 100 years of collective experience in the staffing industry at VS Staffing and a vast global talent network, we understand the critical importance of finding the perfect match for your cybersecurity and tech needs.

Here are 10 essential qualities when hiring permanent staff in these crucial sectors.

1.  Technical Expertise: A candidate’s hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities in various tech and cybersecurity domains are paramount, even beyond certifications and degrees.

2.  Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Given technology’s rapid evolution, individuals who hunger to learn new tools and techniques are invaluable assets to any team.

3.  Analytical Skills: The ability to dissect complex problems, think critically, and derive insights from data is essential, especially in cybersecurity roles.

4.  Communication Skills: Effective communication is critical in translating technical jargon into actionable insights for stakeholders across different departments.

5.  Ethical Mindset: Cybersecurity professionals must exhibit strong ethical standards and a deep understanding of the importance of privacy and data protection.

6.  Team Player Mentality: Collaboration is pivotal in tech environments. Individuals who thrive in team settings and can contribute effectively are highly sought after.

7.  Problem-solving Orientation: The capacity to anticipate and mitigate potential security threats or tech challenges is a defining quality in this industry.

8.   Attention to Detail: The smallest oversight can lead to significant vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Attention to detail is non-negotiable.

9.  Innovative Thinking: Tech landscapes constantly change; individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions are invaluable.

10.  Cultural Fit and Company Values: Matching a candidate’s values and work ethic with the company’s ethos ensures long-term success and mutual growth.

At VS Staffing, we recognize that finding candidates who embody these qualities goes beyond a simple matching process. It’s about understanding the unique DNA of each company and candidate. Our commitment to understanding your company’s core values, combined with our extensive experience and global network, enables us to identify candidates with the technical skills that align with your organizational culture.

Our rigorous vetting process ensures that candidates meet the technical benchmarks and your company’s ethical and cultural standards. By leveraging our extensive experience and connections, we handpick individuals with the requisite technical expertise and the soft skills necessary to thrive in your specific environment. We also will look for candidates that not only have these essential qualities, but can offer even more.

The pursuit of top-tier cybersecurity and tech talent demands a nuanced approach. Identifying candidates who encompass a blend of technical prowess, soft skills, and cultural alignment is imperative. At VS Staffing, our mission is to be your partner in this endeavor, ensuring that every hire not only fills a role but contributes to the growth and security of your organization. Our extensive experience and commitment to understanding clients and candidates prepare us to connect you with the industry’s best talent.

Are you struggling to find the right candidate? Let us do the heavy lifting.