Security Executive Job Search Myths and Realities

The most frequent calls we receive from security executives who are seeking jobs are requests to assist them in finding a position and placing them. These inquiries can come from executives at all levels working throughout government and private sector organizations. Frequently they mention that someone told them the best jobs are all handled by, and found by, search firms.

While we would not entirely discount the adage suggesting the best jobs are never published in the public domain and can only found by “knowing someone,” this is a dated outlook and not reflective of the current approach taken by increasingly large numbers of organizations who seek security executives.

We estimate that, busy as we are, globally — excluding those roles that are primarily information technology (IT) focused — search firms collectively handle less than 5% of the entire pool of open mid- to upper-level security executive roles.

Organizations work very hard to diversify their talent pool in many respects and are publishing these openings across numerous networks and open-source media. Additionally, behind-the-scenes referrals that result in the passing of the baton to friends and former colleagues are the exception rather than the rule.

Having said this, search firms do play a vital role in helping organizations identify and recruit talent. There are a few key facts candidates should understand concerning what search firms do and who they represent…

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