🔥 “Recruitment is broken in this region — and juniors feel it the most.” - Anya Shpilman

In this episode of CyBytes, I get to interview Anya Shpilman, a recruitment powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector.

We talk about the challenges of recruitment in the UAE, the impact of AI on the hiring process, and the importance of networking and personal branding.

Anya shares her journey into recruitment, the current job market dynamics, and her plans for expanding cybersecurity services in the region.

We go over the significance of community in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field.

Get in touch!
Anya Shpilman - LinkedIn
CyberFused - Youtube
Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn

Timestamps

• 00:00 The Evolution of Recruitment Processes
• 00:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment
• 01:52 Challenges Faced by Recruiters
• 05:35 Advice for New Graduates
• 07:31 The Importance of Personal Branding
• 10:03 Networking in the Cybersecurity Community
• 13:16 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity
• 13:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Tech Recruitment
• 15:54 Transitioning from Recruitment to MSSP Partnerships
• 17:55 The Evolution of the Cybersecurity Job Market
• 19:55 Challenges in the UAE Job Market
• 21:55 The Maturity of Cybersecurity Teams in the UAE
• 25:37 The Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East
• 29:02 Expanding Cybersecurity Services in Saudi Arabia

Takeaways

• Anya fell into recruitment by chance, but found it rewarding.
• The recruitment process in the UAE is complex and often broken.
• Networking is crucial for success in the cybersecurity field.
• AI is changing the recruitment landscape, but personal connections remain vital.
• Candidates should not take rejection personally; competition is fierce.
• Community support in cybersecurity is invaluable for growth.
• New graduates should seek internships and hands-on experience.
• Personal branding is essential in a crowded job market.
• The job market in the UAE is becoming increasingly competitive.
• Anya plans to expand her cybersecurity services into Saudi Arabia.