Cybersecurity hiring is deeply flawed, demoralizing, and needs to be fixed

When people think about starting a new job, words like “exciting,” “motivating,” and “rewarding” often come to mind. The search for a new role represents an opportunity to embrace fresh challenges, grow professionally, and explore untapped potential. However, for many in cybersecurity, the reality is far from this ideal.

The job market has become an exhausting and deeply flawed experience. What should be an inspiring journey often turns into a demoralizing maze, leaving candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers frustrated and questioning the system itself. If you’ve ventured into this landscape recently, you’ve likely felt the strain — clearly, something isn’t working, and it’s time for us to rethink how we approach the process.

The current economic landscape hasn’t helped. Inflation, high interest rates, and stagnant wages have pushed professionals to seek higher-paying roles, often out of necessity rather than ambition. At the same time, the ease of applying for jobs has reached unprecedented levels.