Survey: Companies value communication skills more than IT proficiency

Cybersecurity roles are increasingly prioritising communication skills, according to a report by Indeed, the global employment website. As cyber threats become more complex, with advances like AI-powered deepfakes increasing the potential for deception, companies are seeking candidates with strong communication capabilities to navigate this evolving landscape.

Why communication skills matter

Communication skills (36%) are actually the top skill that companies look for when hiring candidates, closely followed by IT proficiency (33%). This shift in hiring criteria indicates that while traditional roles like IT security specialists and security engineers remain the most common, companies are now valuing a broader skill set in candidates. 

Indeed’s report highlights the importance of collaboration in these roles, as cybersecurity incidents require teamwork among specialists with varied expertise, from network security to application security. Effective communication is crucial in high-stakes situations where smooth coordination can make the difference in managing and mitigating threats.

The report ascribes this change to how companies are looking for professionals who can work well with others. After all, these roles may be technical in nature, but are highly collaborative. 

Cybersecurity incidents require cooperation among specialists with varied expertise, such as network security experts working together with others who specialise in applications. Effective communication is crucial in high-stakes situations (i.e. cyber security threats), where smooth coordination can make the difference in managing and mitigating threats. 

Moreover, as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, professionals need to communicate effectively with non-technical staff, clients, and stakeholders. This requires the ability to explain complex technical issues in simple, accessible language to prevent misunderstandings, foster trust, and maintain the company’s reputation. Professionals skilled in this kind of clear communication help ensure that security measures are understood, valued, and followed by all members of the organisation, not just the technical staff.

The job market

To attract the necessary talent, companies have been providing benefits to create a well-rounded and supportive work environment. These include health insurance, flexible remote work options, and professional development opportunities to encourage retention in cybersecurity roles. 

These benefits are particularly necessary as the number of people clicking on cybersecurity job postings has actually dropped by 30%, even as job openings in the field have risen by 1%. According to the report, this decrease in click-through rates may be due to the increasingly specialised criteria for cybersecurity roles, which can discourage capable but less experienced candidates.

Furthermore, cybersecurity employees actually have steady employment levels in Singapore’s tech sector, and are often engaged in specialised roles for long periods of time. This proves firstly that job benefits do indeed work as an attractor, but also means that there aren’t many seasoned cybersecurity experts searching for jobs. Instead, these experienced workers prefer to stay put. 

What this means is that people are unlikely to click into these postings because the criteria is too stringent, and few people meet them. As more programmes are put to upskill workers in this up and coming field, more skilled job seekers will be able to find their preferred roles in this field.

“As Singapore continues its refreshed Smart Nation 2.0 journey, cybersecurity remains a critical focus to protect the resilience and security of the country’s digital economy. It is encouraging to see more employers in Singapore recognise the importance of protecting vital and sensitive data,” Saumitra Chand, Career Expert at Indeed, said of the increase in cyber security job postings.

“Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce is still growing to meet this demand. Employers should continue highlighting the impact of the cybersecurity profession. Jobseekers should also remain open to this exciting career track. In due time, we can expect to see a positive shift in the cybersecurity job market with new opportunities.”