Clicks IT Recruitment delivers critical IT Security role for large Financial Services organisation
Background and Challenge
Clicks was engaged as a panel provider to recruit an Information Risk Analyst to join a newly-created function within the business. Our client had an issue with a gender imbalance across the broader IT function, and Clicks was specifically asked to support rectifying the imbalance with this assignment.
Reporting to the IT Risk & Security Manager, this role was responsible for uplifting the visibility of Information Security across the organisation, developing the business’ Information Security framework and policy documents to govern enterprise security, and leading the management of audit and assurance functions.
As Clicks is a thought leader in gender diversity in our industry, we were cognisant of the additional challenge this posed, as Security typically only has 4% female representation, unlike other IT domains such as Change Management, Instructional Design, Project Management and Business Analysis, which typically have 30-60% female representation.
Clicks’ Solution
We took a detailed assignment brief from the client, with an additional focus on understanding the benefits this role offered that would be of particular interest to females. Our own experience speaking to thousands of job seekers and external reports indicates flexible work policies and remote working appeal to women. Also, it was important to understand how the organisational culture ‘walked the talk’ to attract and retain high-performing females.
Our initial approach involved conducting searches via traditional methods using gender-specific language to target female applicants: job boards and social media platforms, and we also ran an advertising campaign. This exercise did not yield the high-calibre candidates we were looking for.
To ensure we could present a shortlist of candidates with the right skills and experience, we revised our approach. Our understanding of the specific role demands and career opportunities on offer assisted us in identifying a potential candidate cohort – which was likely to have the right technical skills and experience, and be open to changing roles.
This cohort comprised individuals who had recently progressed to Associate level within selected areas of Big Four Consultancies. We engaged with a D&I specialist to devise an enhanced search methodology that focused specifically on targeting these candidates. We head-hunted four high-potential female candidates. Each candidate then underwent an interview process comprising bespoke behavioural, technical, preferential questions, technical skills testing, and reference checking with direct reports.
This exercise resulted in all four candidates being deemed high potential. When we presented them to our client, they agreed with our assessment and progressed all four to interview. Clicks’ understanding of the IT Risk & Security talent market and job seeker behaviours paid off. We facilitated the offer and acceptance of our client’s preferred candidate.
Outcome and Benefits
By assisting the client to identify and secure the Information Risk Analyst, Clicks helped this Large Financial Services organisation:
- Continue to build upon gender diversity within its IT department
- Successfully embed the new function within the business
- Identify, attract and secure top talent. The successful female candidate has subsequently progressed within the business to a management role
Clicks specialises in IT recruitment. We’ve been doing it for over 30 years and we’re on over 80 Preferred Supplier Agreements. As Australia’s favourite IT recruiter, employers all across Australia trust us to find great people.
We have specialist teams who are trained across each IT skill vertical. Whether it’s permanent, contract, fixed-term, master vendor, or payroll only, we’ve ready to help. Register a Vacancy or contact us on 1300 CLICKS today for a confidential chat.
