Welcome to the first installment of “On Trend”! This week we’re looking at the shifting infrastructure requirements some companies are prioritizing for remote work.
Hybrid or remote work settings remain one of the most desired attributes for security job seekers this year. When SMR Group, our parent company, posts a recruitment on LinkedIn with an onsite component, the response rate is in the hundreds. When a job posts as remote, the responses can increase into the thousands
There is an overwhelming preference for remote work and a more negative bias toward onsite roles.
While some professional security jobs always had remote options, others required the person to be onsite. Still more only transitioned to remote or hybrid during the pandemic. They may remain that way until organizations finish their return to office plans.
Security jobs specializing in investigations and loss prevention have always had certain roles that operated in distance mode. Out of country jobs that are far away from the organization’s headquarters can also be remote. It would not make financial sense for a company to base the roles in an office. In these cases, the remote status acknowledges a heavy travel burden within the region.
Type of employers like insurance companies and retailers often hired the candidate first. They then offset the costs of expenses like travel, equipment, and communications to enable the employee to work offsite. This is changing.
You may need to already have your home office infrastructure in place before applying to some remote jobs.
Several jobs we recently listed on SJN are restating the model for some remote roles. They have extensive sections outlining technology requirements for remote work from home positions.
You must already have equipment and high-performing services in place before applying for the position. Some companies ask you to test things like internet speed and document if it is satisfactory. If not, the employer will not consider you because you failed to meet their technology standards.
This is not to say that companies have stopped providing equipment or offsetting costs for employees who work from a remote location.
Not everyone can be Bob the Rocket Scientist who tinkers away on his government-issued laptop from his plush lakefront home. Most work from home security professionals will fall somewhere on the spectrum between Bob and an entry-level job. They may issue you a laptop and phone, but have you expense things like your mileage, communications, and meals while on the road.
The best advice for security job seekers who want a remote job is to invest in an upgraded home office.
Requirements and minimums are sometimes buried within the job listing where you might least expect them. And while many people upgraded their home offices over the past couple of years, the focus has shifted from better lighting to robust infrastructure.
Consider upgrading as an investment in your security career. It will better position you for any remote or hybrid job you want to apply for.
About On Trend
Want to stay on top of the latest trends in security careers? Every other week SJN highlights a hot topic we just can’t seem to stop talking and hearing about. From top news stories to exclusive insights, we’ll break things down for you and help you stay on top of the professional security jobs market.
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