5 must-haves in your first security hire + [Job posting Template]

Bringing on your first cybersecurity professional is a major milestone for any growing business. This strategic hire signifies that your company recognizes the increasing risks that come with growing your business and is committed to protecting and building trust with your customers. Because this is such an important role, knowing when to make this hire and how to find the ideal candidate is crucial.

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This comprehensive guide will explore the key indicators that your business is ready to hire its first cybersecurity professional. Additionally, it will provide valuable insights into the essential skills and qualities to seek when evaluating potential candidates for this critical role. By understanding these factors, you can confidently navigate the hiring process and build a strong security foundation that safeguards your organization's future and scales as you grow.

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Ready to hire your first security team member? Vanta and WorkJam have partnered together to create this free First Security Hire Job Posting Template to help you write a job description that attracts the right security folks to your business.

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When is the right time to hire a security professional?

Before you dive into writing a job description, take a look at where your company stands today. You might be ready to hire your first security professional if:

• Security work is pulling you (or your engineers) away from core responsibilities. If compliance tasks, risk assessments, or customer questionnaires are becoming regular distractions, it may be time for a dedicated owner.
• You’re preparing for compliance certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001. These frameworks demand real security processes, documentation, and audits—none of which are easy to manage off the side of someone’s desk.
• Customers or investors are asking tough questions. If prospects or stakeholders are increasingly focused on security and privacy, you need someone who can confidently speak to your posture—and improve it.
• You’re onboarding more vendors and employees. Each new tool or teammate introduces more complexity and risk. A security lead can ensure access is managed appropriately and policies are followed.

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If these scenarios sound familiar, hiring a security expert can help you protect your business, support compliance, and maintain customer trust as you grow​.

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5 things to look for in your first security hire

#1: A self-starter who can build from scratch

You’re not just hiring someone to execute a checklist—you’re looking for someone to architect your entire security program. That means setting policies, evaluating tools, and creating workflows that scale. Look for someone who’s comfortable with ambiguity and excited about building something new.

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#2: Cross-functional collaborator

Security doesn’t live in a silo. Your first hire will need to work with engineering, IT, legal, finance, and even HR. Look for someone with strong communication skills who can explain risks in plain language, influence without authority, and create buy-in across the company​.

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#3: Compliance and risk expertise

If you’re aiming for SOC 2, ISO 27001, or other frameworks, you’ll want someone who’s navigated compliance before. They should be familiar with frameworks, audits, evidence collection, and certifications—and ideally, have hands-on experience running a risk assessment and managing compliance workflows​.

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#4: Technical fluency across cloud, network, and app security

While this person won’t be writing code all day, they should understand secure development practices, infrastructure risks, and the basics of your cloud environment. Familiarity with platforms like AWS or GCP and tools like SIEMs and IAM solutions is a must​.

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#5: Culture fit and security mindset

Security isn’t just about tools—it’s about people. Your first hire should promote a security-first mindset, provide training, and help foster a culture of accountability. Look for someone who sees security as an enabler of the business, not just a blocker​.

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Get started with our job description template

Ready to make your first hire? Download our free First Security Hire Job Posting Template to help you write a job description that attracts top talent. 

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