Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter What should you actually be doing before applying for your first cybersecurity job? We talk about what students and graduates can do to prepare for the GCC cybersecurity market, why hands-on experience matters, finding mentors, trying different areas of cyber and why simply messaging recruiters asking them to “find me a job” probably isn’t going to work. One of the biggest themes: build things. Projects, blogs, labs, portfolios and genuine curiosity give people something to notice — especially when you don’t have years of professional experience behind you yet. Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter What does it actually take to build a cybersecurity team in the Middle East? Not every client is a good client. Anya Shpilman founded CyberFused to specialise in exactly that. We get into how CyberFused works, why Anya moved towards an embedded recruitment model, what happens when a company comes to her with multiple vacancies and why international cybersecurity vendors often struggle when they first start hiring in the GCC. Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter Anya shares what she has personally seen across cybersecurity recruitment in the UAE Including jobs being put on hold, offers being withdrawn and companies becoming much more cautious with hiring budgets. With the current tension in the region, what are companies to do? Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter What actually happens when a company in Dubai needs to hire someone in cybersecurity? It’s a lot more complicated than posting a job on LinkedIn and waiting for the right CV. I test Anya on how she approaches a new cyber job off the cuff.  From understanding what the hiring manager actually needs, setting realistic salary expectations and finding candidates, through to shortlisting, interviews and negotiating the final offer. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond.  Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter In this episode of CyBytes, I sit down with cybersecurity recruiter and CyberFused founder Anya Shpilman to talk about how AI is changing recruitment in the GCC, where it genuinely helps, where it falls short, and why human relationships still matter when you’re hiring people  We get into the ever lasting dead internet theory. AI-generated CVs, automated applications, AI interviews and the tools Anya actually uses in her own work. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf 

🔥 “Recruitment is broken in this region — and juniors feel it the most.” - Anya Shpilman In this episode of CyBytes, I get to interview Anya Shpilman, a recruitment powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector. We talk about the challenges of recruitment in the UAE, the impact of AI on the hiring process, and the importance of networking and personal branding. Anya shares her journey into recruitment, the current job market dynamics, and her plans for expanding cybersecurity services in the region. We go over the significance of community in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field. Get in touch! Anya Shpilman - LinkedIn CyberFused - Youtube Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00 The Evolution of Recruitment Processes 00:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment 01:52 Challenges Faced by Recruiters 05:35 Advice for New Graduates 07:31 The Importance of Personal Branding 10:03 Networking in the Cybersecurity Community 13:16 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity 13:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Tech Recruitment 15:54 Transitioning from Recruitment to MSSP Partnerships 17:55 The Evolution of the Cybersecurity Job Market 19:55 Challenges in the UAE Job Market 21:55 The Maturity of Cybersecurity Teams in the UAE 25:37 The Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East 29:02 Expanding Cybersecurity Services in Saudi Arabia Takeaways Anya fell into recruitment by chance, but found it rewarding. The recruitment process in the UAE is complex and often broken. Networking is crucial for success in the cybersecurity field. AI is changing the recruitment landscape, but personal connections remain vital. Candidates should not take rejection personally; competition is fierce. Community support in cybersecurity is invaluable for growth. New graduates should seek internships and hands-on experience. Personal branding is essential in a crowded job market. The job market in the UAE is becoming increasingly competitive. Anya plans to expand her cybersecurity services into Saudi Arabia.