If you’ve ever worked with NIST 800-53, you know it’s the Mount Everest of security control frameworks: vast, detailed, and—let’s face it—overwhelming. With its hundreds of controls and control enhancements, it can feel like you’re mapping an uncharted wilderness, especially when trying to tailor it to your organization’s unique risk posture.

Imagine missing valuable time with your family, neglecting activities you enjoy, or falling behind at work because a company wasn’t upfront about how much they could pay for an open position. You likely spent at least an hour speaking with a recruiter, another 30 minutes tailoring your resume, and a minimum of an hour preparing for and attending an interview. On top of that, there were all the countless other tasks between the recruiter’s initial call and the offer letter.

In recent weeks, I’ve been following a significant escalation in cyber espionage that has caught the attention of many across the globe. Chinese state-sponsored hackers, operating under the name Salt Typhoon, have successfully infiltrated major U.S. telecommunications networks. (Politico) This breach has exposed sensitive data and compromised the privacy of countless Americans, raising serious concerns within the cybersecurity community.

Gone are the days when Product Managers merely shepherded products through development phases. Today, they are strategic masterminds, adept communicators, and problem-solving virtuosos, steering through regulatory mazes, budgetary constraints, and ever-evolving government priorities. The Product Manager’s primary function in GovCon lies in acting as a vital intermediary between government agencies and contractors. This role demands an in-depth understanding of client needs, compliance requirements, and the nuanced intricacies of government processes. An effective Product Manager fosters collaboration, ensuring that the final product seamlessly aligns with the objectives of government agencies.

In the constantly changing world of government contracting (GovCon) recruiting, weaving in new technologies has become a key factor for achieving success. Whether it’s using sophisticated applicant tracking systems or relying on artificial intelligence for candidate assessments, technology provides a range of tools to make processes smoother and spot top-notch talent more effectively. However, amid all these tech upgrades, it’s vital to remember that the soul of successful recruitment lies in the genuine connections made with candidates.