1 week to go until National Employment Week 2012

National Employment Week is a forum focusing on the major social and economic issues surrounding employment in Ireland.  It provides a unique opportunity for employment leaders to engage in a high level debate on the future of the Irish labour market.

The weeklong series of free breakfast briefings features a broad panel of speakers presenting current thinking and new ideas to promote sustainable employment and raise the skill base across Ireland.  Each day focuses on a different employment theme, with the aim to highlight the prime sectors of our economy that are ripe for job creation and to promote job creation initiatives.

The week kicks off on Monday, 20^th February with the launch taking place in the Convention Centre Dublin.     Officiated by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, SME Employment Day sponsored by AIB will focus on “enabling SME job creation”.  With 35% of our workforce employed in SMEs, it is clear that the success of this sector is a vital determinant of the wellbeing of the whole economy. Therefore speakers on this day ,which include Jim Power (Chief Economist, Friends First), Patricia Callan (CEO, Small Firms Association) and John Webb (Head of Business Banking, AIB), will discuss ways in which job creation can be encouraged in this sector.

Graduates take centre stage on Tuesday, 21^st February, with Louise Phelan (VP EMEA, PayPal) and Julia Davenport (Fidelity Investments), to name a few, discussing current opportunities for Irish graduates, the skills gaps present in the Irish market and the solutions to bridge these gaps.

A lesser discussed but important topic on Wednesday – Mental Health & Employment Day sponsored by See Change will focus on creating workplaces where people can be open and positive about their own and others’ mental health.  With the grips of an economic recession, many people suffer from work related depression as they feel more pressure than ever before to perform.  Speakers on the day, which include Dessie Farrell (Chief Executive, Gaelic Players Association) and Dil Wickremasigne, will not only discuss the importance of reducing stigma, but also ways in which we can break down barriers to facilitate employment for candidates with mental health problems.

Thursday 23^rd, Self Employment and Entrepreneurship day pushes our entrepreneurs into the spotlight.  Ireland needs more entrepreneurs to help us return to economic prosperity, so this day has an excellent range of guest speakers across entrepreneurs, contracting experts and franchise experts which include Vincent Browne, Minister Richard Bruton, David Killeen and Michael Dineen.  It is an opportunity for people from all disciplines and walks of life to learn more about becoming self-employed and to network and seek advice.

Finally to wrap up the week, the shining light in Ireland’s drive for maintaining and increasing employment – Foreign Direct Investment. Whilst the IDA and others’ successes should be celebrated we should not depend on them alone to promote, support and encourage international businesses to consider Ireland as a location for new operations.  Speakers on the day include Barry O’Leary (Chief Executive, IDA), Kinglsey Aikins (Networking Matters), Senator Feargal Quinn and John Whelan (CEO, Irish Exporters Association who will all promote the concept of “Team Ireland” and what we all can do in bringing FDI to Ireland.

National Employment Week 20^th-24^th February 2012, is held in association with Monster, the Irish Times, Sigmar Recruitment and AIB. 

For more information on National Employment Week 2012 or to register for any of the events see www.nationalemploymentweek.ie

Sigmar Salary Guide 2012

Sigmar Recruitment’s Salary Guide 2012 now available for download;

http://www.sigmarrecruitment.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Press_Articles/Sigmar_Recruitment_Salary_Guide_2012.pdf

Dress to impress for interview success!

Perhaps one of the most common interview tips going but yet it still surprises us how many people get it wrong!

As the old adage goes first impressions count and that is never truer than when it comes to an interview.  Many of you may be thinking, “What does any of this have to do with what type of candidate I am?” What does wearing a suit have to do with my experience, skills and suitability for the position?”

It’s true there may not be a direct link between the length of your tie and the length of your qualifications on your resume, but attention to your attire can tell an interviewer a lot about your interest and dedication to landing this position.  In the short time that you will be grilled about your credentials, your personal appearance will be judged as an expression of who you are, your professionalism and your work ethic.

You don’t need designer clothes to impress. But you are required to dress appropriately and professionally, even if the work environment is relaxed and casual.  It is always best to be overdressed than arrive in jeans and a hoody.  Interviewees are always susceptible to underdressing to match the company culture, so to help you avoid this mistake here are our tips to help you put your best foot forward.

Iron:  The night before your interview make sure your clothes are clean and crease free.

Suit up:  A classic suit, one that fits you well and will help you fit in is always a safe bet.  However if suits aren’t your thing a smart co-ordinating outfit is a must.  Make sure your outfit is well cut, fits you properly and suits your figure.

Wash your hair:  Greasy hair is unsightly, style your hair neatly and don’t use too much product.

Clean-Shaven:  Men, make sure you are clean-shaven or trim your beards neatly.

Subtle Scent:  Don’t use overpowering perfume or aftershave. 

Make-up: Ladies, keep it simple and do not cake on your make-up.  Make sure your nails are neat and if you are wearing nail polish make sure it’s not chipped.

Accessories: Briefcases and handbags should be smart, and make sure you don’t have the contents overflowing out of it.  Jewellery should be understated and unfussy.  If you have a lot of piercings, it is best to leave out as many as you possibly can.

Polish: Take a minute to ensure your shoes are clean, in good condition and polished.

Finally, remember that whilst your abilities are your main selling point in order to get that job, research shows that the first 10 to 40 seconds of meeting someone is the most crucial – and the visual impact you make is the most important factor so take the time and put in the effort with your appearance for your interview.

Jobs up 13.5%

• Jobs market up by 13.5% in 2011 from 2010.
• Lack of employer confidence in Irish economy, Euro crisis and austerity budget blamed for slower 2011 second half. 
• Almost half of positions filled in 2011 were in the financial sector where accountancy accounted for 32%.
• Demand rising for MNCs, but stagnating for indigenous companies.   
• Temporary employment nearly twice as popular as permanent placements.
• Experts predict slow start to 2012 before demand picks up towards the second half of 2012 

Figures released today by Sigmar Recruitment report a 13.5% growth in job placements in 2011 compared to 2010. Signs of stabilisation in the Irish economy and banking system, and a surprisingly strong first half economic performance contribute to the rise. 

Economic stabilisation in early part of  2011 brought with it a return of confidence in business activity throughout the first half with considerably more job placements occurring through the first half of the year, peaking throughout the summer. The final quarter however saw a levelling off (-2.5%) in job placements due to a reduction in confidence, which impacted decision making among employers and candidates.

Robert MacGiolla Phádraig, Director, Sigmar Recruitment says: “It is clear from 2011 that confidence is the single biggest influence on job creation with job placements being immediately affected by economic sentiment. Job placements grew in the first half of the year peaking in July and August as the domestic economy gathered momentum. As Europe began to stagnate, companies became slower to commit to hiring. Even though job placements have slowed slightly, they have remained stable throughout Q4, with activity accelerating throughout, which bodes well for the early part of 2012. Job placements will continue to further stabilise in the first half of 2012 with steady growth predicted for the second half of the year as the IDA supports jobs. Jobs in the domestic economy will continue to be largely influenced by confidence on the national and European economy.”

There is a clear two tracked employment market emerging, with the continued job creation among multinational companies and stagnation among domestic employers. The IDA have reported a marked rise on 2010 with 13,000 jobs being created in 2011, the impact of which should be seen throughout 2012 as the jobs come to realisation. These IDA backed jobs will also have a knock on effect with an estimated 3 jobs being created in the domestic service sectors for every FDI role.

On the other hand, the continued uncertainty in the European market, and additional austerity measures in Budget 2012, have led to indigenous employers adopting an air of caution in their hiring decisions which will continue to be influenced by wider economic confidence throughout 2012. 

There has been a significant increase in the amount of contract and temporary offerings throughout 2011 by companies where flexible employment has become the norm. Therefore the demand for flexible employment requirements is expected to continue throughout 2012.  Candidates willing to be flexible and take these roles more often than not find themselves being offered extensions and permanent contracts by the end of their term.    

Breakdown of job placements by sector

• 32.16%                  Accountancy
• 14.50%                  Financial & Professional Services
• 16.79%                  IT
• 7.47%                    Sales & Marketing
• 13.24%                  Engineering
• 15.44%%              Secretarial
• 0.43%                    Healthcare

 
Employment Service demand

• 27.24%        Permanent employment
• 46.34%        Temporary employment
• 13.01%        3rd party contractors
• 13.13%        Fixed term contract

New Year, New Career: Part 2

New Year’s resolutions for your career

New Year’s that time of year where we all make promises to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more and when it comes to your career ‘achieve a promotion’ or ‘find a better job’.  Yet whilst these are common resolutions, the truth is that many people do not keep these difficult-to-maintain promises. 

However if you are out of work this New Year, here are some goals which are not only achievable but will also help you in your career search. 

1. Update Your CV: If you haven’t done so in a while, now is a good time to dust it off and do an update. Consider your successes since your last revision and quantify them using the SAR method – Situation, Action, Result.

2. Expand Your Network: When it comes to excelling in one’s career, networking is one of the most important factors.  One should continuously work towards expanding their present networks or at least maintaining existing ones in good health, especially those that can act as references. A simple ‘Happy New Year’ can be a start. 

3. Communicate Better: If you are planning to interview for a job this year, good communication skills are essential. Focus on answering interview questions concisely. It takes preparation and practice to get your message down to a few short but snappy sentences. Learning to express yourself properly during an interview is vital to career success.Also don’t ignore soft skills such as body language, business etiquettes, etc.  When it comes to interviews first impressions do count.  Studies have shown that 55% of first impressions are based on appearance and body language and that it can take as many as 21 interactions to clear the effects of a bad impression. 

 4. Add Skills & Competencies: It’s never too late to add more skills to your repertoire.  With a wealth of evening and part-time courses available nationwide there are numerous avenues to gain new skills through. 

Having and subsequently adding competencies like interpersonal skills, flexibility, customer services, adaptability, excellent problem solving skills, etc can also help an individual to further enhance their CV. 

 

New Year New Career: Part 1

At the start of the New Year many people find changing their job is at the top of their New Year’s resolutions but often don’t know how to go about it. As scary as it may sound to change careers, see this as an opportunity to take control of where you are in your career at present and determine where you want to be in the short and long term.  It’s worth bearing in mind that people will go through several job changes in their lifetime, so you’re not alone in taking a career leap of faith and plunging yourself into a new career.

To begin with, if you’re not sure as to what direction you want to take, take some time to figure out where you want to head in your career.  What are your interests, passions etc.? If money was no object what would you be doing? What parts of work have you enjoyed in the past?

After assessing yourself, you need to research your desired career.  First, determine the qualifications and skills needed for your desired position in your desired career.  If possible arrange an “information interview” with someone who is working in the job you want.  Buy them a coffee and find out if their job is actually what you think it is and find out how they got to that position.

Next, match your current qualifications and skills to your desired position’s minimum qualifications and skills to see if you are a match for that career.  Last, if you meet minimum qualifications, stop reading this article and start networking and applying; if you don’t meet qualifications assess where you are with your education and experience.  What do you need more of? Do you need money, experience or education to get into your chosen career? If you need money, consider stepping stone careers; if you need education, take classes; if you need experience, volunteer and/or become an intern.  Any or all of these will enhance your chances of getting into your career choice.  Even if you are interested in a field in which you have limited experience, don’t let that stop you.

A job change is a major decision to make in your life, and unfortunately it doesn’t happen overnight.  You will need commitment and motivation to get there so be sure of what you want. Our recommendations will help you weigh your options and find a new career, but selecting the right occupation is only half the work.  If you want to be successful on this new path, it’s crucial that you establish a long-term plan, setting concrete goals for yourself as well as a realistic time frame to achieve them.  Don’t let the challenges ahead blind you to the fact that you’re improving your professional like and embarking on a new career.

Merry Christmas from Sigmar Recruitment!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Sigmar Recruitment!

Sigmar Recruitment supporting SVP for Christmas

Sigmar Recruitment will be donning our Christmas jumpers next Thursday to raise money for the Society of St Vincent De Paul (SVP).  Kitted out in the brightest jumpers possible, flashing lights and reindeer accessories are also expected to make an appearance, so to clients and candidates visiting our offices Thursday 22^nd of December…  be prepared. 

Along with our Christmas Jumper day, Sigmar will also be making a corporate donation to St Vincent De Paul in place of Christmas gifts and cards this year.

And with the huge increases in people seeking aid from SVP, we could not be prouder to support the work of SVP.  The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a voluntary organisation, working with poor and disadvantaged people.  It is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland with a membership of 9,500 volunteers throughout the country, supported by professional staff, working for social justice and the creation of a more just, caring nation.  This unique network of social concern also gives practical support to those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, by providing a wide range of services to people in need.  They operate across Ireland, with over 1,200 individual “conferences” or branches.

According to Jamie Harnett, Marketing Manager, Sigmar Recruitment, the choice of charity is an important one for the company.  “We are very proud to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in their Christmas appeal.  It allows us to make a real and tangible difference to our local community.  And with the worsening unemployment levels, the number of people relying on SVP has increased dramatically and their services will be needed even more in the future.”

 

Agency Workers Directive

The EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work came into effect on 5 December 2011.  The Directive will give the legal right to temporary staff to receive the same basic pay and working conditions as a permanent employee being hired by the client for the same position from the 5^th December this year.

This equal treatment is effective from Day One of the temporary assignment and provides that all temporary agency workers must have equal treatment with workers from their first day at work in respect of:

• Pay, overtime, shift allowances
• The duration of working time, rest periods, night work, annual leave and public holidays
• Access to onsite facilities
• Information on permanent employment opportunities

It is vital that you understand the full impact of the Directive on your organisation and how your temporary agency workers stand to be affected.  As your recruitment partner we wish to work with you to ensure the smooth implementation and full compliance with the Agency Workers Directive.

If you would like more information on the Agency Workers Directive please contact your nearest Sigmar Recruitment office.

Click here for more information

 

 

Local Heroes – A town fights back Episode 5: Mentoring SMEs

The penultimate episode of RTÉ Local Heroes – A town fights back aired last night and again the people of Drogheda showed us what we all are capable of when we work together.  We’re now reaching the end of Drogheda’s television journey and many now wonder will their efforts continue without the TV cameras keeping check of them.

The cynics around say that it was nothing more than free family events and it increased local shopping with the Local Heroes coupon but when the hurrah of RTÉs campaign is over, this will all end!  Clearly they haven’t been watching the series so far, as it is the long term initiatives such as last night’s work with SME’s that will be of most benefit to Drogheda in the future.

According to the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) there are some 230,000 of companies in Ireland employing less than 50 people.  They might be small in size but together they contribute roughly 50% to the nation’s economy and employ 45.3% of Ireland’s total workforce.

Despite the challenges faced by SMEs they’re playing a vital role in the recovery and sustained growth of Ireland’s economy.  Ireland’s future economic growth can only occur by creating an environment that allows enterprise and innovation to foster and, in turn, create jobs.

That’s why initiatives such as those demonstrated by the people of Drogheda are of such importance.  Mentorship programs such as those shown last night and in Episode 3 provide entrepreneurs with the support and advice necessary for them to expand and grow their business to its full potential.

Inspired by the people of Drogheda, a stronger mentoring program has to be developed nationwide.  The importance of local entrepreneurs and local businesses for both local and national economic regeneration and development must be recognised nationwide so we can all reap the rewards of their innovation and success.

Droghedians are not just boosting the moral of their community in the short term but with the steps they are taking in supporting local business, this town is set to thrive once again.

Local Heroes, A Town Fights Back, Wednesdays, 8.30-9.00pm, RTÉ One Television