As recruiter it is difficult to view the experience we see on CV’s presented and know that the markets do not have many open positions for them at this moment. We would like to think that an increasing number will see more opportunities in the year ahead.
Summer time is traditionally a quiet period in recruitment for permanent positions within Financial Services. The months of September to the mid December have in the past tended to be significant hiring months but it is far too early to say if this will see any improvement on the last two years.
One thing we can say is that the Financial Services markets are in a more confident state then they were in late 2008. This time last year we had a run of news that would have suggested that the world was coming to an end. On the International side we say the demise of Lehman Brothers and the rescue of many firms and nationally there were endless rumours surrounding the banks and their future.
In 12 months we have seen the numbers of those out of work grow. Many people have seen their salaries reduced and others have had to accept fewer working hours in the week. We have also seen the return of emigration. We are not just talking those who returned home but the many foreign nationals who saw Ireland as a land of opportunity. Within our own business we have seen a marked increase in candidates asking about links we may have with firms based outside Ireland.
The reason there is an increase in confidence is that the rate of redundancies appears to be reducing and the firms most at risk and vulnerable seem to have had to take the medicine to survive. This to be honest appears to be related to the private sector as the cod liver oil is on the way for the public sector.
When people have confidence in both their job and the markets it has a knock on effect. The one we see in recruitment is that people start thinking that with the markets better the risk in moving jobs is not as great as it was and they therefore start enquiring about new opportunities. People sit in jobs longer in a negative market thus slowing down their own personal development. Career minded people will only allow themselves so much time in certain roles before they get frustrated and start looking for a new challenge.
Companies who have in the past cut back on staff now say that the loss of people within their teams has a big impact. Therefore they are more incline to hire now in order to maintain standards within their own business.
Is it all over and firms are going to start hiring tomorrow again in big numbers, I do not think so. We hear some economists talking about a double-dip and what that would cause to a fragile economy like Irelands. One thing I can say is that 12 months on, things are a bit better and I have seen from experience within recruitment that markets do come back over time and even pass the levels they peaked before the dip. It will take a lot longer this time but it will happen.
People need to remain positive and active in their search for a new job. Keep talking to your recruiters, watch the jobs boards each day, maintain contact with old colleagues and keep an eye on the press.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thinking of leaving Ireland?
Making a move to live and work outside Ireland might in the current economic climate make good career sense. With the lack of jobs and the many predictions that the recovery will be slow, moving to locations could be the only way to either find a new position or develop your career. Whilst the so called “New Ireland” of recent years saw a halt to emigrating we also had many Irish return to the boom. In addition we had many new nationalities come here over the last 10 years to fill the jobs we could not find people to do. The real possibility now is that we could be heading back to significant emigration but hopefully not to the level of the 1980’s etc.
The first and most important thing you should do is research all the locations you are considering moving to. Factors such as language, availability of work, cost of living should be key elements of this. If it is a country within the EU then you will not have any problems around legal entitlements to work. Outside that you will have issues around working visas. Most of this can be done on the internet. It is very easy now to find the most popular sites for jobs, accommodation as well as the attractions in each location. You can even talk to recruitment agencies here in Ireland as many are either part of large multinationals or the independent firms that have strategic relationships with other recruiters based in those locations. There are also some firms who when they recruit can put you in contact with local firm that can assist you with relocation. It is also a good idea to find out your salary value and the current tax structures.
We know that many of our more recent immigrants have returned, most particularly people coming from Eastern Europe. One of the positive aspects for some is the countries they are returning to are in better shape than our own. There has also been a trickle of people moving to the old favourites such as the UK and Australia. Numbers would be considerably higher but for the current state of those economies. As these countries will see a recovery before we do in Ireland, I would expect the numbers to increase. One of the more open countries at this moment is Canada. They have had a skilled shortage in some sectors for many years and they have not been affected to the same extent as other developed economies. Think about mainland Europe. Germany, France, Switzerland and Luxembourg traditionally attract and welcome international staff and have much to offer in terms of high profile jobs. Communication should not be a problem as English is a corporate language in many organisations and if you can speak some German or French it’s going to be an advantage in everyday conversations.
If you are looking for a completely new experience and a challenge why not look at places in the developing Eastern European countries such as Poland, The Chech Republic or Russia. They are growing and transforming economies attracting foreign investment. Don’t be afraid of the language barrier as the new generation of Eastern Europeans is well educated and the opportunities available there are mainly cross-border projects.
It is always helpful to have an exit strategy. Would suggest that whatever position you take, the role offers skills that you can one day use on your return.
The first and most important thing you should do is research all the locations you are considering moving to. Factors such as language, availability of work, cost of living should be key elements of this. If it is a country within the EU then you will not have any problems around legal entitlements to work. Outside that you will have issues around working visas. Most of this can be done on the internet. It is very easy now to find the most popular sites for jobs, accommodation as well as the attractions in each location. You can even talk to recruitment agencies here in Ireland as many are either part of large multinationals or the independent firms that have strategic relationships with other recruiters based in those locations. There are also some firms who when they recruit can put you in contact with local firm that can assist you with relocation. It is also a good idea to find out your salary value and the current tax structures.
We know that many of our more recent immigrants have returned, most particularly people coming from Eastern Europe. One of the positive aspects for some is the countries they are returning to are in better shape than our own. There has also been a trickle of people moving to the old favourites such as the UK and Australia. Numbers would be considerably higher but for the current state of those economies. As these countries will see a recovery before we do in Ireland, I would expect the numbers to increase. One of the more open countries at this moment is Canada. They have had a skilled shortage in some sectors for many years and they have not been affected to the same extent as other developed economies. Think about mainland Europe. Germany, France, Switzerland and Luxembourg traditionally attract and welcome international staff and have much to offer in terms of high profile jobs. Communication should not be a problem as English is a corporate language in many organisations and if you can speak some German or French it’s going to be an advantage in everyday conversations.
If you are looking for a completely new experience and a challenge why not look at places in the developing Eastern European countries such as Poland, The Chech Republic or Russia. They are growing and transforming economies attracting foreign investment. Don’t be afraid of the language barrier as the new generation of Eastern Europeans is well educated and the opportunities available there are mainly cross-border projects.
It is always helpful to have an exit strategy. Would suggest that whatever position you take, the role offers skills that you can one day use on your return.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Being Proactive Is the Only Way To Find a Job in the Current Market
“The Celtic Tiger” is gone, fact. Move on. Stories of graduates managing many jobs offers are now in the past. Get on and get over it. So if you graduated in 2008, 2009 or even those of you who will graduate in 2010 will not be presented with career options that have been on offer in recent years. If you have been made redundant or looking to move jobs to enhance your career the same issues apply to you.
Proactive is the key word to being successful in finding a job. As the marketing guru, Jack Trout, put it rightly, we need to “differentiate or die”.
So what’s the best way to create your unique selling proposition and stay ahead of other candidates competing for the jobs? The first thing is that you need to prepare well for all interviews.
What you present on a CV is historical information. Therefore you should have no issues in explaining any piece of information you have provided. This is information that should just flow out of your mouth. People who cannot outline reasons for taking educational or career choices will find it harder to find jobs. Remember the CV will get you the interview, but it is the interview that will get you the job. Build your personal brand in a consistent way and get the basics right: work on an impact, concise but informative CV.
Finding a job is a full time job itself so be systematic and regular: apply for roles advertised in newspapers and job boards, submit your details directly to employers and register with selected agencies. There is no use registering with all the agencies in the city – target those who are experts in your area and can genuinely support your efforts. Approach recruiters even if they are not advertising jobs of interest – new opportunities may arise sooner than you expect. Establish and maintain proactive and positive relationships with them. Do not get on their bad side by complaining they are not presenting you with job opening. Remember they do not have the roles in any number so when they do have a position that will be of interest make sure they have a positive image of you.
Use the art of networking – not all the jobs are advertised in the traditional way and some of them will never hit the job boards. Talk to your friends, ex-colleagues, parents of friends, and whoever might know of companies hiring staff with your skill set, attend meetings or industry events and socialize with potential employers. Get online and make good use of professional networking websites: a profile on LinkedIn is a must nowadays! Position yourself as a motivated and competent professional and market your personal brand proactively. Websites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing, YouTube, Twitter, Worky are the modern agorae (marketplaces) and excellent tools not only for a passive presence but also active participation in the world of numerous and very often lucrative opportunities. Benefit from them and join industry groups, share your views and opinions on discussion forums, present your expertise and increase your profile. This could draw the attention of potential employers and may result in interesting job offers. One major side effect can however be what your post. Be warned that improper comments or photographs can come back to haunt you.
Get your name out there on Twitter and let people know that you are looking. However, it is important that the internet world does not overshadow the reality. Remember – nothing will replace “old fashioned” phone calls and face-to-face meetings. Human side of things in the recruitment game will always be vital. Learn about managing your emotions and coping with rejections. Don’t treat them personally; make good use of the feedback provided, always ask what could have been improved to be successful next time. Stay positive, enthusiastic and persistent. Remain focused. Remember that each “no” is a great opportunity to learn something new and turn it into a “yes” sooner than you think. So don’t give up, reinvent yourself and differentiate from other candidates by being proactive in the best way possible.
Be prepared to consider positions below your expectations in this current market. The minimum wage is higher than the dole and many people that worked in the 80’s are key hirers today and many of them would have started jobs that gave them skills that are of high value in their current work place. Here I am talking about communication and interpersonal skills etc.
Finding a job nowadays is not impossible – good luck!
Proactive is the key word to being successful in finding a job. As the marketing guru, Jack Trout, put it rightly, we need to “differentiate or die”.
So what’s the best way to create your unique selling proposition and stay ahead of other candidates competing for the jobs? The first thing is that you need to prepare well for all interviews.
What you present on a CV is historical information. Therefore you should have no issues in explaining any piece of information you have provided. This is information that should just flow out of your mouth. People who cannot outline reasons for taking educational or career choices will find it harder to find jobs. Remember the CV will get you the interview, but it is the interview that will get you the job. Build your personal brand in a consistent way and get the basics right: work on an impact, concise but informative CV.
Finding a job is a full time job itself so be systematic and regular: apply for roles advertised in newspapers and job boards, submit your details directly to employers and register with selected agencies. There is no use registering with all the agencies in the city – target those who are experts in your area and can genuinely support your efforts. Approach recruiters even if they are not advertising jobs of interest – new opportunities may arise sooner than you expect. Establish and maintain proactive and positive relationships with them. Do not get on their bad side by complaining they are not presenting you with job opening. Remember they do not have the roles in any number so when they do have a position that will be of interest make sure they have a positive image of you.
Use the art of networking – not all the jobs are advertised in the traditional way and some of them will never hit the job boards. Talk to your friends, ex-colleagues, parents of friends, and whoever might know of companies hiring staff with your skill set, attend meetings or industry events and socialize with potential employers. Get online and make good use of professional networking websites: a profile on LinkedIn is a must nowadays! Position yourself as a motivated and competent professional and market your personal brand proactively. Websites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing, YouTube, Twitter, Worky are the modern agorae (marketplaces) and excellent tools not only for a passive presence but also active participation in the world of numerous and very often lucrative opportunities. Benefit from them and join industry groups, share your views and opinions on discussion forums, present your expertise and increase your profile. This could draw the attention of potential employers and may result in interesting job offers. One major side effect can however be what your post. Be warned that improper comments or photographs can come back to haunt you.
Get your name out there on Twitter and let people know that you are looking. However, it is important that the internet world does not overshadow the reality. Remember – nothing will replace “old fashioned” phone calls and face-to-face meetings. Human side of things in the recruitment game will always be vital. Learn about managing your emotions and coping with rejections. Don’t treat them personally; make good use of the feedback provided, always ask what could have been improved to be successful next time. Stay positive, enthusiastic and persistent. Remain focused. Remember that each “no” is a great opportunity to learn something new and turn it into a “yes” sooner than you think. So don’t give up, reinvent yourself and differentiate from other candidates by being proactive in the best way possible.
Be prepared to consider positions below your expectations in this current market. The minimum wage is higher than the dole and many people that worked in the 80’s are key hirers today and many of them would have started jobs that gave them skills that are of high value in their current work place. Here I am talking about communication and interpersonal skills etc.
Finding a job nowadays is not impossible – good luck!
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