A Recruiter’s Advice for Graduates: 8 Tips for Career Success

Big congratulations are in order! You’ve finally made it to the other side of your academic life. For some, maybe just for now. Either way, you’re more than likely over the moon to be entering this new stage of your life. As you take your first steps into the job market, navigating the landscape of job applications, interviews, and career choices can feel overwhelming. For many of you, it will be the first time that your life hasn’t been mapped out before you. For the first time, you and only you must figure out what’s next. Don’t let this freak you out. It’s a very exciting time! So, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the world of career success. By building this knowledge, you will strengthen your ability to seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and create a rewarding career path. Remember, your journey doesn’t end with securing your first job; it is only the beginning of your career which will be filled with many more opportunities. We’re giving our advice to graduates with 8 tips for career success.

 

1. Figure out what you really want

 

Until this point, your decisions have been pretty clear. You picked a course that sounded like a good fit and off you went. Now, it is a different story. The possibilities are endless and you need to decide what your next step is going to be. Take a step back and figure out what truly excites you. Reflect on your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals. While the possibilities may seem overwhelming, identifying your true calling will guide you towards the most fulfilling career path. We think it’s important to reiterate here that your first job doesn’t have to be your career for life. All decisions are stepping stones to long-term happiness and success.

2. Reach out to a recruiter

RecruitmentPlus can be your strongest ally in the job search process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and share your career aspirations or just ask for advice. Our industry insights and extensive network can provide valuable guidance, ultimately helping you find the right opportunities tailored to your skills and interests. If you would like to find out more about what makes RecruitmentPlus unique, give our blog Trusted Recruitment Agencies in Ireland a read.

To get started:  01 2788610 / jobs@rplus.ie

3. Get interview ready

We’re going to tell you something that you might not want to hear, but it’s important! Interviews can be nerve-wracking. The only way to overcome your nerves and gain confidence is by doing them. The more you do, the easier it gets. Getting past that first couple will help you build up confidence and also practice answering and asking the right questions. Conviction and readiness are the keys to leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.

Get Help Writing Your CV

Top 10 Interview Questions YOU Need to Ask

4. Start networking

Creating a strong network plays a pivotal role in achieving career success. Make sure you update your LinkedIn profile with any new experience you’ve gained, connect with new contacts in the industry you want to work in and update your status to Open to Work. Your LinkedIn page is an excellent place to share your insights and knowledge. Start networking with other professionals in your field or the field in which you are interested in working.

5. Research companies

Before you go ahead and submit an application to any company, it is essential to do your research to gain insights into their core values, work culture, and overall work environment. Understanding these aspects will allow you to identify companies that resonate with your personal values and career goals. Choosing a company that aligns with who you are is going to lead to an enriched and fulfilled work life. Look at what a company can offer you rather than it being solely the other way around. Will this company help me stay on the path I want? Will I be able to gain the experience I need to progress my career? These are important questions to consider.

6. Develop your soft skills

You’ve spent the last 3 or 4 years developing your hard/ technical skills through your third-level education. And while hard skills are vital, soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are equally valuable. To make yourself stand out as a well-rounded candidate to employers, concentrate on developing these skills through workshops, seminars, or volunteer work. We’ve written a great article about transferable skills and how they can help set you apart.

7. Stay focused and be patient

This will not happen overnight. The job search process can be difficult, and you might encounter rejection. Concentrate on your objectives and be patient. Keep in mind that finding the ideal job takes time and that every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger and learn from your experiences. Working with a recruiter can help to keep your spirits high and help you stay focused.

8. Believe in yourself

Before you can expect anyone to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. Success depends on confidence. Be confident in your skills, appreciate your accomplishments, and don’t be afraid to highlight your special talents in interviews. Develop a positive outlook and keep in mind that you can have a big impact in the field you’ve chosen. Know that you have a lot to give a company while staying humble enough to know you have a lot to learn.

Following these helpful pointers in your post-graduate journey will put you on the right track for success. As you begin this new chapter of your professional life, embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and never lose sight of what you want and deserve. Good luck!

 

STILLORGAN OFFICE

20 Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Dublin
01 2788610
jobs@rplus.ie

DUNDALK OFFICE

68 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, County Louth.
042 9356910
careers@rplus.ie

transferable skills

How to Use Transferable Skills to Land a New Job

It is not uncommon in today’s job market for employees to make multiple role changes throughout their careers. Whether you’re changing industries, exploring new roles, or embarking on a fresh career path, the ability to effectively leverage your skill set can be a game-changer.

In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to utilise your transferable skills and land a new job. We will explore the importance of identifying your transferable skills, matching them to job requirements, and highlighting their relevance through tailored CVs. Additionally, we’ll delve into how working with an expert recruitment agency like RecruitmentPlus can maximise your chances of success.

What are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are the expertise, proficiency, and experiences that you gain throughout your life and can apply to a wide range of jobs and careers. By understanding how to showcase and utilise these valuable skills, you can position yourself as a highly desirable candidate and successfully navigate the job search process. We guarantee you are a lot more equipped than you realise to go after the career or role you want. What is important is that you’re able to identify and leverage what you have, rather than what you wished you had.

 

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

 

So, how can you figure out exactly what your transferable skills are? First, it’s important to note that there are two types of skills: hard and soft.

 

A hard skill refers to a specific technical or specialised expertise that can be taught, learned, and measured. It refers to a tangible and quantifiable level of proficiency. Most hard skills are gained through education, training, or certification.

Hard Skill Examples

  1. Graphic Design: Skill in using software like Adobe Photoshop.
  2. Foreign Languages: Fluency in multiple languages.
  3. Accounting: Knowledge of financial principles, bookkeeping, and proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel.
  4. Technical Writing: Ability to write clear and concise technical documents, manuals, or reports.
  5. Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum, and tools like Microsoft Project or Jira.
  6. Network Administration: Skill in configuring and managing computer networks, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
  7. Data Entry: Accurate and efficient data entry skills, often involving typing speed and accuracy.

 

A soft skill refers to a personal attribute or characteristic that relates to how individuals interact with others and navigate their environment.

Soft Skill Examples

  1. Communication: The ability to effectively convey information, listen actively, and express ideas clearly to individuals or groups.
  2. Leadership: The readiness to inspire and motivate others, take initiative, and guide a team towards shared goals.
  3. Problem-Solving: The skill of analysing challenges, thinking critically, and finding innovative solutions.
  4. Adaptability: The flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, embrace new technologies or processes, and thrive in dynamic environments.
  5. Teamwork: The ability to collaborate, cooperate, and work cooperatively with others towards a common aim.
  6. Conflict Resolution: The skill of managing and resolving conflicts or disagreements constructively, fostering positive working relationships.
  7. Critical Thinking: The ability to analyse information, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed decisions.

 

We all gain soft and hard skills in our personal and professional lives. However, they may not be obvious to us without taking the time to identify them.

 

Tip: Get out a pen and paper. Split the paper into two sections and write “personal” and “professional” on the top of each section. Think about everything you do throughout the day and write down the skills needed to complete each of these tasks. Think about your previous experiences such as work, school or personal projects. What skills did you gain or use?

 

How to Use Transferable Skills to Find a New Job

 

We want to take you step-by-step through how to use transferable skills to your advantage so you can find the job of your dreams.

 

Step One: Identify Your Transferable Skills

As explained above, make that list of all of your skills and abilities both in a personal and professional capacity.

 

Step Two: Understand the Job Requirements

Review the job description of a role you’re interested in and identify the skills and qualifications that are required for the role. Don’t get too hung up on the specific industry or job title and focus on the main abilities needed instead.

 

Step Three: Compare Your Skills to The Skills Needed

Figure out which of your skills (from the list you’ve already created) compare to the ones outlined by the company or employer. Think about your own work experience and how your skills relate to the position you’re going to apply for.

 

Step Four: Update Your CV

It’s vital that you tailor your CV to emphasise the most relevant skills that you possess. It is also important to highlight your accomplishments and show how you have successfully used your skill set in past roles. Customise your CV and cover letter and write it in a way that helps the reader know you understand exactly what will be expected of them.

Tip: visit our CV Clinic for more advice on crafting the perfect CV.

Step Five: Contact RecruitmentPlus

Navigating career changes or seeking new opportunities can be a daunting task. However, with the help of a skilled recruitment agency, the process becomes much smoother. Not only do we offer valuable insights and expertise, but we also provide the much-needed support of a consultant who truly understands your situation. Our dedicated consultants take your previous experience into account, working closely with you to prepare you for interviews and connect you with your dream company. With their guidance, you can confidently step into the next chapter of your career journey.

How to Get Started

Step One: Find out more information about RecruitmentPlus

Step Two: Contact our team of expert recruiters to discuss your needs

Step Three: Search our Live Jobs 

Step Four: Upload your CV

Suggested Further Reading

10 Interview Questions YOU Need to Ask 

Working with a Temping Agency to Get Your Career Back on Track 

 

Do you follow us on social media? 

We share weekly valuable content for candidates across LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

accepting a job offer or counteroffer

Should You Accept Counteroffers?

We can’t lie, receiving a counteroffer feels good. Our sense of being wanted and appreciated can be heightened at that moment. With your resignation letter, you’ve received an offer from your employer, perhaps for more money, better benefits or a promoted position. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of this counteroffer, but when you stop and think about it, is that really what you want?
As expert recruiters, we’ve seen this dilemma play out in our candidates’ lives, in real-time, many times. The decision is ultimately your own. But first, read this article, and if nothing else, it will give you some food for thought on what the best choice is going to be for you.

Reasons for Accepting Counteroffers

It’s all well and good to state that “money isn’t everything”. However, for so many of us, money is one of the most important factors we consider when it comes to our careers. Especially in the current climate and the shared experience we have lived through for the past 3 years, there is no denying that money, and lack of it, contributes to daily stress and worry. So, is there any surprise that many people accept a counteroffer when it guarantees a pay raise? That is just one reason why employees choose to stay with their current company. Let’s take a look at some more of them.

Fear

Fear plays a massive role in our decision-making. The fear of the new role not working out, fear of the unknown in general. The thing about fear is that, more often than not, it lies to us. Robin S Sharma, best-selling author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” said: Your excuses are nothing more than the lies your fears have sold you.

So when figuring out what choice to make, think about what is holding you back and if there is any merit to the narrative you’re telling yourself.

Comfort and Familiarity

It’s science. As humans, we seek familiarity. But why? An article written by Shanelle Mullin gives great insight; “From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense that familiarity leads to comfort. Something you’re familiar with is less likely to hurt you. Or, at least, hurt you in an unexpected way. We don’t want to risk the unfamiliar.” So, is it any wonder that we can be tempted to stick to our old ways, even if in the long run, it isn’t what we want?

Avoid Being the Newbie

No one likes being the new person in the office and learning the ropes all over again. Different people, different atmosphere, different software, different milk in the staff fridge. Ok, the last one you could get over pretty quickly. But in all seriousness, of course, there is going to be a period of discomfort when starting a new role in a new company. However, don’t mistake discomfort for danger. Remember those lies your fear told you? Those feelings will only last a short time and before you know it, you will feel you belong.

The Reasons to Turn Down a Counteroffer

By now you might have guessed that we don’t consider accepting counteroffers to be the best choice… and with good reason. 80% of employees who choose to accept a counteroffer from their employer end up leaving the company anyway within the next 6 months. Eighty per cent. We cannot deny from this staggering statistic that counteroffers don’t usually work. They don’t solve the problem and can lead to you missing amazing opportunities. Here are some of the main reasons why you might turn down a counteroffer.

Remember Why You Were Job Hunting in the First Place

You got caught up in the moment and started to seriously consider accepting your existing employer’s offer, that dangling carrot. Once you step back from the situation, you start to remember the reason you were seeking out another job in the first place. If the reason for leaving goes beyond your pay grade, then accepting the counteroffer won’t fix your motivations for leaving.

Money Isn’t The Most Important Thing

I know what we said but we also have to give our “counter” argument for why staying for just the money isn’t the best choice for your happiness. Thinking of this is going to feel like an internal tug of war. On one hand, you may have a family and mortgage to consider and the counteroffer sounds like it can give you some relief in the expenses of living. On the other hand, you are thinking of YOU and how your true peace and happiness cannot be found in a number. What we will say is; if you have the luxury of doing what is going to make you happy, then try not to be tempted by the figures and follow through with your decision to leave. Trust yourself to make the right decision.

It Took You Leaving to Be Appreciated

The counteroffer has you feeling fuzzy inside for a split second… but hang on, why are you only being valued now that you are leaving? The decision to accept a counteroffer may have a lasting impact on your relationship with your current employer. They may also wonder what provoked you to want to leave, affecting the level of trust and loyalty in that working relationship.

New Opportunities

Accepting a counteroffer effectively closes the door to new career opportunities. Think about your long-term career goals. Where do you want to be in 5 years? If you had been seeking a new position, it is unlikely that you see yourself in your current role. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Your happiness depends on it.

Get Started with RecruitmentPlus

With RecruitmentPlus, you have not only an expert recruiter on your side but a person who will take on board all of your needs and desires. Since every candidate we have ever worked with has been unique, so is the service they have received. To get started with us, follow the steps below:

Step One: Upload Your CV
Step Two: Call Us – Stillorgan: 01 2788610/ Dundalk: 042 9356910
Step Three: Search Live Jobs

Suggested Further Reading

Overcoming Redundancy
Working With a Temping Agency

Gratitude in the workplace

Gratitude in the Workplace

It’s November and because our Office Manager comes from the US, we have celebrated Thanksgiving as a company for the past 15 years. So, for this month’s blog, we are focussing on “Gratitude in the Workplace”. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can change the way we work and live. It has been shown to have many benefits in the workplace like increased efficiency, happiness and improved relationships.

Here are 6 ways gratitude influences workplace behaviour:

1) Gratitude in the workplace improves your mood and reduces stress levels.

Gratitude at work will make you happier and less stressed. In studies of exit interviews, employees often state that their reasons for leaving include not feeling appreciated for the work they’ve done. In fact, one of the greatest things they’re looking for from their employer is a simple “thank you” for a job well done. In cases where the employee otherwise enjoys their job, those two words said often and earnestly can lower cases of stress and burnout.

2) It makes you more likely to help others and be more helpful in general.

Gratitude is shown to increase social support for others. This carries over into feelings of empathy and connection with other people. This of course, goes both ways. Think of the people you work with who you are most happy to help out with an issue. How do they respond to your help? Are they grateful? Say thanks? Keep this in mind when you’re looking for help from someone else. Again, two small words – thank you – can make a huge difference and ensure people are more likely to help you when you need it.

3) It creates a sense of belonging, which leads to greater productivity in the workplace.

Gratitude makes people feel more connected and less isolated. It helps improve mental health and reduces feelings of envy, resentment, or loneliness. Our mood affects our productivity. When we feel good, we’re more productive and happier. One way to feel better is to focus on what we appreciate and to be grateful for the things that make our lives better. Organizations from small non-profits to giant multinational corporations have started introducing gratitude practices which have shown employees feeling greater levels of appreciation for their work environment, leading to increased job satisfaction and greater productivity.

4) Gratitude boosts self-esteem, which can lead to better performance reviews and promotions.

Both showing and receiving gratitude at work is shown to boost an employee’s self-esteem by showing that employees are not just cogs in some giant machine, but individuals whose contributions to the team are making a difference. A healthy self-esteem can produce confidence. When you feel good about yourself and have confidence in the work you do, you’re more likely to stand out in your performance reviews leaving you first in the queue for company promotions.

5) Gratitude increases motivation, which leads to greater creativity at work.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions to experience. It has been shown to make people happier, healthier, and more motivated in a range of different contexts. Gratitude can positively impact your work life. A recent study found that when people practiced gratitude, they were more content and had a higher level of creativity. The reason for this is that feelings of gratitude are nearly opposite to feelings of anxiety or fear. When you’re feeling positive emotions, you brain is in a much better position to problem solve and come up with creative solutions to everyday problems.

6) It helps you sleep better at night, which means you’ll feel well rested during the day!

Writing 3 things you were grateful for during the day before you go to bed can positively impact your quality of sleep. A good night’s sleep directly impacts your mood at work the next day. If you want to sleep better, be less stressed and improve the quality of your work, start practicing gratitude. Want to be more successful? Seek and give thanks daily.

Looking for a new job where you can feel appreciated and grateful? Click here.

Connect with us on Linkedin.

Job search anxiety can be defeated.

Job Search Anxiety: Recruitment Shouldn’t Be Scary.

The weather is getting colder. The nights are drawing in. It’s the time of year for pumpkins, ghosts and goblins. Halloween is meant to be frightening, but recruitment certainly shouldn’t be. So, what should you do if you find yourself in a nightmare recruitment scenario? Fear not, dear reader. We have you covered with tips on how to take the anxiety out of your job search.

Nightmare Scenario #1 – You have to update your CV.

You don’t have to be as prolific a writer as Stephen King to knock out your CV. A CV is a one to two-page summary of your education, skills and experience. Instead of looking at a blank page with absolute dread, think of this as your chance to show how you shine. It may have been a long time since you have done serious writing and you may not know where to start when writing your CV.  This first step causes a lot of job search anxiety. To help with that, we have created this blog to provide valuable tips and tricks on how to write the perfect resume.

Nightmare Scenario #2 – You don’t know where to start looking for a new job.

You can be afraid to watch a scary movie, but there’s no need to fear the job search process. There are many different ways to find a new job. You can look on Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also use your personal network and ask friends and family if they know of any openings in their workplace. Of course, we recommend working with a trusted recruitment consultant who will turn this nightmare into an actual dream. A good recruitment consultant will work with you closely to find the ideal job for you. In fact, you can start your job search here! See? not so scary after all.

Nightmare Scenario #3 – You don’t know how to network.

We mentioned above that you can use your personal network to look for a new job. Having said that, expanding your network beyond friends and family can also expand your opportunities. Networking comes easy to some and not so easily to others. Are you the kind of person who would rather invite a vampire into your home than invite someone out for a cup of coffee and a chat? Did you know that you can learn networking techniques? Read this article from The All-Ireland Business Foundation’s website.

Nightmare Scenario #4 – You’re not prepared for the interview process.

Preparing for a job interview can be daunting, but you have to remember, you’re not meeting face to face with a monster! You are going to be meeting with someone who has already seen your CV and thinks that you might have what it takes to do the job at hand. Your recruitment consultant will go through the specific interview process with you for the company you’re meeting with. You can also check out this blog post where we discuss common interview questions and how best to answer them.

Nightmare Scenario #5 – You don’t know what to wear.

The only thing harder than finding the perfect Halloween costume is figuring out the proper dress code for different work environments. While the old adage “dress for the job you want” is a good rule to stick by, how do you decipher what the difference is between corporate dress and business casual? Your recruitment consultant will know the company you’re interviewing with and will be able to give you guidance in this area. You can also read more about work dress codes here.

Nightmare #6 – You’re worried about your job offer.

First of all, you landed your ideal role. You fought through every nightmare scenario and came out on top. The company has offered the job to you. Congratulations! You don’t have to consult a Ouija board to predict your salary and benefits package. Our recruitment consultants work hard with our clients to ensure the remuneration is suitable for each role and will be upfront with you about what to expect. Your consultant will always work on your behalf to ensure best possible outcome for you and ease all feelings of job search anxiety along the way.

Keep in touch:

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recruitment agencies ireland

Trusted Recruitment Agencies in Ireland

How do you find trusted recruitment agencies in Ireland? You take a hard look at their values. RecruitmentPlus was founded on putting people first. We are Customer-Centric. Our Managing Director – Anne Fanthom – looked back on our company history and shared the reason she established her own recruitment agency all those years ago:

“Having worked in recruitment in the UK for ten years, I returned to Dublin. After spending two years at home with my young daughter, I ventured back into the world of recruitment with a large firm in the city centre. However, I found my values were changing. For me, people are at the heart of recruitment. It’s not just a numbers game.

I knew something had to change. So, in 1999, I took a leap of faith. Keeping my core values foremost in my mind, I established RecruitmentPlus as a niche, specialist agency. Over 20 years later, candidate and client needs are still at the forefront of everything we do.”

 

Clients

We are a leading provider of recruitment solutions. We work with some of Ireland’s leading organisations to develop, implement and manage their talent acquisition strategies.

We are a service-based business. We want to take some stress away from our clients. We want to save their valuable time. We first meet with our clients to understand their business, professional needs and expectations. We do our best to understand our client’s company culture. This way, we can find someone who will fit in seamlessly with what makes our client’s company special. Our goal is not just about finding candidates; it’s about finding the ideal candidate for each vacancy.

 

Candidates

We believe in finding the best talent for each role; not just meeting quotas or filling positions as quickly as possible. Our approach is based on providing candidates with an excellent experience from start to finish, ensuring that they have a fulfilling career in their new organisation and that clients get the best possible return on investment.

Our director – Hazel Whelan – gave us an example of why she goes out of her way to meet her candidates:

“Technology has changed drastically throughout the years, but no matter how much it advances, you will never replace intuition or empathy with a CV scanning app. This is why I always meet my candidates. One interview that sticks out in my mind was a woman who was home for Christmas for four days. So I went to Dublin airport and met her for a coffee on Stephen’s Day hours before her flight took off to New York. She got the job. She’s back in Ireland with her family. I was part of making that happen.”

 

The Process

Matching candidates to roles is a complex process. It relies not only on experience and in-depth market knowledge, but it also demands intuition, empathy and often lateral thinking to get the best possible outcome, something no computer algorithm can deliver.

Our recruitment process can only work once we have learned everything we can about our client’s business and our candidate’s career goals. There are definitely apps out there that can match keywords from a job spec to keywords from a CV… but to us, that isn’t recruitment and it certainly isn’t customer-centric.

The customer-centric approach is a guiding principle for the way we do business as one of the most trusted recruitment agencies in Ireland. We are committed to understanding, meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and candidates.

To apply for a job, please click here.

To learn more about RecruitmentPlus, please click here.

To connect with Anne Fanthom, Managing Director quoted above, please click here.

To connect with Hazel Whelan, Director also quoted above, please click here

A recruiter in one of the best recruitment agencies in Dublin

Spotlight on Recruitment

This blog post was going to be entitled A Day in the Life of a Recruiter, but really there is no typical day. No two days are alike because the resource our recruiters are dealing with is people. Their clients and candidates are all people with different needs, wants, personalities, and career goals. All of these differences make for a varied day at work. Read on to find out what it’s like to work for one of the best recruitment agencies in Dublin.

 

So, what does a recruiter do?

A recruiter- also known as a recruitment consultant- is essentially in a sales role. A client will contact a recruitment consultant and request assistance in finding an employee for their company. Those potential employees are referred to as candidates. The recruiter then matches a candidate to the company’s job vacancy. Simple, right? Well, that’s just a basic explanation of what a recruiter does. As with any job, some people do the bare minimum and others excel in their roles.

 

What does a good recruitment consultant do?

A recruiter’s job is part human resources, part sales, part marketing, part negotiation but mostly it’s about listening. An important part of the job is the ability to listen and learn the needs of their candidates and work together with them to provide solutions to fulfil those needs. People are at the heart of recruitment. It’s not just a numbers game. It’s not about pulling a report from a database and using that information to fill a role. A CV can tell the basics of someone’s job history, but only in a one-on-one meeting (online or in-person) does a recruiter find out the WHY behind the CV. Why did the candidate take those specific roles to date? Why are they looking for a new job now? What plans do they have for their future career?

The same is true when a recruiter is working with a client. Again, the recruiter is not just working with some faceless company, they’re working with a person who needs to fill a vacancy. A good recruiter will do their best to understand the sector for which they are recruiting. Ideally, the recruiter will have had some real-world experience working in that sector. For example, if they’ve worked in Human Resources before, they will have a unique insight into what a client may need for a new HR Specialist vacancy. Anyone can learn sales techniques, but understanding the ins and outs of a specific sector will make someone stand out as a top recruiter.

 

What about job satisfaction?

One of the top reasons for job satisfaction in recruitment is the knowledge that the recruiter has made a difference in a candidate’s life. There are few things better than knowing a candidate is in a happier place because you’ve helped them source a new role where their personality is a good fit for the company’s culture.

 

Recruiters also love their jobs because they get the opportunity to grow their professional networks both with their clients as well as candidates. It’s a very rewarding role but it also requires hard work, resourcefulness, and versatility. A reputable agency will offer a basic salary along with a fair commission structure.

 

Have you considered a career in recruitment?

If you feel you have the right attitude, determination to succeed, and a winning personality, contact RecruitmentPlus today on 01 2788610. You could work for one of the best recruitment agencies in Dublin!

 

Not only do we offer a favourable salary, but the following benefits as well:

  • Commission with uncapped commission structure
  • Quarterly bonuses
  • Annual bonus
  • Mobile phone
  • 4 weeks AL which increases with tenure
  • Birthday day off
  • Social events
  • ERF Certificate in Recruitment Practice
  • A great working environment with a team who has been together for over 20 years.

Learn more about our company and culture on our Linkedin page.

Call us today on 01 2788610, visit www.recruitmentplus.ie  or email your CV in the strictest confidence to anne@rplus.ie

The 5 Rules of Temping

Across Ireland, employees are dreaming of their first proper summer holiday in 2 years. Meanwhile, their managers are wondering how to cope with the extra workload when their teams are out of the office. What’s a manager to do?

Enter: “The Temp” – someone who is smart, confident and adaptable, as well as being multi-skilled. The Temp saves the day!

Does this sound like you? Would you like the flexibility to choose between short term work or months long contracts? Do you think you’d enjoy the variety of working in different environments? Follow these 5 rules of temping and you’ll have your choice of assignments.

  1. First things first, you need a good temping CV. This CV should be specifically used for applying for temp work. At the top of the page, list your technical skills, your contact details, your availability and the locations where you can work. The rest of the CV should be as normal- education and work history. A Temps Controller may receive hundreds of CVs, but will remember the one that highlights skill set and gives availability.
  2. When in doubt, dress UP. As a temp, you will be working in many different environments. Some may be on production lines; others may be business casual offices. Some offices may run a strict, corporate-style dress code. Always check the dress code with your Temps Controller in advance. First impressions count and nowhere more so than in the world of temping.
  3. On time means 5 minutes early. You don’t want to arrive too early, but you never want to arrive late. Research the location of your assignment. Make sure you know how to get there. Drive by if you’re unfamiliar with the area or check public transport timetables the night before. Again, plan on being there 5 minutes before you’re due to start.
  4. Be discreet. Anything you hear or read, while working in a company is strictly confidential. When you register for temp work, you will sign a contract of employment and a handbook explaining the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure while on temporary work assignments
  5. Work like your career depends on it. Again, first impressions count and if you’re only in an assignment for a week, you don’t have time to have an off day. Temping is an excellent way to get your foot in the door of some amazing companies, which could lead to wonderful opportunities. Good work does not go unnoticed.

If you’re interested in temping or want to talk to someone about your career, contact RecruitmentPlus on 01 2788610 or visit www.recruitmentplus.ie.

 

Top Tips: CV Writing

Your CV outlines your work experience and maps your career path to date. It is the tool that will get you an interview for the job you want. Whether you’re writing your first CV or polishing your old CV up for a career move, staring at a blank page can be daunting. The good news is, there’s a formula you can follow. Make sure you add the following sections to your page and work from there. Before you know it, you are no longer staring at a blank page, but a document that will get you noticed by a recruiter or hiring manager.

 

Personal Details
Your name, mobile number and email should all be listed at the top of your CV. We want to be able to contact you if a career opportunity arises! You may consider also listing a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile.

 

Profile
The profile should make the employer want to meet you. It should be short enough to read quickly and concise enough to capture your skills and experience in a short paragraph.

 

Chronological Order
Most people list their most recent employment first, and the recruiter will probably appreciate you following this standard.

 

Key Information
Make sure your CV is easily readable. Three key pieces of information are titles, company names and dates of employment for each of your prior jobs. Align all 3 so it is easy to follow and read. Keep in mind that most hiring managers will only take a minute to scan your CV. Make sure they can easily find your key information. Then fill in your major responsibilities for each position using bullet points.

 

References
There is no need to list referee contact details on your CV. In fact, many referees would prefer their contact information isn’t given out too freely! Generally, we would recommend having your referee’s details to hand in case your application proceeds and to contact your referee to let them know your recruiter will be calling.

 

Technical Skills
An understanding of Microsoft Office is almost compulsory for all roles and you should indicate your expertise level and if you are an advanced user, intermediate, a beginner or somewhere in between. It is generally important to have skills in Outlook, Word and Excel but roles do vary. In addition to MS Office, certain roles may require knowledge of specific software such as a CRM Database or CAD software.

 

Education
If you’re entering the job market then there is justification for listing your educational accomplishments at the beginning of the CV. If you’ve been working for 12 months or longer, then a company may be more interested in your work history than your educational path. However, certificates, diplomas and degrees should definitely be listed.

 

Additional Training and Qualifications
Readers are interested in your training but list it in such a way that it is easy to read. The training should be relevant to the role for which you are applying. You may also have professional qualifications or licenses and it is important to list these clearly on the CV. They are generally best positioned with or next to your educational details.

 

Volunteering, Hobbies and Interests
Some people choose to close their CVs with voluntary experience or examples of their hobbies and interests. While it’s not as popular to list these sections nowadays, if your volunteer experience or hobby relate to the job you want, by all means include it!

 

Hopefully this short guide has been helpful and you’re on your way to writing the perfect CV for your dream job. When your CV is read and you want to take the next step in your career, contact your local RecruitmentPlus office or apply online for one of our current vacancies.

Workspace Spring Clean

Minute by minute, the days are getting longer. Day by day, the birdsong grows louder. After what feels like a 2-year long winter, spring is around the corner. Get ready for this hopeful time of year by organizing a spring clean of your workspace!

 

Define your workspace(s). 

Are you working from home in a spare room? Do you have a desk in your company office? Do you make business calls from your car between sales visits? These can all be defined as your workspaces. You may use one or a variety of these spaces. If you use more than one of these spaces, make sure to “spring clean” each one!

 

Throw out rubbish/ bring coffee cups to the kitchen. 

Some people are tidier than others, so you’ll know if this applies to you. If you’re the type of person who brings their second – or third- mug of tea to their workspace without clearing up the mug(s) already there, or if your rubbish bin is constantly overflowing, this tip is for you. A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. You will be able to focus much more clearly when you’ve cleared your space. Each time you leave your workspace, have a look around to see if there’s anything you can clear from your space. Soon this will be a habit and your desk will never look better.

 

File away documents and shred what’s no longer needed. 

A place for everything and everything in its place! Now is a good time to set up files for 2022 (if you haven’t done so already) and file paperwork away accordingly- whether you use paper or digitized methods. When you know where all your important documents are located, it saves you time and worry. You should also take the time to see if there is any documentation containing data you should no longer hold on to. Check with your company’s Data Protection Officer and make sure you are up to date with GDPR requirements.

 

Clean your desktop, keyboard, phone, and more. 

This is probably something you’ve gotten into the habit of over the past couple of years. Even if you wipe off these spaces daily, you’ll want to do a more thorough job for your spring clean. Take note of every surface that you touch in your workspace. Get a soft cloth and an antibacterial cleanser and get to work! Don’t forget places like the armrests of your chair or the switch on your desk lamp. Use caution when cleaning electronic items. You can purchase tech-specific antibacterial cleaning kits online or through most stationery supply companies.

 

Make this space your own. 

This is the fun part. Some offices may have rules on what you can and cannot put in your workspace. Please keep those rules in mind! Having said that, most will allow you some personal items. Does a certain colour pen inspire you to write better proposals? Then get yourself that pen. Are you more likely to keep a handwritten diary than a digital one? Then make sure you have a diary on your desk. Are you working towards a specific goal? Then maybe hang up a picture of your dream house to remind you why you’re saving up for a deposit. Do you have a dream holiday location? Print out an image of that beach scene or cityscape. You need items that encourage you to work at your best level as well as reminders of why you’re working so hard.

 

Spring Clean the mind!

Now that your physical space is cleared, time to clear any issues going on in your mind. Are you worried your company won’t offer you a hybrid work scheme? Have you noticed that your salary isn’t quite keeping up with inflation? Are you perhaps ready for a completely new challenge? Contact the consultants at RecruitmentPlus today. The answers to your workplace worries could be just a phone call away.