The Best Recruitment Advice We Gave in 2023

It is hard to believe we’ve reached the last month of 2023. And each year, we say the same thing; “where did the time go?” Not only is December about reflecting on the year just gone, but it’s also “the most wonderful time of year”, with all of us looking forward to winding down and spending quality time with those special people in our lives. We’re sure you’ve worked hard and deserve this time to regroup and look forward to the year ahead.

 

Speaking of hard work, our team has gone above and beyond this year, dishing out advice in hopes that it might reach the right candidate at the right time. We thought it would be helpful to round up the best advice we’ve given this year, so here it is!

 

1. ON FINDING A JOB

 

You don’t know where to start looking for a new job.

There are many 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.

From  “Nightmare Job Search Scenarios”

2. ON INTERVIEWS

 

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

 

From 8 Tips for Career Success 

3. MORE ON INTERVIEWS

 

You shouldn’t leave it to the interviewer to ask all the questions! Asserting yourself in an interview and asking the right questions can show the hiring manager that you are really serious about the role. Not only that, but the answers you receive will give you so much information about whether this is going to be the right fit for you.

 

Interview Question #1  How will my performance be measured? Can you outline the employee review process?

Interview Question #2  What are your expectations of the chosen candidate in the first 6 months?

Interview Question #3  What are some challenges I may face in the first 6 months?

Interview Question #4  What do you like about working here?

Interview Question #5  What is the work environment like?

Interview Question #6  Who would I report to?  Can you explain the chain of command?

Interview Question #7  Are there opportunities to grow and progress?

Interview Question #8   Is there a high staff turnover?

Interview Question #9  Is there anything you’d like me to clarify? What else do you need to know about me?

Interview Question #10  How soon can I expect to hear from you?

 

From “10 Interview Questions YOU Need To Ask

 

4. ON USING 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.

 

Step One: Identify Your Transferable Skills

Step Two: Understand the Job Requirements

Step Three: Compare Your Skills to The Skills Needed

Step Four: Update Your CV

Step Five: Contact RecruitmentPlus

 

From “How to Use Transferable Skills..” 

 

5. ON GETTING A PAY RISE

 

When it comes to asking for a raise, timing is everything. Don’t rush into this conversation; instead, wait for the right time. Here are some scenarios in which salary negotiations might be appropriate:

 

  • Annual Performance Review: Many businesses conduct annual performance reviews, during which compensation is frequently discussed.
  • Following a Noteworthy Achievement: If you’ve recently completed a large project or reached a major milestone, use it as justification to request a raise.
  • Company Success: If your company performs well, it may be more inclined to reward its employees.

 

From “How to Get a Pay Rise”

 

6. ON MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

 

Manage Your Workload 

It is important to assess your workload. Often we can take on more than we can handle to support our team and be viewed as helpful employees. However, taking on more than you can manage will only end in burnout and the job likely won’t be done to the best of your ability.

Feeling overwhelmed by an excessive workload can significantly impact your mental health. Learn to manage your tasks effectively by prioritising and organising your work. Break down complex projects into manageable chunks and create a schedule to stay on track. If necessary, communicate with your supervisor about your workload and seek their guidance to ensure a healthy balance.

From Tips for Managing Your Mental Health At Work

 

Our Final Note for 2023

 

As recruitment consultants, we are constantly trying to make the process for candidates as efficient and stress-free as possible.  Providing advice is just one aspect of what we do on a day-to-day basis. Are you looking for a new career in 2024? Why not get in touch with us this December to have a chat? It could get you off on the right foot next year.

 

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