Job-hunting Archives - Recruit Island

New Year New Job

New Year, New Job

Now that we have reached a new year, you may be considering what kind of changes you want to make to your life. Is there something missing, do you need a new challenge, something more fulfilling? Maybe a career change is what you need and maybe a new year means a new job! If so, it’s essential to do your research and take the time to find the right job to suit you, that’s where Recruit Island comes in.

There are numerous rewarding jobs out there that you could be a great fit for and here at Recruit Island we want to give you an insight into some of our current positions that offer a host of opportunities across numerous disciplines. There is an increased demand for specialised skills and roles across all medical fields – creating more opportunities than ever before! In this blog post, we will explore some of these new job options available at Recruit Island, helping you decide which one might be best suited to your unique skillset.

Academic Personal Assistant/HCA

Irish Wheelchair Association estimates that over 60% of individuals currently receiving Personal Assistant services or Home Support, require significantly more hours than they’re receiving.

Are you a people person, looking for some seasonal or temporary work? Then a job as an Academic Personal Assistant or Health Care Assistant (HCA) could be the job for you. This job involves supporting students with disabilities who are registered with the Disability Office on a 3rd level campus. It is a very rewarding job as it involves assisting the student around campus to lectures, carrying bags, opening doors, and note taking during lectures, among other duties. It is a great chance to work on a one to one basis instead of within a large healthcare environment such as a hospital. This opening is located in Cork City and the full outline of this position is listed here.

Kitchen Porter

Is cooking your specialty? Do you enjoy working in catering with different types of people? Why not apply to become a Kitchen Porter, a job that is full of variety. Our agency supplies kitchen porters to hospitals & healthcare facilities in the Dublin 6 area. We work with over 60 clients across Dublin, so you’ll get the opportunity to build experience in different healthcare facilities. Preparing the catering department for the start of service and assisting in the serving of food to patients on wards are just some of the duties this position entails. More specifications are outlined on our website.

Software Engineer

By 2030, it is estimated that 45 million people worldwide will be working as software engineers.

Do you have experience working in IT and have a flair for computers? Then a role as a Software Engineer may be for you. This role is located in Co. Mayo and is a full-time role in a hybrid work setting. It is ideal for someone who is highly motivated and interested in learning new technologies. This industry is very reliable to work in with all of the details available on our website.

Client Relationship Manager

If you think you have a good head for business, then perhaps the role of Client Relationship Manager is for you. This position is based in the Leinster area with the role being primarily in business development. It involves liaising with numerous different departments and personnel and would be suited to someone who is highly driven. It might just be the opportunity you need to excel in the workforce. Details of this position are outlined here.

You can also check out our job seekers platform which allows you to keep track of the jobs you have applied for and where you can input your resume. It’s like having your own personal job seekers portfolio! If you don’t know what you’re looking for or what might be suited to your skills, then you can submit your CV to our website.

A change in your career could be exactly what you need and here at Recruit Island, we make sure you are supported through every step of the hiring process. January is a month that encourages you to take a look at the previous year and how fulfilled you were in various aspects of your life and then allows you to plan for the current year. How can you achieve your goals and live a life most suited to your talents? Now is the time to find out!

A full list of job opportunities are listed on our Recruit Island website.

Recruit Island

Previous posts can be viewed below

Career Guidance, Workplace Wellness

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY At the start of a new year, there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after the Christmas break. January can be an especially challenging month for everyone, but with a little effort you can set yourself up for success this year by…

Career Guidance, Job Search

New Year New Job

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Innovative Ideas, Workplace Wellness

5 Ways to Manage Your Workload in the Run-Up to Christmas

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Career Guidance, Events, Workplace Wellness

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer DayToday December 5th marks International Volunteer Day celebrating the theme of solidarity through volunteering. This year’s campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism. There are many advantages of volunteering, it is an excellent way to meet new people, give back to the community and help people…

Career Guidance, Employer Advice, Events, Job Search

5 Benefits of Networking at Work

Networking is a vital part to career growth. Sometimes networking can be confused with selling, but it is creating long-term relationships with mutual benefits and building a good reputation over time.

Career Guidance, Employer Advice, Workplace Wellness

Is Hybrid Work the New Normal?

Is Hybrid Work the New Normal?It’s no secret the pandemic has upended our lives. With remote work becoming more commonplace, hybrid work has become the new normal for many organisations. Hybrid work is a combination of working from your own space as well as a company location. This may come in the form of say…

Career Guidance, Interview Tips

5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

When you’re in an interview, it’s important to be mindful of the things you say. In addition to being an opportunity to show off your qualifications, an interview is also a chance for the employer to get to know you as a person. How the interviewer determines whether you’re a good fit for their company and culture comes down to what you say and how you say it in the interview. It’s important to stay positive and enthusiastic throughout the interview, even if you’re feeling nervous. It’s also better to know what not to say so you can avoid any awkward situations which may result in you losing that job you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, the interview is your chance to sell yourself as the ideal candidate, so take a deep breath and focus on putting your best foot forward.

We want to help you get that job so here are 5 tips on what not to say in your next interview:

1. Negativity about your previous job.

Remaining professional and positive during an interview is especially important. The interviewer may ask you questions like “Why are you looking for a new job?” or “What didn’t you like about your previous positions?”. Your ability to answer these questions while avoiding a negative manner about your previous employer or job can show the interviewer that you can remain professional.

Positive answers to these questions can fill the interviewer with confidence that you will be a good addition to their companies’ culture and that you will not say anything negative about them in the future.

2. Don’t only give yes or no answers.

Interviewers will ask you an array of different questions. It’s important to reply as best you can and not just with a simple yes or no answer. If the hiring manager asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, you can ask them to elaborate.

If you are still unsure about what is being asked, then it’s better to tell them you would be happy to answer after you do some follow-up research. This shows that you have an eagerness to learn, which will give a good impression.

3. “I don’t have any questions.”

At the end of the interview most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. It is important when preparing for an interview to have some meaningful questions prepared to ask the employer, this shows that you have an interest in the company and in the position.

4. Don’t bring up the S word.

If you can help it, don’t be the first one to bring up the S word, salary. If you are too quick to mention money, it might come across to the employer that this is the most important aspect of the job for you. This is an especially mortal sin at the first meeting. When you find out more about the company and your role, you will be able to better determine your salary range.

5. Questions about annual holidays.

It’s better to avoid any questions referring to how many annual holidays the job offers. This information will come in time and it’s more formal to wait until after the first interview or until the interviewer brings this subject up first. You can ask about what benefits the company has to offer when you get through to the 2nd stage of the interview process.

It’s better to be well prepared and as formal and polite as you can be in any interview. If you take note of the above points, then you have more chance of succeeding and you’ll be on your way to that new career you’ve always wanted.

Check out what jobs we have on offer below and put these interview tips to the test.

Recruit Island Job Vacancies

Career Guidance, Workplace Wellness

Be Successful in Your Job Search – Tips for Success

Are you struggling to be successful in your job search – need tips for success?

Knowing how to be successful in your job search is a skill in itself, and one which most people overlook and underprepare for. This is an investment of your time; however finding that dream role will be worth it.

Although time consuming, the job search process begins with inward self-reflection.

Do you know your values, interests, skills and goals?
Do you know what you want from a job, from an employer or what you can offer?

Self-assessment provides invaluable information to enable career decisions; where you can identify the match between your acknowledged values & skills to the requirements of career fields and suitable companies. This is so important to be successful in your job Search as it is the core reasoning that pulls you toward a specific role or company.

Have a read of this article to Be Successful in Your Job Search: How to Reach your Career Goals

To be successful in your job search, focus is also important. Focus is not just a mindset: it is an act of doing, an action that, when used properly, can propel your job search; making the process both more enjoyable and productive.

Focus your mind on the job search itself:
Be in the right mindset, have a ‘learners’ mindset, read everything, research networking opportunities in your chosen field, reach out to someone new on social media. Find out about potential job openings via multiple channels. BE POSITIVE.

Candidates are reacting quickly when they spot a good opportunity; but what does that mean for job seekers?

Do not wait to apply for a role. Keep your CV up to date and react immediately. The best day to respond to a job listing is the day it appears.

Tip: We would recommend signing up to job alerts and check listings regularly, so that you know when new job postings appear.

Click here to subscribe to the Recruit Island weekly Job Alerts – let’s get you the perfect Job.

Of course, your dream job search will come down to more than clever submission times or days. Your CV will not get you the job, but make sure your CV piques the interest of the recruiter/employer in order to secure an interview.

It is also noteworthy to ensure your subject line is concise and to the point. Do not use subject lines such as “My CV” or “CV for Job”; ensure you communicate the entire message (Example: Jack, 5+ years’ experience, .Net Developer for Job code 123456 – CV Attached).

A brief and concise cover letter that spells out clearly how your qualifications match the job requirements is also beneficial. Connect the dots for the recruiter, highlighting why you’re the perfect candidate for their job.

In order to put your best foot forward and be successful in your job search, we have put together the most common CV challenges and advise on how to fix them.

CV is too long: including too much information is just as bad as not including enough information. Describing what you did in various roles can eat up a lot of space, so keep it short by using bullet points. A job from 10 years ago doesn’t need in-depth detail, leaving you more space to explain your most recent work.

Typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors: don’t shoot yourself in the foot before the interview process even begins. To be successful in your job Search, spell check can pick up some mistakes but not everything – Ask a friend to check your spelling and grammar & check it yourself carefully before you send it.
Gaps in your CV: Leaving unexplained gaps in your CV without explanation may arouse suspicion with a recruiter. Whether you’ve taken time out to travel or to care for a loved one; include this and put a positive spin on it. These activities can include core skills such as organisation, planning and communication.
Lack of work experience: Recent graduate? Career change? No industry knowledge? These can all be reason for a lack of direct experience; however you need to portray your transferable skills from other areas of your experience and highlight them. If you enrol on a course or do some voluntary work in your new field, make it prominent on your CV as this will show your commitment to the role.

Tips for Graduates: The Transition from Student to Career

Not showing your worth: You can use generic clichés in your CV such as “business growth” or “Relationship building”; however, without highlighting the results in previous roles, you are missing out on a significant opportunity to sell yourself and show how valuable you are to an organisation. Use Results Based or Quantitative Examples.
A ‘one size fits all’ CV: if you are sending out generic CV’s for all roles, you are significantly reducing your chances of being called to interview. As you are writing or editing your CV, have the job description to hand. Without researching the needs of your target employers, you will be basing the content on what you think should be on your CV. Structure your existing CV around the specific job description; highlighting required skills of the new role.
All your jobs have been very similar? If all your jobs included similar duties and responsibilities, it is not essential to include every single one on your CV. A brief summary of your career history will suffice with a more detailed section outlining the core (and relevant) skills and experience you’ve gained.

Job searching is hard work and there are times where you will feel discouraged. Be assertive and proactive. If you are finding it difficult and need some help, we would be delighted to help you.

At Recruit Island, we provide a range of temporary and permanent staff solutions from short term assignments to long term contractors in Ireland. We have roles in Healthcare, Homecare, Nursing, Clerical, Construction & Engineering, Warehousing / Supply Chain Management, Training, Education Support & Occupational Health. We are also broadening our reach offering roles in Admin & Finance, Banking & Dental Health.

Using our strong relationships with large multinationals and businesses across Ireland, we can help you find your dream job and answer all your questions along the way.

Article Written By:
Donna Farrell

Career Guidance

New Career in the New Year. Kick-start your goals.

New Year New Career

New Year, New Career. For many people, December and Christmas mean overindulgence leading to the January blues. Bodies rid copious amounts of alcohol and festive foods, people start staying in, saving money and getting back to reality. This January, make it your mission to stay positive and use the New Year as an opportunity for a fresh start. Whether you want to become healthier, travel more, learn more or excel in your career – get on the ball as soon as January hits.

New Beginnings

A New Year instigates the notion of new beginnings in the form of resolutions, promises and changes and among this, job-hunting begins and career changes rise. Many people feel like a career change but are unsure of where to start. Find a career that you love and an environment that you thrive in by following our guide for kick-starting your new career this December.

Set Career Goals

Think about what kind of person you are, what makes you happy, what elements of your job you like, who you want to become and what you want to achieve. Before you start off your new career, have a read of our previous blog piece and answer our questions to discover your aspirations and goals: https://recruitisland.wpengine.com/career-guidance/reach-long-term-career-goals/

Be Realistic

Set yourself realistic expectations. A lot of New Year’s resolutions can be unattainable as people set themselves too many big targets at once. If your goal is drastic, you are likely going to break the rules and cheat here and there. This can result in people feeling like they have failed and they can fall off the ladder. To help you in your new career, set smaller, more achievable goals and create a schedule/calendar/map of what is needed to do to reach them.

Switch it up

If you are unhappy in your current job it might be worth discussing the possibility of switching roles within your company. Explain to your boss how you are feeling and what you are thinking of doing. Maybe it is that you feel you can no longer excel in your role.

Job-Hunting

When you are looking for a new career or searching for new jobs, treat it seriously and set yourself a timetable as you would do if you were working. In your schedule, include things like market research on companies of interest, professionals in your chosen field etc. Only apply for jobs that you are genuinely interested in. Keep record of all the positions which you have applied for.

Aim High

Make a list of your successes, strengths and qualities. If you struggle with this ask close friends and family to help out and ask them to be honest. Ask questions like: “What could I bring to the role that others can’t?”. Know your worth and aim even higher.

Learn from others

Is there someone at work that always seems to get the job done? Every workplace has at least one, they excel at their job, they ooze confidence/motivation or ambition. Engage with these people, let their positive energy rub off on you. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you to better yourself and who encourage you to be the best that you can be.

Social Media

Update your LinkedIn account. Once your account is updated, become an active user. Join groups that are relevant to your interests. Follow companies and people that you are interested in on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and comment/share and engage in posts appropriately.

Network

Go to industry events, meet and talk to people in areas that might benefit and make sure to follow up afterwards by adding them on LinkedIn. Contact leaders/professionals in your area of interest and ask them questions or advice.

CV

CVs can determine whether or not you make it to interview stage. Review your CV carefully and make sure that it is perfect. When recruiting, spelling mistakes can give off the impression of laziness and a lack of attention to detail. Ask people you trust to critique it afterwards – work colleagues, friends etc.

Interview Preparation

The job market is becoming more competitive making interviews tougher so preparation is key. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid of trying something different. The interview process can be monotonous for employers. Make yourself stand out! See interview blog piece here: https://myhomecare.ie/career-advice/banish-interviews-nerves-bag-job/

Be Proactive

Sometimes getting the job you want may seem impossible and daunting and may even test your patience but remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Skills

When it comes to learning, you are never at the same level. You are either falling behind or growing. Keep your skills fresh and updated. Learn new skills and talents.

Good luck! 🙂

Career Guidance

Tips for Graduates: The Transition from Student to Career

A graduate is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “A person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree“. Starting your career as a graduate is a new beginning that many students look forward to. It is an exciting time as you leave the student life behind once and for all and take a step on to the career ladder. No more all-nighters to finish assignments, no more cramming months of study into weeks or even days and no more plain pasta and baked beans, well! Going from a graduate to the professional world can be a challenging time as routine and responsibilities kick in. It can be stressful as other graduates are looking for employment, increasing the competition and leaving companies choosing the best. Practice patience and don’t let knock-backs get you down. Aim high and read these tips for kick-starting your graduate career.

Find Your Niche

First, figure out what it is that you want to do. Make a list of things you want to change in the world, your skills, passions, motivations and goals. This will help you learn what kind of person you are and what you want to become. It will aid you in choosing a career that suits you. Ask friends and family for support and advice. Speak to people already working in the area you would like to try out and get advice from them, if you’re lucky you might even get some work experience.

Graduate Networking

Networking is extremely important and useful for graduates and future graduates. There are so many people in your network that can help you when it comes to your career – lecturers, classmates, peers, other students, friends and family. Talk to as many people as you can about your aspirations, you never know what advice or help you may receive. It can also be a good way to listen out for employment as most vacancies are filled by word of mouth and as the saying goes it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to pick up tips, learn and find opportunities.

Update Social Profiles

Ensure that your online presence is presentable. This is a must! Most employers will search for potential employees and it is important that you don’t make a bad impression. Keep yourself respectable on all social platforms and make sure you are using LinkedIn to its full potential. Network and search for companies and employers of interest etc. Include contact information such as phone numbers, e-mail address, all social media profile URL’s, company websites, blog web address etc. This will make it easy for an employer to research and contact you. And think before you post!

Your CV

Recruiters search for CVs on job websites when looking to fill vacancies and hire employees. Create a profile on job websites and upload a copy of your CV, it doesn’t take long to do and it means potential employers looking for the type of skills or qualifications you have can find you. Upload your CV to your LinkedIn profile as employers can use this to search for employees. Tailor your CV to individual jobs. When applying for a specific job role, you are essentially telling the employer why you are perfect for the position. It might be more time-consuming but changing your Cover Letter and CV for jobs will make you stand out more.

Volunteer

Volunteer for charitable organisations that you have an interest in. Get involved in new projects or new tasks whether it is in college, work or socially. The more experience you have and things you have done the more interesting you seem, the more you people you meet the more learn.

Skills & Experience

Most people will have work experience whether it is related to your graduate job/degree or not. Use your experience from previous jobs or the skills you have obtained through work life such as efficiency, working in a fast-paced environment, organisation and leadership etc. Don’t forget about college or voluntary experience. If you were involved in college projects or activities such as college radio or magazine make sure to include this and list the skills that you have gained from them.

Research the Company

Make sure you do your research and know the company history and core values before going for an interview. It is important to know about the company because if you are questioned on it and you don’t know anything about it you can give off a bad impression and it show disinterest. It is also helpful when it comes to writing your cover letter and knowing which skills to enhance during the interview process.

Aim High

If there is a brand or company that you would love to work for then don’t be afraid to approach them. Do your history, research them and find out as much as you can. See if they have any vacancies. Find out who works for them and network with these people. Send them your CV or approach them directly. If you would like to work here then you more than likely have the skills and personality fitted to the company. It’s worth a shot.

Start a Blog

Sell yourself as well as your degree. A lot of the time, employers are looking for skills and personality. Use your strengths and make yourself stand out. Blog about things you know and are interested in or passionate about. You can share these on your LinkedIn profile.

No longer a Graduate – When you Get the Job

Ask Questions

Your employer can’t read your mind. They don’t expect you to know everything. If there are certain elements of the company or workload which you don’t understand, ask for clarification.

Stand out

Throw yourself into the work assigned and show your enthusiasm. Don’t wait for things to happen, make them happen. Get involved in important events and projects. Use your initiative to think and act independently. Speak up and voice your opinions and ideas.

Assess Yourself

Assess yourself regularly, set yourself some long-term career goals. Know your personality, your skills, your weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and improve on where you think you should. With appealing jobs being limited and those that are advertised getting snapped up quickly it can be tempting to apply for all sorts of jobs which might not appeal to you, just for the sake of finding a job. Think about what it is exactly that you are applying for. Do not apply for something which you have absolutely no interest in. You spend most of your time at work so choose something which you will enjoy, learn from and can grow in.

Work Hard

Even if you don’t love your job, do it well anyway. Every job is an opportunity and you must start somewhere. It’s OK if you feel that this is not the right job for you. It will give you a greater understanding of what you don’t want to do and what want from your career.

Making Mistakes

Making mistakes in your career is a lot different to making mistakes in college. When you make mistakes in college you might fail an assignment or subject. When you make mistakes in your job you learn lessons that you can grow from and take with you throughout your career.

Learn

Most great people did not get to where they are today on their own. They had a strong support system to help them on their way. Learn from your colleagues and if they give you advice, listen to them and take it on board. Chances are, they have a lot more experience than you, accept their help.

Update Skills

You never stop learning. Read books that are related to your job role, sign up for events or courses to update your skills. If you are passionate about it, this won’t even be work and you will enjoy it.

Now go and prosper! 😊