Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are becoming increasingly important considerations for employers, recruiters, and HR professionals. This is especially true of Irish workplaces, organisations must be proactive in their efforts to create diverse and inclusive teams. It is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for employers, fostering innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and improving overall business performance. As such, having a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively promote diversity and inclusivity should be at the forefront of every recruiter’s mind when sourcing potential candidates.

By carrying out best practices, recruiters and employers working within the Irish employment market create more equitable workplaces, become dynamically diverse and stay ahead when it comes to their future workforce makeup.

Inclusive teams are over 35% more productive and diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time, according to D&I Global Market Report.

Our Top Tip

Honour workers’ cultural and religious practices through a simple activity such as sending an email in a celebratory fashion or by issuing paid time off. This demonstrates respect and interest towards their culture.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

At Servisource we pride ourselves on creating an all inclusive work environment where everyone can feel welcomed. We take part in BeProud virtual cafes, training days around diversity, equity and inclusivity, as well as awareness days. Diversity Equity & Inclusion are at the heart of how we operate and as a certified “Great place to work”, this helps us to build trusted relationships with clients and staff.

Develop a Clear Inclusive Strategy

Developing an effective strategy is essential to ensuring that the workplace is a welcoming and accepting environment for everyone. There are several key best practices that can guide efforts in this area.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Define measurable goals and objectives for inclusivity within the organisation.
  • Integrate inclusivity into the company’s mission, values, and business strategies.
  • Employers can create an action plan that addresses barriers to diversity and provides solutions.
  • Building strong relationships with diverse communities is also crucial which can help to ensure that employees feel comfortable and supported at work.

Employers should continuously re-evaluate the strategy and measure its effectiveness to ensure it is achieving its intended outcomes.

Provide Diversity Training

Training should be about promoting understanding and acceptance of different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. Employers should also focus on offering a variety of resources to support diversity, not just training sessions.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Offer training programs for employees, hiring managers, and recruiters on unconscious bias, cultural awareness, and inclusive communication.
  • Ensure that all employees understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and how it contributes to the company’s success.
  • Everyone should feel comfortable and acknowledged in a training environment in order for it to be successful.
  • Resources like affinity groups, mentorship programs, and educational materials can help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

A commitment to ongoing diversity training can foster a positive and supportive environment for all employees.

Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices

As the push for inclusivity in the workplace continues to grow, recruiters and employers must implement inclusive hiring practices in order to attract and retain a diverse range of talent.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Review your current recruitment strategies and revise any exclusionary language or requirements.
  • Recruiters and employers must collaborate to create job descriptions that highlight the essential skills and competencies needed for the position without creating unnecessary barriers for applicants.
  • Partnerships with organisations should be established that serve underrepresented populations to increase the visibility of open positions and diversify the applicant pool.

By incorporating these best practices, recruiters and employers can create an inclusive hiring process that benefits both the organisation and its employees.

Expand Recruitment Channels

As the world becomes more and more digitised, traditional ways of recruiting candidates are no longer enough. Employers and recruiters need to expand their recruitment channels in order to reach the most qualified candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Utilising social media channels like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can greatly increase the reach of job postings and even help with employer branding.
  • Encouraging current employees to refer qualified candidates can not only save time and money, but can also lead to hiring individuals who are a good culture fit with the company.
  • Creating partnerships with educational institutions, community organisations, and local job boards can help tap into talent pools that may have been overlooked.

In order to effectively expand recruitment channels, employers and recruiters need to be proactive and adaptable in their approaches.

Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace is an increasingly important element for employers and recruiters in Ireland. By using the above effective strategies, they can play an invaluable role in fostering equitable working environments. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and feels valued. This increased sense of belonging leads to greater morale across the board and higher productivity rates.

Ultimately, it is up to recruiters and employers to ensure that all workers feel welcome and respected through intentional recruiting methods that support diversity and inclusion-related initiatives.

Contact Recruit Island for all your inclusive recruitment needs.

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland's Recruitment Sector

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector

The future of recruitment in Ireland is rapidly changing and with the introduction of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), the industry landscape is sure to see more transformations. More companies are embracing the future and the role of AI and automation in Ireland’s recruitment sector. Using new technology to simplify hiring and evaluate job applicants has significant implications for the industry.

We explore its advantages and challenges as well as take a closer look at innovative solutions implemented by Irish recruiters as they strive to keep up with rapid changes in an ever-evolving digital world.

The Advantages

One of the key roles of AI in recruitment is in talent sourcing and candidate screening and how it makes this process more effective. Systems can analyse large volumes of resumes and job applications to identify relevant skills and qualifications. They can then match candidates with suitable job positions. This significantly reduces the time and effort required by recruiters to review numerous applications manually.

The Challenges

One of the main challenges is the potential for bias in algorithms used for candidate screening. If the training data used to develop these algorithms is biased, it can result in unfair treatment or discrimination against certain groups of applicants. Another worry is that these technologies could replace human recruiters entirely. However, it is more likely that AI and automation will enhance recruiters’ capabilities, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making and relationship-building while leaving repetitive tasks to technology.

Did You Know?

About 95% of HR professionals think that AI could help with the application process for candidates.

Innovative solutions implemented by Irish recruiters

Irish recruiters have been proactive in embracing innovative solutions to keep up with the rapid changes in the ever-evolving digital world. This is done in the following ways:

  • AI-powered Candidate Screening: To sift through large volumes of resumes and applications. These tools use natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to identify relevant skills, qualifications, and experience, making the initial screening process more effective.
  • Video Interviews and Assessments: These tools allow candidates to showcase their skills remotely, saving time and resources for both candidates and recruiters. Video interviews also enable better assessments of a candidate’s communication and presentation skills.
  • Virtual Career Fairs and Online Job Platforms: Virtual career fairs provide a platform for employers to showcase their company culture, opportunities and to reach a wider pool of candidates. It also allows candidates to interact and engage with recruiters in a digital environment. Online job platforms offer increased visibility and accessibility for both recruiters and job seekers.

At Recruit Island, our ZAPP technology allows us to recruit and place the right people quickly and efficiently. Technology, innovation and continuous improvement are at the core of how we operate. Our sophisticated technology enables us to screen a large volume of candidates and oversee reference and compliance checks, giving assurance and peace of mind.

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland's Recruitment Sector

The future of AI and automation

The future of AI and automation is expected to have a significant impact by streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making, in the following ways:

  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Chatbots can handle initial candidate interactions, answering common queries, and scheduling interviews. Virtual assistants powered by natural language processing (NLP) can provide recommendations based on data analysis.
  • Ethical Considerations: As it becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations around data privacy and algorithmic bias need to be addressed. Regulations and guidelines may be established to ensure responsible and unbiased use of AI technologies.
  • Predictive Analytics: Analysing historical recruitment data to identify patterns and trends, helping organisations predict future hiring needs and optimise their talent acquisition strategies. This can lead to better workforce planning and talent retention.

AI and automation have brought significant advancements to Ireland’s recruitment sector, making the process more efficient, personalised and saving valuable time for recruiters. While challenges such as bias and job displacement exist, they can be overcome and embracing these technologies can lead to improved outcomes for both job seekers and employers. This creates a more effective and inclusive landscape.

The role of AI and automation in Ireland’s recruitment sector is sure to yield even more benefits as these technologies continue to evolve and improve, with the future looking exciting with many more possibilities to come.

Contact Recruit Island for all your recruitment needs.

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Happy nurse

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

Applying for your first healthcare job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in providing physical, emotional, and psychological support to patients and their families. It is a very rewarding career with many options to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even schools.

While it is natural to feel both anxious and eager as you prepare for your interview, knowing how to make a great impression is vital in standing out amongst the competition. By taking the time and by following our below guide on how to prepare for your first nursing job interview, you will have everything necessary to put your best foot forward.

Did You Know?

Nurses and Midwives account for nearly 50% of the global health workforce.

Research the organisation

It is a good idea to research the organisation. This will allow you to get a feel of their mission, values and services. It will also help you to gain an understanding of what they are looking for in a nurse and how you can become a valuable member of their team. A little bit of research can go a long way. The following points can show the interviewer that you are interested and have made an effort. It will become very clear to them that you want to make a good impression.

  • Search for recent news or press releases. Doing so will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have been following their healthcare updates.
  • Reading reviews from patients or employees will allow you to judge if it is a reputable hospital or organisation.
  • Studying the organisational chart will help you become familiar with who is interviewing you and what questions are appropriate to ask.

Understanding the company will not only impress your interviewer, but it will help you determine if this is the right fit for you. Remember to always approach your research with a professional attitude and take notes to refer back to. It will demonstrate that you are proactive, detail-oriented, and invested in finding the right job.

Know your CV

Knowing your CV inside and out is crucial. Your CV is a summary of your professional experience, qualifications and education. It contains important information that prospective employers will be interested in, such as your nursing license number, any relevant certifications you’ve obtained and key skills you’ve honed throughout your career.

Take the time to carefully review and reflect on your CV. Make sure you read through it to refresh your memory on your specific skills that can best relate to the position on offer. This way you will be in a better position to discuss these skills in detail. It will help you provide concise and confident responses to any questions related to your experience or qualifications. Preparing in this way allows you to showcase your expertise and highlight why you’re the right candidate for the job.

At Recruit Island, our team are on hand to supply you with tips on CV preparation and interview techniques. We place registered nurses in a wide range of positions that include:

– Staff Nurse Jobs in Hospitals and Care of the Elderly Facilities.
– Intellectual Disability (Learning Disability) Nurse Jobs.
– Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nurse Jobs.
– Nurse Manager Jobs.

Prepare questions

It is essential to have a list of questions ready to ask your potential employer. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest but helps you learn more about the organisation and its values. There are many questions you can ask in relation to:

  • The hospital’s patient-to-nurse ratio: This will give you an idea of how busy and stressful work can be.
  • How the organisation supports its nurses: Do they have flexible working hours or support groups?
  • Opportunities for professional development: Upskilling is vital as it can open up many work opportunities.
  • Specific responsibilities of the role: This will help you decide if your interests and skills are suitable.

Don’t be afraid to ask about the interviewer’s own experiences working at the hospital. It will help you stand out as a candidate and ensure that you have a clear understanding of what the position entails. An interview is a two-way conversation, therefore it is important to have some thoughtful questions ready. Doing this will demonstrate your passion for the profession and show that you are comfortable in high-stress situations, such as interviews.

By following the above steps, you will be able to showcase your talents as well as your professional abilities, helping you secure the position of your dreams. Best of luck from all of us at Recruit Island.

Contact us today for all our current nursing vacancies.

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

January Heart

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 trying our 5 tips to get you through January that will help you by reducing stress levels and encouraging productivity. From learning a new skill to staying social, these methods are simple yet highly effective approaches towards making sure you hit the ground running this month. If you’re ready to discover how you can get through this January in the most productive and healthy way possible, read on!

Start a New Hobby

Did You Know?

Art helps to increase the connectivity and plasticity in the brain. New or complex activities will lead to the creation of new connections between brain cells.

Starting an art class

When it comes to life satisfaction, starting a new hobby can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it open up the opportunity for you to gain knowledge, but it also sets you on the path to discovering and improving your capabilities in other areas of life too. Enrol in an art class or try your hand at knitting, two cosy skills for these cold, winter nights. Learn to play an instrument or join a sports club. These can be rewarding hobbies that can impact your future in very positive ways, from meeting new friends to discovering talents you never knew you had.

Go for a Lunch Walk

Winter lunch walk

It’s important to find meaningful ways to spend our lunch break while the sun is out and make the most of our valuable time during the day. In January it’s dark in the mornings and dark when work is finished so it’s difficult to get some sun rays. Some great options are taking a walk or jogging around the neighbourhood or local park to get that vitamin D in. Not only does this help you stay physically fit, but it can also be great for recharging mentally. Studies say the best time to get some Vitamin D from the sun would be between 10 o’clock in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon. Ideas will be flowing when you return to work and you’ll be feeling more productive after that 3 pm slump.

Eat Healthily

To stay healthy in the colder months, aim for around 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 calories a day for men. This is the same as your recommended daily calorie intake, but you need to increase it slightly to keep warm!

Winter can be a difficult time for healthy eating habits; with holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, there can be temptation around every corner, like finishing off that box of Quality Streets. However, by learning some new skills in the kitchen, you can set yourself up for delicious and nourishing meals for the rest of the winter. It is important to keep your immune system strong during winter and to create dishes that are good for both your body and soul.

Try these 3 simple ideas:

  1. Start your day with porridge which is filled with energy-boosting iron, and add sliced fruit to make it more flavoursome.
  2. Eat smaller but healthier meals by portioning them out by hand instead of emptying them out, which can leave you eating more than your body needs making you feel lethargic.

Hand Portioning Guide:

A portion of protein is 1 palm.

A portion of fat is 1 thumb.

A portion of vegetables is 1 fist.

A portion of carbohydrate is 1 cupped handful.

A snack portion, if needed, would be the complete size of 1 palm.

3. Cook and then freeze nourishing soups and stews to keep you warm and full during these dark days. TIP: Adding some ginger to them can aid in warding off flues and colds.

Apply for that Job/Course

Learning/new job in the new year

Job hunting can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right preparation and guidance, you can take your career in a new direction and make strides towards achieving your dream job! Whether you are applying for a new position or want to explore potential courses, there are many options available that could help move you closer towards achieving your goals. From researching job openings to preparing resumes and cover letters – begin with baby steps in January and work your way towards the end goal. Recruit Island’s New Year New You blog gives you the current job openings available now. It could be the boost you need to start your new career journey.

One company with current vacancies, offering further development courses is Servisource, who have a Learning and Development programme that provides internal staff the option to develop their leadership potential, and confidence, and equip them with the necessary skills to become future leaders within the business. 

Upskilling at work

Another useful learning platform is LinkedIn Learning, it provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative and business skills and is a subsidiary of LinkedIn. All the courses on LinkedIn fall into four categories: Business, Creative, Technology and Certifications.

It can be a great way to learn while working, with plenty of options to choose from. There are so many different upskilling courses, just begin with the first step of applying/joining and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Stay Social

Did You Know?

Loneliness is associated with higher rates of:
Depression, suicide, heart disease and dementia.

Being social with friends

It’s important to stay social and avoid hibernating during the month of January. As January begins and winter continues to bring feelings of isolation during these challenging times, it is more important than ever to stay connected with friends and family. It’s the perfect time to rekindle relationships or build new ones that can help you feel connected in an isolated world. It should be a priority for you in order to prevent feelings of loneliness and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of mood disorder, a variant of major depressive disorder (MDD) associated with seasonal changes during the winter months. 

So call that friend and go for that coffee, join a Meetup group or call a family member and check in.

Similar to other depressive disorders, SAD tends to be more prevalent in women than men. 
SAD is generally first diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 30, but SAD can and does affect any age group.

It’s good to take care of yourself during January and these tips will help you to do just that. Working long hours can take its toll, especially in the winter months, it’s important to stay on top of your routine and remain positive. Soon January will be over and spring will be blooming in no time.

Check out our current vacancies and opportunities today!

Previous Posts:

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview Applying for your first healthcare job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in providing physical, emotional, and psychological support to patients and their families. It is a very rewarding career with many options to work in a variety of…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

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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.

HCA, Academic personal assistant

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

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.

software engineer

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 

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.

Previous posts can be viewed below

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are becoming increasingly important considerations for employers, recruiters, and HR professionals. This is especially true of Irish workplaces, organisations must be proactive in their efforts to create diverse and inclusive teams. It is not only a…

Continue reading

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector The future of recruitment in Ireland is rapidly changing and with the introduction of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), the industry landscape is sure to see more transformations. More companies are embracing the future and the role of AI and automation…

Continue reading

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies No matter what industry your Irish company is in, it is essential to step up your employer brand in order to attract and retain the best employees. There are some straightforward strategies that can help even the smallest organisations win over potential candidates and…

Continue reading

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview Applying for your first healthcare job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in providing physical, emotional, and psychological support to patients and their families. It is a very rewarding career with many options to work in a variety of…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day

Today December 5th marks International Volunteer Day celebrating the theme of solidarity through volunteering.

International Volunteer Day

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 in need. It gives you a sense of purpose while also increasing your social skills. It can even help your chances at gaining employment as it looks good on your CV, showcasing your commitment to improving yourself and helping others in society and the world.

Did you know? International Volunteer Day
  • 60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteerism as a valuable asset when making recruitment decisions.
  • 92% of human resource executives agree that contributing to a nonprofit can improve an employees leadership skills.
  • 6.5% of working-age people worldwide engage in formal volunteering via an organisation or association. 

3 Types of Volunteer Work

There are many different types of volunteering programmes and it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for you. Here we list 3 types of volunteer work where you can put your skills to good use and help out.

Volunteer
  1. Volunteering for Environmental Issues

As people are becoming more environmentally aware, volunteering in this area is becoming more popular. People know that it is vital to act sooner rather than later when it comes to our environment. This type of work can include farming, environmental conservation and even working with ecovillages. It can be fun if you like the outdoors, like animals and don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

2. Volunteering in Healthcare

This is an ideal situation for medical students in order to gain training however, you don’t have to be a medical student to do this type of volunteering. You could simply visit patients in hospital to keep them company, work in health food shelters or even fundraise for cancer research, the list is endless.

3. Volunteering in Education

This is a great way to give someone the knowledge you possess and can involve working with children or adults. There are a range of countries where you can travel to and do this. It will allow you to gain teaching experience as well as helping those in need.

Servisource and Volunteering

At Servisource and CPL, we have the opportunity to get involved in a volunteering programme called INSPIRE, an online mentoring programme. we believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate, which is why we actively encourage our people to avail of this chance to get involved. With our Volunteering Time Off initiative, we ensure that employees get paid for any days off used to volunteer. The programme aims to match a young person with a professional role model to support and guide them. We know that mentoring works and having a positive role model in life is critical in order to prosper.

About the Mentors

INSPIRE works by matching a young person with an experienced professional. We want you to be that positive role model and make a difference in a young person’s life. Volunteer mentors commit to regular meetings with their mentee for up to one year and Innovate Communities provide the required training and support to help them become a successful mentor. This mentoring programme is online as you could be matched with a student from anywhere but if proximity permits you can meet them in person.

This is what the mentors have to say:

Ciaran – Senior IT Developer

I find I’m feeling quite energized seeing how the mentee is drawing on my expertise. There is a real sense of satisfaction about being able to help someone younger from my community. I’m learning there’s more to these young people than I may have thought. I see my mentee’s confidence building with every meeting. I see him leading more with every interaction and being more and more specific and honest about what he needs from me.

Marian – HR/Training Consultant

I’m really enjoying it. I’ve noticed my mentee’s thought process has widened from when we first met. She is thinking about the bigger picture, the longer term and about her career.

About the Mentees

Mentors are currently working with over 150 young people aged between 18 and 25 years of age. These mentees are diverse– Irish, Migrants and Immigrants (First Generation), Irish Black, Irish Asian and represent many different nationalities. They are HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) students studying Business & Management, Computers & ICT, Health & Social Care and Science and Pharma etc. The majority are the first in their family to go to college, don’t have a professional network to engage and have voluntarily signed up to INSPIRE to receive access to a mentor.

There are a range of volunteering opportunities to choose from around the world. With an array of benefits from it such as valuable work experience, learning new things and making new friends, why not give it a try and see how your help can benefit the world. You can find out more about the INSPIRE mentoring programme here and even sign up with their online application form.

So happy volunteering and let’s help each other in solidarity throughout the world!

International Volunteer Day

You can find out more about our opportunities below.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are becoming increasingly important considerations for employers, recruiters, and HR professionals. This is especially true of Irish workplaces, organisations must be proactive in their efforts to create diverse and inclusive teams. It is not only a…

Continue reading

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector

Embracing the Future and The Role of AI and Automation in Ireland’s Recruitment Sector The future of recruitment in Ireland is rapidly changing and with the introduction of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), the industry landscape is sure to see more transformations. More companies are embracing the future and the role of AI and automation…

Continue reading

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies No matter what industry your Irish company is in, it is essential to step up your employer brand in order to attract and retain the best employees. There are some straightforward strategies that can help even the smallest organisations win over potential candidates and…

Continue reading

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview Applying for your first healthcare job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in providing physical, emotional, and psychological support to patients and their families. It is a very rewarding career with many options to work in a variety of…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

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5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

Job interview questions.

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.

Job interview questions

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.

Job questions about salary

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.

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How To Prepare For Your First Nursing Job Interview

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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…

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The Ultimate FEAR of Finding a New Job!

Searching for a new job can be quite daunting for most people.

You are putting yourself out there – showcasing your best qualities – with a fear of being rejected.

I myself found it difficult to put myself out there to kickstart my career. I started my previous part time job at the age of 17, fresh out of school and although I felt considerably unfulfilled in that position, I ended up staying there for 8 long years!

We as humans hate the idea of change. But why? We can’t avoid it. Our entire life is filled with it. So how do we try and combat the fear of change, to be our best selves.  

“The grass won’t be greener”

Many people want to change careers but there is always the fear of it not being what you hoped. In fact, this can be the reason why many people won’t change careers. They are unhappy and complain day in, day out but when it comes to leaving they think:

  • What if the new job isn’t any better?
  • What if I uproot everything to be placed somewhere that I dislike even more.
  • What if? What if? What if?

But ask yourself, what is the worst outcome here? You move from one job you’re not happy in to another?

Ok, so look again, and don’t settle until you find somewhere that does make you feel happy. Find somewhere that you don’t dread travelling to each morning.

And WHAT IF you just happen to find yourself in a new job that you absolutely love. Because that’s what happened for me.

It took me 8 years to pluck up the courage to realise what if the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it certainly isn’t green where I am. So, I did my CV, applied for somewhere new. I joined Servisource in 2018 and haven’t looked back once. 

Read Our Blog: Be Are You Sabotaging Your Job Search?

Rejection

Putting it simply, when applying for a new job, you are basically trying to sell yourself.

You are putting your best qualities, talents and weaknesses out there to people you don’t personally know.  To get that rejection phone call can leave you feeling sad and hopeless. It can even leave you doubting yourself professionally. “Am I not good enough? Maybe I’m better off where I am”. But the best thing you can do from rejection is learn and take away something positive from it. 🙌

Think about it – would you blame yourself if a date didn’t go as planned? Would you never go on another date as long as you lived because one person rejected you?

Simple answer is, NO!

Take a step back and reflect on what has happened.

  • Where did it go wrong?
  • How can I improve on that?

Instead of putting yourself down and overwhelming yourself with negative thoughts; concentrate on one key area that you can improve on, that you can control and take it from there.

#OneStepAtATime

Read Our Blog: Be Successful in your Job Search – Tips for Success

Underqualified

During my time job searching I was coming across many job specs with responsibilities and requirements that I had no experience in.

This really put me off applying for roles that I had an interest in because of the fear of not being good enough.

Instead of looking at the things that I could do, I was constantly looking at what I couldn’t do within the job spec. (effectively I was pigeonholing myself)

What you need to realise is, no one is ever perfect for the job, and in fact no one wants to hire someone who is over qualified for the job, because there is no room for that person to then grow. 

If you are familiar with many of the job specifications but not all, don’t let this put you off. If you have an interest in the position and feel you would be right for the job, take a deep breath and proceed with your application; focusing on all your core skills.

Time Consuming

Working full time, balancing family life and trying to search for a new career on top of this can take up a large chunk of your time. Trawling through endless job posts, writing individual cover letters, altering your CV each time to suit the Job Requirements.

And this is before you even get to the interview stages!

Job searching does take time and focus, because you need to put your best foot forward. Try to set some time aside each week to sit down and little by little you will get work done.

Alternatively, why not register with a recruitment agency. Recruitisland.ie offers many different job opportunities daily, so why not create a candidate profile, upload your CV and let us take time to help you on your job search.

Recruit Island has numerous strong relationships with a wide range of well-known clients, so this can make it a lot easier to get your foot in the door.

Standing out from the crowd!

In this day and age, there is a surplus of candidates with many similar skills and qualifications as yourself.

So how can you differentiate yourself from the crowd?

  • The most important thing is to let your personality shine through. For me, I struggled to write in the interests and hobbies section of my CV.

But if you like to go surfing or horse-riding or even write blogs, write it in there – if you’re feeling confident even attach a link to your blog! This allows the reader to have a feel of what you are all about.

  • Adjust your CV to suit the job that you are applying for. It is very important that you do this, someone who’s going through a pile of CV’s can spot a generic one straight away. So, it’s very important that you tailor your CV and cover letter for the job you are applying for. Make the effort.
  • Ways to stand out could be as easy as writing a catchy opening in your cover letter to catch the readers eye. If you are successful enough to get to the interview stage, there are many ways that you can be remembered.
  • Do your research on the company, inside out. From the start up date to the different processes and IT systems that they use. Find out what charities they are working with and familiarise yourself with those charities. These are all potential topics for you to discuss during the interview process. It also shows the employer that you have taken an interest in the company and what they do.  
  • Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask about the company, ask about the daily routine of the role you are applying for. This again shows that you are visualising yourself in the position and allows them to give you an insight into what the role entails.

At the end of the day it is your life, your career. Where you end up is all down to what action you take.

Taking all the above factors into consideration and over coming those fears allows you to take a step outside of your box. To challenge yourself and put the effort into finding your dream job.

For me, it was a daunting experience to even get to the stage of applying for my first job.  But when I eventually plucked up the courage to make my first application for a job, the feeling was like none other.

To think back to why I was so afraid of change and all the “what ifs” and negative mind frame I was in. If I didn’t overcome those fears I would still be working in that job that gave me no fulfilment and left me unhappy.

If you are considering changing career or looking for something different, why not make it your first step to upload your CV to recruitisland.ie to see what else is out there for you?

Whether you want a career in science, administration, finance, healthcare or even construction, help yourself by letting us help you.  

Article Written By:

Donna Cronin |
Recruitment Co-ordinator Admin & Finance Division
dcronin@servisource.ie
+ 353 (0) 429368341

Are You Sabotaging Your Job Search?

Are you sabotaging your own job search by engaging in self-destructive behaviour? We would like to share some warning signs to help you.

Do you rule yourself out?

When job searching, do you often ‘rule yourself out’ if; when reading a job spec, you don’t have a certain skill?

“I didn’t apply for that position because it states in the job spec they require  “X” skills, and I don’t have that”.

Just remember, managers are not always trained in writing strong job descriptions and can sometimes include anything and everything they ‘want’ within the job spec.

Generally, job seekers should apply the 80:20 rule:

Apply for positions where you meet about 80% plus of the job requirements.

Do you find self-doubt and self-elimination prevents you from applying for roles?

Oftentimes, low self-esteem, insecurities in a role or feelings of ‘not good enough’ to apply for a role stops you from opportunities in life; even applying for your dream job.

job search
job search

Do you have a clear career focus?

Focus is the “key to job search success”

Focus isn’t just a mindset: it’s an act of doing, an action that, when used properly, can propel your job search.

Think about it – you need to:

  • Internal focus to identify strengths, weaknesses, passions, core values and skills, target industries.
  • Focus on your cover letter (generic cover letters don’t “cut the mustard”
  • Focus on your CV
  • Focus on your interview skills / prep
  • Focus on your mindset; maintain positivity, maintain curiosity
  • Focus on your behaviour & productivity levels

Another crucial aspect of the job search is knowing what you want from a role and company. Are you able to define and communicate what you want for your next role to potential employers?

Read our blog: Be Successful in Your Job Search – Tips for Success

Do you fear change?

In life – In your career – Financially?

People associate change with a loss of control, money or pride; fear of being outside of their comfort zone, feelings of uncertainty and dread. It’s the unknown.

The majority of the time, it’s not the change itself, but rather our interpretations of it, that make the situation appear negative.

Is it better to embrace change rather than letting fear get in the way of happiness?

Force yourself to interpret the fact of change from a wildly different perspective, don’t let past experiences skew your mindset.

If you are unhappy in your current job; do something about it! Contact Us Today

Do you avoid Networking?

It is commonly said that 80% plus of available jobs never get posted whereby recruiters or hiring managers fill roles through referrals (SO GET NETWORKING!)

Yes, it can be intimidating and scary but remember, you network every day; everywhere you go!

Professional networking is about making contacts and building relationships that can lead to jobs or other work-related opportunities.

  • Get Social

We don’t just mean go on Facebook all day! Become an influential expert in your field, an influencer who adds value, a unique hidden resource. Build your brand.

Adopt a networking lifestyle.

  • Attend Industry Events and/or Job Fairs

Industry events and job fairs give you the opportunity to ask a lot of questions, be asked a lot of questions (a months’ worth of interviews in one day!) and are also a GREAT place for networking & an opportunity to learn about your chosen industry and make new contacts within that industry.

Do you use the same CV to apply for all roles?

If you are submitting the same CV for all roles, this can be seen as lazy which may lead to the recruiter or hiring manager to presume you are applying to many positions at once.

Customisation is Key!!

Both your CV and cover letter should be updated specifically for the position you are pursuing. Job descriptions are a combination of requirements (needs) and wants (would be nice to have) therefore highlighting and relating your relevant experience for the specific role is important.  Quantify your achievements in any given role. Showcase your value and how you can help the company.

It is becoming common-place, especially if your CV is online (such as LinkedIn or online job boards), the recruitment process is streamlined. This means your CV will be pre-screened by algorithms; signifying the importance of optimising or customising your CV to include core keywords from the specific job spec.

You could even earn bonus points if you research the company values and include aspects of these within your CV & Cover Letter. Your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate a personal connection between yourself and the company, similar to an elevator pitch when you are networking.

Make yourself accessible to recruiters and hiring managers.

Did you know that our recruiters don’t just post their open vacancies on Recruitisland.ie?

They also actively look for people to fill their vacancies by searching through our Candidate Profiles.

Create a candidate profile and we can help you find that dream job – let’s get you hired 😊

Do you feel you are a failure if you are not successful at interview?

Oftentimes, candidates lose self-esteem as they go into interviews believing that there are two outcomes: pass or fail. You are qualified or have specific experience; if the hiring manager doesn’t get you, they don’t deserve you!

Example: When you go on a date with someone and there’s no chemistry, do you feel like a failure?

No – because if you are not a match, you are not a match.

So don’t let one or two rejections get in the way of you finding your perfect career.

STOP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!

Basically, if you are engaging in these behaviors, take a step back, analyse what and why you are engaging in such destructive behavior and take action.

STOP avoiding or doing all of the above. A behavior change in all of these areas can have big results in your job search.  Never give up trying to do what you really want to do.

If you can dream it, you can do it  🙌

Recruit Island is ‘an island of opportunity’ where your goals can be achieved – have a look at all available jobs and lets make those dreams come true!

Contact Us Today!

Article Written By:
Donna Farrell

Job seeking on your Mobile Device and Social Media

With the improved economic climate, and the increase in job prospects; many workers are considering career or job changes; making competition rife. If you are serious about finding your dream job, you must be ready to apply for a job instantaneously – on your mobile device and social media!

Mobile device use in Ireland:

It is not hard to tell, Ireland is mobile mad! 90% of Irish adults (three million people!) have a mobile device. The numbers of people with access to a tablet has increased from 64%  to 71% (higher than the European average (Ipsos MORI on behalf of Deloitte).

smartphone use in Ireland
37% of Irish people access the internet most often via a mobile device. In 2018, more people accessed the internet on a mobile device than desktops.  52.2% of all website traffic worldwide was generated through mobile phones, up from 50.3 percent in the previous year (Statista 2018).

The dominance of smartphones and their usage is only going to increase in the coming years which means that activities that we conventionally used PCs and laptops for; including work & job seeking, will migrate onto the mobile device.

43% of mobile device owners in America have used their mobile to look up information about jobs and 39% have used their phone to submit a job application (Pew Research Centre, 2015).

Today, job seekers expect to view jobs seamlessly on their mobile device and apply to them quickly and easily. A copy of your resume must be easily accessible.

Is the CV Dead?

Because of this increase in mobile device usage, many are insinuating that “In the game of getting noticed, the CV is dead”.

Let’s not get carried away with this – the CV is no longer THE ONLY way of securing an interview; with many job seekers using various relevant channels to get noticed; interlacing a coherent story to promote themselves.

The online age has shifted a lot of information online into digital form; where applicants enter their work and educational history into a form which allows employers and recruiters to find top talent.

Additionally, with the increase in AI tools, employers can use specific software to weed out the no-hopers.

The A.I. Paradox:

Because of the pace of technological advancement and innovation, there is an argument rising that robots will eventually take our jobs. However, “technological change leads to job creation as well as automation, and these two effects are interdependent: History has repeatedly borne this out”(Cisco, Oxford Economics, 2017).

Technology, whether it be “workforce science”, “data aggregation” or “Big Data” has already changed the way people find jobs. Look no further than the way job recruitment has changed.

Traditional routes of job seeking such as sending a CV to 25 recruiters or companies and waiting, is over. Companies are harvesting and interpreting online activities of potential candidates; availing of large databases of candidate information; using data aggregation and keyword analysis to find suitable candidates in order to identify the candidate with the “perfect fit”.

That being said, we may have to assume that with the increase in A.I, work in the future may not be full-time equivalent spanning a person’s lifetime – there is already a shift in full time to contract or agency work, which is likely to become the norm.

Tell the story of your brand – YOU!

Of course, none of this means that a well-thought out, up-to-date CV is useless. 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.

Even if you don’t upload your CV in full to a website, the process of writing a CV will have helped you focus on how best to present your strengths and your brand – YOU!

Be Successful in Your Job Search – Tips for Success

What can Recruit Island do for you – the job seeker?

Recruit Island is a huge repository of information about job seekers and the skills they have. It is a platform where people can advertise their talents, store their work personas in a searchable, communicable form showcasing a lifetime of work.

How do I apply via mobile?

  1. On your browser, go to our website recruitisland.wpengine.com

Tip: for instant access to jobs, add Recruit Island to your Homescreen

Add Recruit island to your homescreen on Mobile device
Mobile device

Add Recruit island to your homescreen on Mobile device
Mobile device

 

  1. If you are browsing Recruit Island for career opportunities on your mobile and find the perfect job, click the ‘Apply Online’ button.  You will first be asked to fill out your contact details then add your CV.

Attach your CV to your application from your cloud storage application (Google Drive/Dropbox/Box/One Drive) or upload your CV from your mobile device or tablet.

  1. Once uploaded, complete the remaining fields and hit “Send Application”

How do I sign up to text alerts?

If you are searching for jobs mainly from your mobile device, let the jobs come to you! Sign up for text or email alerts whenever a new, relevant, job is posted on Recruit Island.

  1. Click here to sign up for weekly job alerts & enter your contact details
  2. Choose the most relevant category for your dream job
  3. Click the Subscribe Now button.

What can Recruit Island do for you – the employer?

Online platforms are fast becoming the quickest way to shortlist quality staff and if an employer knows what they want, they can make a sound recruitment decision quickly and effectively.

Click here to register your employer profile

We are offering, for a limited period, FREE 30 day job posting for employers and companies hiring.

Escape the recruitment nightmare, visit Recruit Island where we have thousands of profiles already live, make your next recruitment process an easier and more rewarding experience.

 

Article Written By:
Donna Farrell