4 Tips To Get Through Winter

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

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

At the start of a new year there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after Christmas break. Winter can be an especially challenging time, but with a little effort it can be a successful month. Try these 4 tips to get through winter that will help reduce stress levels and encourage productivity. From learning a new skill to setting professional goals, these methods are simple yet highly effective approaches towards making sure you hit the ground running after the Christmas festivities.

1. Start a New Hobby

When it comes to life satisfaction, starting a new hobby can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it open up the opportunity to gain knowledge, but it also sets you on the path to discovering and improving capabilities in other areas of life too.

Enroll in an art class or try a hand at knitting, these are two cosy skills for the cold, winter nights. Learn to play an instrument or join a sports club, these are rewarding hobbies that can impact your future in very positive ways, from meeting new friends to discovering talents you never knew you had.

4 Tips To Get You Through Winter

Did You Know?

Studies demonstrate that drawing is known to reduce anxiety and helps regulate sadness, when used as a way to distract from negative thoughts and feelings.

Starting an art class

2. Go for a Walk at Lunch

It’s important to find meaningful ways to spend lunch breaks while the sun is out and make the most of valuable time during the day. In January it’s dark in the mornings and dark by early evening so it’s difficult to get some sun rays. Some great options are taking a walk at lunch time or jogging around the neighbourhood or local park to soak in some vitamin D. Not only does this help you stay physically fit, but it can also be great for recharging mentally.

Vitamin D is known to play an important role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression. Studies say the best time to get Vitamin D from the sun is between 10am and 3:30pm. Ideas and productivity will be flowing when returning back to work after that 3pm slump.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

3. Eat Healthily

To stay healthy in the colder months, women are advised to aim for around 2,000 calories a day and 2,500 calories a day for men. This is the same as the recommended daily calorie intake, but it needs to increase slightly in order to keep warm during winter.

This time of year can be a difficult time to keep up with healthy eating habits, however, by learning some new skills in the kitchen, delicious and nourishing meals can make it easier to keep on top of this. Healthy eating helps the immune system to stay strong during winter and is great for both body and soul.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

Winter Cooking Tips

Start your day with porridge which is filled with energy-boosting iron, and add sliced fruit to make it more flavoursome. 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. Cook and then freeze nourishing soups and stews to keep you warm and full during these dark days. Adding some ginger to can aid in warding off flues and colds.

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

5 Tips To Get You Through Winter

4. Apply for that Job/Course

Job hunting can be a great start to the new year. It could be that change needed and there is no better time to start than in those first few months of the year. With the right preparation and guidance, it’s possible to make strides towards achieving this goal. Whether applying for a new position or wanting to explore potential courses, there are many options available. From researching job openings to preparing CVs and cover letters, begin with baby steps and work upwards.

Recruit Island’s blog Unlocking Your Potential in 2024 highlights some ways to do this. It could be the boost needed to start that new career journey. LinkedIn Learning, 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.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

Winter can be a challenging season, but with these 4 tips in mind, it can be navigated with ease and it is possible to find moments of joy in the midst of the cold and darkness. Self-care, staying active, embracing winter activities, maintaining a healthy diet, and setting new goals can create a sense of accomplishment. It will make it easier to not only survive winter but also thrive during this unique and beautiful season. So bundle up, stay positive, and make the most the time available.

Recruit Island can guide you in the right direction in 2024 and beyond.

Unlocking Your Potential in 2024

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

Unlocking Your Potential in 2024

As we step into the promising year of 2024, the Irish job market is poised for growth and transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking new challenges or a fresh graduate embarking on your career journey, now is the perfect time for unlocking your potential. Various insights can help job seekers thrive in the dynamic world of Irish recruitment, ensuring this year becomes a year of remarkable opportunities.

The employment rate in Ireland is at its highest rate since records began in 1998. In the second quarter of 2023, there was an employment rate of 74.2% among people aged 15-64, an increase of 0.7% on the same period in 2022.

Embracing the Evolving Job Landscape

The Irish job market is undergoing significant changes, largely driven by technological advancements and global events. Emerging sectors like green energy, digital healthcare, and fintech are experiencing rapid growth, creating exciting opportunities for job seekers. Because of the acceleration of remote work, geographical boundaries are less relevant. To thrive in this evolving landscape, job seekers should stay informed about these trends, acquire relevant skills, and be open to flexible work arrangements. It’s a year where adaptability and a willingness to embrace change will be key to unlocking potential and securing that dream job.

Unlocking Your Potential in 2024

Crafting Your Personal Brand for Success

In the digital age, personal branding has never been more crucial. Your online presence, from LinkedIn profiles to social media, can leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Start by curating an online image, ensuring it aligns with career goals and values. Share accomplishments, insights, and expertise demonstrating thought leadership in the chosen field. Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling as unique experiences to create distance from other candidates. By strategically shaping a personal brand, it is possible to attract the right opportunities and connections that can propel a career forward.

Unlocking Your Potential in 2024

Mastering the Art of Interviewing and Networking

Mastering the art of interviewing and networking is essential for success in the competitive job market. Begin by thoroughly preparing for interviews, researching the company and role, and practicing responses to common questions. Showcase skills and experiences effectively, highlighting how they align with the company’s needs. Don’t underestimate the value of networking. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals who can offer insights and job leads. Remember that networking is a two-way street, and building authentic relationships can open doors to opportunities that might not have been previously considered. Whether it’s a job interview or a networking event, approach each interaction with confidence and a willingness to learn and grow.

Unlocking Your Potential in 2024

Through the above insights, job seekers can embrace the evolving job landscape, craft a personal brand, and master the art of interviewing and networking. The journey towards a fulfilling career starts here. As an Irish recruiting company, we understand the rich tapestry of skills that our local talent pool possesses. Our mission is to connect talented individuals with opportunities that allow them to thrive and excel. 2024 is looking to be a year of remarkable achievements and opportunities in the world of Irish recruitment. Get ready to unlock your potential!

Recruit Island can help find the right employment for you in 2024 and beyond.

Graduate Recruitment in Ireland: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in the New Year

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

Graduate Recruitment in Ireland: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in the New Year

The Irish job market is brimming with possibilities for those ready to take the plunge into the professional world. But how can graduates navigate the competitive landscape and secure a dream job? Outlined are some tips for landing a dream job in the new year including the ins and outs of graduate recruitment in Ireland, offering valuable insights to help stand out, impress potential employers, and land that coveted position. No matter what that job may be, this guide will help to uncover the keys to unlocking future employment success.

Fun Fact

The Graduate Outcomes Survey from 2021 reveals: 81.9% of graduates are in employment nine months after graduation (up from 75.9% for the Class of 2000 and 80.1% for the Class of 2018).

Crafting a Standout CV and Cover Letter

The first step on the path to landing that dream job is to create a CV and cover letter that capture the attention of potential employers. In the competitive job market, application documents serve as an initial introduction, and they need to make a strong impression. Start by tailoring the CV to the specific role and industry of interest. Highlight any relevant skills, education, and relevant internships or extracurricular activities. Be concise, organised, and clear in the presentation.

The cover letter should complement the CV by showcasing enthusiasm for the company and the position. Explain how skills and experiences align with the job requirements, demonstrating genuine interest. Remember, the CV and cover letter are the first opportunity to demonstrate value as a candidate, so invest time and effort into making them shine.

Networking and Building Professional Relationships

Networking is a powerful tool that can help access hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the chosen industry. Attend industry-specific events, job fairs, and networking meetups to connect with professionals in the same field. Joining online platforms like LinkedIn can also be highly beneficial. Engage in conversations, share relevant content, and connect with professionals who can offer guidance or potential job leads.

Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities that might not be found through traditional job listings. Remember, in Ireland, as in many places, “who you know” can often be just as important as “what you know.”

Once an interview is secured, it’s time to prepare thoroughly and approach it with confidence. Research the company extensively, understanding its culture, values, and recent developments. Practice answers to common interview questions and be ready to provide examples of skills and achievements. Showcase knowledge of the industry and the specific role being applied for. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity.

Don’t forget to dress professionally and arrive punctually for the interview. Confidence, preparation, and a positive attitude can go a long way in making a lasting impression during the interview process. With the right mindset and adequate preparation, it is easy to secure that job.

The journey to securing that dream job in Ireland is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that requires dedication, preparation, and a strategic approach. Crafting a compelling CV and cover letter, actively networking and building professional relationships, and confidently navigating the interview process will guide graduates in the right direction.

The Irish job market is competitive, but with the right tools and mindset, graduates can stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Perseverance and adaptability are key traits in the job search, and each interaction, whether it leads to success or not, is a valuable learning experience. With the right strategies, it’s only a matter of time before those aspirations turn into reality.

Recruit Island can help find the right employment for you

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland

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

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland

Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search process in Ireland, as it can help you uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the job market. Having the right strategies can help you create meaningful relationships with industry professionals or even secure your dream job. We will give you an insight into the most effective networking strategies for job seekers in Ireland that will help you to stand out from the competition.

Attend Networking Events

Attending networking events can be a highly effective strategy for job seekers in Ireland. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals, potential employers, and industry peers in a face-to-face setting.

Attending industry-specific events, job fairs, conferences, and seminars provides excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in your field and potential employers.
This will give you an opportunity to join relevant professional associations and organisations related to your industry. These groups often host different events and offer resources to help you stay updated on industry trends.

Join Professional Associations

Identify professional associations relevant to your field. Research and choose the ones that align with your career goals. Many professional associations have online communities on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook or forums where members can connect and share insights.

Engage in these digital spaces to expand your network. Evaluate the benefits of membership, such as access to networking events, industry publications, job boards, and training opportunities. Ensure that the association provides value for your career.
You can also volunteer for association activities or events. This not only helps you give back to the community but also showcases your commitment to your profession.

Around 40% of people network more online than in person.

Our Top Tip

Keep up-to-date with the association’s publications, newsletters, and research. This knowledge can make you a more informed and valuable member.

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

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a valuable strategy that can provide you with insights into your target companies or industries, help you learn about company culture, and even uncover potential job openings. Reach out to professionals working in your target companies or industries and request informational interviews.

Craft a well-written email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself. Explain your purpose for reaching out, which is to learn more about their experiences and the industry.
Be clear that you’re seeking information and advice, not a job. You want to build a genuine connection and gather insights.

By embracing the power of networking, job seekers can be sure to increase their chances for success and bolster their chance of landing the perfect career. Whether attending events, fostering online relationships or perfecting emails, focusing on networking can be a great asset for any job seeker. Start now by making important connections that will help you build your career effectively within Ireland.

View a full list of our job openings.

5 Benefits of Networking at Work

5 Benefits of Networking at Work

Networking at work is a vital pathway to career growth and there are many benefits to it. Sometimes networking can be confused with selling, but it actually means creating long-term relationships that are mutually beneficial. This in turn, leads to building a good reputation over time.

Networking is not about trying to meet as many people as possible, but rather it is trying to meet the right type of people that will be able to endorse your specific skillset, show you opportunities and point you in the direction of other well-connected people.
It is an essential process that should be implemented throughout all stages of your professional journey. Here we take a look at 5 benefits of networking at work.

Did you know? Networking Benefits
  • 85% of job positions have been filled through networking.
  • Almost 100% believe that face-to-face meetings build stronger long-term relationships.
  • 70% of jobs are never published publicly. 

Here are 5 of the biggest advantages of networking:

1. Raise Your Profile

One of the first benefits of networking that is extremely important in career building is being able to raise your profile, you can do this by being visible and getting noticed. The way you can do this is by attending as many social and professional events as possible which will help get your face known.

When you are attending these events, you must provide value for other attendees (it’s not all about you), long lasting relationships are built on trust and providing value to each other. You can create value by listening carefully, following up on conversations, remembering names, and offering your knowledge and expertise.

2. Advance Your Career

Having the ability to go out and network with people within your industry can hugely benefit your chances of climbing the ladder in your industry.

You can advance your career and build your reputation by being knowledgeable, reliable, and supportive by providing useful information to people who need it.

3. Strengthen Business Connections

“Sharing is caring”, for lack of a better term, is what networking is all about. You must be willing to share the information you have and not just take information from other people. It is about forming trust and helping each other reach your individual goals. Staying in regular dialogue with your contacts and finding ways to assist them will help strengthen your relationship. This will plant the seed for a long-lasting relationship and for when you need assistance to achieve your goals.

Making connections in business, benefits of networking.

4. Access to Job Opportunities

Having the ability to expand your contacts can lead to many new opportunities for business, career advancement or for personal growth. When you are actively networking it keeps you at the forefront of people’s minds when new job openings become available, and it will increase your chances of being introduced to relevant people or potentially even a referral.

As your career advances a lot of jobs do not get advertised, so being recognised in the right network of people can open the door to more career opportunities that you may not have otherwise.

5. Career Advice and Support

Receiving career advice from experienced people within your industry is another important benefit of networking. When you are discussing your common challenges and opportunities this can lead to important suggestions and guidance. When you can offer good advice and support to your contacts this will set a strong foundation when you need support in return.

So why not get networking and soon you’ll be climbing up that career ladder in no time!

View all our current vacancies on Recruit Island that can help you get your foot in the door and start networking.

Freelance vs. Full-Time: Exploring Flexible Work Arrangements in the Irish Job Market

Freelance vs. Full-Time: Exploring Flexible Work Arrangements in the Irish Job Market The way work is conducted has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Traditional 9-to-5 office jobs are no longer the only option for those seeking employment and other more flexible arrangements have gained popularity. By exploring flexible work arrangements in the Irish…

Continue reading

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search process in Ireland, as it can help you uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the job market. Having the right strategies can help you create meaningful relationships with industry professionals or even secure your…

Continue reading

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

Article written by:

Cian McGoey is part of the Digital Marketing team within Servisource Workforce Solutions.

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