Posts Tagged ‘Careers’
Wednesday, October 15th, 2014
Avoid Zero Hour Contracts and Make Yourself Indispensable
Latest figures have shown that unemployment in Northern Ireland has fallen yet again and by over 400,000 since 2012, which is good news for the local economy. However, in the same period underemployment has increased sharply.
The increase in the number of people taking on zero hour contracts, temporary and part time positions has led to many people in Northern Ireland feeling completely dissatisfied with the number of working hours available to them.
In a bid to rectify the situation, it is crucial that employees market themselves as a vital part of any workforce as a means to secure more permanent, full time posts in the future.
Here’s my advice on making yourself indispensable to employers:
- “Have I gone the extra mile today?” Do at least one thing each day that you haven’t (more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, Executive Recruitment, Northern Ireland, zero hour contracts
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Monday, March 24th, 2014
Walt Disney was a former newspaper editor; Elvis Costello was a computer programmer
and Harrison Ford was a carpenter. Career changes can and do work out but there are a number of considerations when contemplating a career change.? 1. Plan for a longer job search. Changing industries requires research and time.? Assess your financial situation and make realistic decisions.? This could even mean that you may have to consider an interim position or part-time work to bridge to your new career. But don?t be side tracked by short-term issues. 2. Stay grounded in reality.?? Successful career change is based on setting realistic goals and making an honest assessment of your skills, then matching those against the current market situation and conditions. 3. Network, network, network.? Networking is the key to any successful job search, (more…)
Tags: belfast, career change, Careers, Executive Recruitment, jobs, NI, Northern Ireland
Posted in Blog/News | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, March 4th, 2014
You may not have heard about Whatsapp until recently.
But now you can’t escape hearing about it.

Brian Acton
Certainly, to be wanted by Facebook is a pretty glowing endorsement.
So what if I was to tell you that the creator was, in fact, previously rejected by Facebook.
(And Twitter for that matter!)
That’s right, Brian Acton is essentially having the last laugh after he went for a job at both of the social media giants back in 2009, only to be turned down!
On 23 May 2009 he tweeted, “Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute” and that August he wrote, “Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking (more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, Executive jobs, Northern Ireland
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Tuesday, February 4th, 2014
There’s certainly some positivity about as Markit Economic’s latest survey on household finances found that fears over job security fell to a record low in January.
It certainly reflects the recent drop in employment across the UK.
But, let’s not be complacent.
Things like mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, even in a strong economy, mean that career success is not necessarily 100% fail proof.
That is, unless you’re in control of it.
But, what can you do to ensure your “employability”? How about asking yourself the following, important questions?
Do you know what you contribute? Consider what establishes you as effective and (more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, employability, Executive Recruitment, jobs, Northern Ireland
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Monday, February 3rd, 2014
Last week we discovered in the latest Northern Ireland unemployment figures that in 2013, there were a total of 2,011 confirmed redundancies.
This was somewhat positive- as much as it can be- as the number was down 40% on the previous year (3,353 in 2012.)
In Northern Ireland, some businesses seem unwilling to put such departing employees through a career transition programme (outplacement), whereby support and advice is given to staff to prepare them for the next steps outside of your company.
This may help them to secure employment within the same industry, a career change, start (more…)
Tags: belfast, career transition, Careers, Executive Recruitment, executive search, jobs, Northern Ireland, outplacement, Redundancy
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Tuesday, January 14th, 2014
Last week I remarked about how ‘Massive Monday’ (the first Monday of the new year) meant that people were more likely to start looking for a new job than any other day of the year.
Lack of job satisfaction and an increased salary elsewhere are often cited as two major reasons why employees decide to leave a company.
As such, for businesses here an important part of any manager’s role is to ensure that your staff want to remain in a position and are not driven to move simply for a few thousand pounds more per year.
In truth, it costs lest to invest in staff retention than staff recruitment.
So, how can you motivate your staff and avoid them looking around for other roles this year?
I suggest these small, but very effective, measures. (more…)
Tags: Careers, executive jobs ni, executive recruitment belfast, staff retention
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Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
We all get the Monday blues from time to time, but yesterday, more than any other day of the year, we were more likely to consider our current job roles.
‘Massive Monday’, as it’s dubbed, is the first Monday after the New Year and is considered the most depressing day of the year.
As such, people were supposedly more inclined to begin looking around for new jobs (and break up with their partners, but that’s another matter entirely.)
But submitting a job application and “hoping for the best” is not enough if you are genuine about a new job search this year.
You have to be proactive – which is made up of many different elements:
Get Organised: In today’s ever increasing competitive market, you need a solid plan on (more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, Executive Recruitment, Northern Ireland
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Thursday, December 12th, 2013
Roy Keane. Two words which will immediately stir a variety of feelings with readers.
His recent television interview in which he didn’t hide his distaste for his old boss and arguably the greatest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, may have been left you surprised, shocked or even amused.
Describing Ferguson’s greatest strength as his “ruthlessness” and his greatest weakness as “loyalty” seemed a little strange from Keane who played under the Scot for 12 years.
There’s no doubt Keane was a leader on the pitch. But his criticism of team mates, manager, coaching staff left many questions on whether he was the complete leader.
To be a good Leader you must first be able to lead yourself, and you will not be able to do this without self discipline.
A disciplined leader must possess: (more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, Executive Recruitment, Leadership, Northern Ireland, Roy Keane
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Thursday, December 5th, 2013
Christmas party season is upon us.
For many, a time for paper crowns, office gossip and, of course…. photocopiers.
However, the festive season presents some great opportunities for anyone looking for a new job as it is an ideal informal setting to network, meet new contacts and learn about different companies. If you are considering your career and on the look out for new opportunities, here’s some tips to make the most of Xmas events:
- Do your homework. Find out who is going to be there, as this may help you target specific people. Learn about their role in their organisation, the company itself and their interests and hobbies.
(more…)
Tags: belfast, Careers, Executive Recruitment, Northern Ireland, Xmas parties
Posted in Blog/News | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013
They say every business needs a unique selling point.
One online recruitment company launched recently certainly believes it has found theirs- it only offers jobs to good looking people.
Dating site Beautifulpeople.com has started a spin-off recruitment service as, straight from the horse’s mouth, “Numerous studies have shown that consumers tend to respond more positively and are more receptive to attractive people.”
While, that site certainly believes it is one’s good looks that employers want, realistic (and non-chauvinistic) employers have identified the top qualities they are looking for when recruiting:
- Relevant skills. Be sure to highlight your skills by qualifying and/or quantifying how you used them to be successful in the past.
Tags: advice, belfast, Careers, CV, esecutive search, executive re, Northern Ireland
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