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 Offices Nationwide in Dublin, Cork, Galway & Athlone

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Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

​Sigmar was honoured to win “Best in Practice in Pharma, Engineering & Science” at the 2023 Employment & Recruitment Federation Awards on Friday. Commenting on the achievement, Mike McDonagh, COO of Sigmar Recruitment said:“Our Life Sciences, Engineering and Technical team are a brilliant example of how specialist recruitment should be done.  They immerse themselves in the fields they recruit in which means they have a great understanding of where both their clients and candidates are coming from.  They can react quickly, manage processes carefully and to a successful conclusion and they can fill those hard-to-fill jobs where others can’t.  They also don’t give up, which I think gives them that last 1% you need. I’m immensely proud of the team and delighted they have received this recognition.” A huge well done also to our recruitment consultants Marcel Skolimowski and Fiona Joyce on being shortlisted for Permanent & Temporary Recruitment Consultant of the Year on the night also. The ERF awards took place in the Shelbourne Hotel and was attended by over 360 guests. The awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in recruitment in Ireland and is judged by an independent panel, including representatives from the international recruitment sector, the National College of Ireland and CIPD.A huge congratulations to all of our fellow ERF Award winners and nominees. Visit the Employment & Recruitment Federation website to see a full list of the 2023 winners. 

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Fintech skills in demand

Fintech skills in demand

​The fintech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and the demand for skilled professionals is high. As fintech companies continue to innovate and develop new products and services, they need employees with a variety of skills, including:Technical skills: Fintech companies need employees with strong technical skills, such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity. These skills are essential for developing and maintaining fintech products and services.Financial skills: Fintech companies also need employees with strong financial skills, such as accounting, finance, and risk management. These skills are essential for understanding and managing the financial aspects of fintech products and services.Business skills: Fintech companies also need employees with strong business skills, such as marketing, sales, and customer service. These skills are essential for promoting and selling fintech products and services, as well as providing excellent customer support.Here are some of the most in-demand fintech skills currently:Software development: Fintech companies need software developers to build and maintain their products and services. Popular programming languages for fintech include Python, Java, and JavaScript.Data science: Fintech companies use data to make better decisions about their products and services, and data scientists are responsible for collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.Cybersecurity:  Fintech companies need to protect their customers' data from cyberattacks, and cybersecurity professionals are responsible for developing and implementing security measures.Blockchain: Blockchain is a new technology that is being used to develop new financial products and services. Fintech companies need employees with expertise in blockchain technology.Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is another new technology that is being used to develop new financial products and services, meaning this is also a skill in demand.In addition to these technical skills, fintech companies also need employees with strong soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.If you are interested in a career in fintech, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:Get the right education and experience. There are many different educational paths that can lead to a career in fintech. Some people choose to get a bachelor's degree in fintech, while others get a degree in business administration or another related field. You can also gain experience in fintech through internships and volunteer work.Network with people in the field. Networking is a great way to learn about job openings and meet people who can help you get your foot in the door. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn.Stay up to date on the latest fintech trends and best practices. This shows employers that you're passionate about the field and that you're committed to professional development.Be able to articulate your skills and experience concisely. This is important for both your resume and cover letter, as well as during interviews.Be enthusiastic and positive. This will make a good impression on potential employers and show them that you're excited about the possibility of working for their company.Here are some of our current roles within the FinTech industry:Finance Manager - FintechSalary: €75,000 - 85,000Location: South DublinFinancial Controller – FintechSalary: €75,000 - 80,000Location: Dublin City CentreNewly Qualified Accountant- FintechSalary: €60,000 - 65,000Location: Dublin

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HR skills hiring managers want to see on your CV

HR skills hiring managers want to see on your CV

​Human resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in any organisation, from small businesses to large corporations. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee relations, and compensation and benefits.If you are interested in pursuing a career in HR, there are a number of skills that you should highlight on your CV to make yourself a more attractive candidate to hiring managers.Here are some of the most sought-after HR skills:Communication skills: HR professionals must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, executives, and external vendors. They need to be able to write clear and concise reports, give presentations, and have difficult conversations in a professional and respectful manner.Organisational skills: HR professionals often must juggle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They need to be able to prioritize their work, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines.Problem-solving skills: HR professionals are regularly faced with challenges and problems that need to be solved. They need to be able to think critically and creatively to come up with solutions that are fair and beneficial to all parties involved.Interpersonal skills: HR professionals need to be able to build rapport and trust with employees at all levels of the organisation. They need to be able to listen empathetically, resolve conflict, and provide support and guidance.Technical skills: Many HR departments now use HR software and other technology to manage their operations. HR professionals need to be familiar with these tools and be able to use them effectively.In addition to these general skills, hiring managers may also look for specific HR skills and experience depending on the role they are hiring for. For example, if you are applying for a role in HR recruiting, hiring managers may want to see experience with conducting job interviews, screening resumes, and negotiating salaries.When highlighting your HR skills on your CV, be sure to use specific examples and keywords to demonstrate your abilities. For example, instead of simply saying that you have "excellent communication skills," you could say something like, "Managed a team of 10 HR professionals and successfully communicated complex HR policies and procedures to employees."You should also tailor your CV to each specific job that you apply for. Be sure to read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.Check out our current HR vacancies here:HR OfficerSalary: €33,000Location: SwordsHR GeneralistSalary: €35,000-45,000Location: GalwayHead of HRSalary: €85,000 - 90,000Location: Kilkenny

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​Find Your Next Opportunity with Our New IT Contractor Hub

​Find Your Next Opportunity with Our New IT Contractor Hub

If you're an IT contractor looking for your next opportunity, be sure to check out our new IT Contractor Hub linked here. This hub is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about IT contracting, including:A directory of IT contracting jobs:Browse tonnes of IT contracting jobs, and filter them by your skills, experience, and location.Tips for finding and landing IT contracting jobs:Get advice from experts on how to write a winning C.V, ace your interview, and negotiate your rate.Resources for IT contractors:Find information on everything from taxes and benefits to professional development and networking.Whether you're new to IT contracting or a seasoned pro, the IT Contractor Hub has something for you. So head on over and start your search for your next great opportunity!Here are some of the benefits of using our IT Contractor Hub:Find the perfect job for your skills and experience.Our job directory is searchable by keyword, location, and other criteria, so you can easily find jobs that are a good fit for you.Save time and effort.You can apply for jobs directly from our website, without having to visit multiple different job boards.Get expert advice and support.Our team of experienced IT recruiters is here to help you with every step of the job search process, from writing your resume to negotiating your salary.To get started, simply visit our IT Contractor Hub and create a Sigmar profile. Once your profile is complete, you can start browsing jobs and applying. We're here to help you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions atit@sigmar.ie​

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Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

Sigmar Scoops Best in Practice Pharma, Engineering & Science at the ERF Awards 2023

​Sigmar was honoured to win “Best in Practice in Pharma, Engineering & Science” at the 2023 Employment & Recruitment Federation Awards on Friday. Commenting on the achievement, Mike McDonagh, COO of Sigmar Recruitment said:“Our Life Sciences, Engineering and Technical team are a brilliant example of how specialist recruitment should be done.  They immerse themselves in the fields they recruit in which means they have a great understanding of where both their clients and candidates are coming from.  They can react quickly, manage processes carefully and to a successful conclusion and they can fill those hard-to-fill jobs where others can’t.  They also don’t give up, which I think gives them that last 1% you need. I’m immensely proud of the team and delighted they have received this recognition.” A huge well done also to our recruitment consultants Marcel Skolimowski and Fiona Joyce on being shortlisted for Permanent & Temporary Recruitment Consultant of the Year on the night also. The ERF awards took place in the Shelbourne Hotel and was attended by over 360 guests. The awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in recruitment in Ireland and is judged by an independent panel, including representatives from the international recruitment sector, the National College of Ireland and CIPD.A huge congratulations to all of our fellow ERF Award winners and nominees. Visit the Employment & Recruitment Federation website to see a full list of the 2023 winners. 

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The Impact of The Pay Transparency Directive

The Impact of The Pay Transparency Directive

​With a focus on promoting equality and fairness in the workplace, the European Union has passed the Pay Transparency Directive, which aims to increase the transparency around salaries and existing pay gaps. The directive has significant implications for employers and job seekers alike. Here, we explore the upcoming changes and their potential effects on the employment landscape in Europe.Pay Transparency: Lessons from Finland and the United StatesFinland, known for its unique tradition of ‘National Jealousy Day’, publishes the taxable income of all its citizens on November 1st each year. This annual event is described as an “orgy of financial voyeurism”, which highlights the country’s commitment to transparency. Interestingly, the EU Pay Transparency Directive aligns with Finland’s approach by advocating for greater openness regarding income information.While Finland have been early advocates of pay transparency, the United States has also taken significant strides in this area. Since 2018, various states in the US, including Massachusetts, have implemented equal pay acts that prohibit companies from asking prospective employees about their current salaries. This approach has resulted in companies focusing on offering fair compensation for the role being advertised rather than relying on a candidate’s previous earnings.The Impact of Pay TransparencyOne of the key outcomes of pay transparency is the potential to address pay inequalities. By providing clear salary information, companies can attract more qualified candidates and promote greater equity in compensation. Studies have shown that job advertisements with salary details receive between 20-30% more quality applications, leading to improved hiring outcomes. The EU Pay Transparency Directive requires organisations with more than 250 workers to disclose pay information as part of the recruitment process. This means that candidates will no longer be asked about their current pay to determine job offers. Moreover, employers must provide workers with information on the criteria used to determine pay and pay progression. These measures aim to establish more objective standards for compensation and reduce the influence of previous salaries on job offers. Mike McDonagh, COO of Sigmar Recruitment comments, 'What it's actually done, or what it seems to have done with organisations is that they're now starting to pay people for the role that they're going for, rather than paying people for the role that they had.”Learning from the United States, where pay transparency laws are already in place in several states, organizations may be required to disclose pay bands for different roles and levels. This allows for greater clarity and transparency regarding what individuals should expect in terms of compensation for specific roles, skills, and experience. While the extent of public disclosure remains uncertain, the U.S experience suggests that companies may need to share pay bands or salary ranges, offering a clearer understanding of remuneration across organizations and roles.Benefits and ChallengesThe Pay Transparency Directive brings both benefits and challenges. Greater transparency can lead to increased trust among employees, as they have a better understanding of their worth and how it compares to others in similar roles. It can also contribute to narrowing the gender pay gap and addressing pay disparities for individuals from minority groups.However, challenges may arise. Some organisations may resist sharing detailed pay information due to concerns about internal discrepancies or potential negative reactions from current employees. Companies must find a balance between transparency and maintaining competitiveness. It will be crucial to implement pay transparency in a manner that encourages fairness while considering the unique dynamics and needs of each organisation.What’s Next?As the EU Transparency Directive takes place, the employment landscape in Europe will undergo significant changes. The move towards increased pay transparency aligns with global efforts to address pay inequalities and foster more equitable workplaces. By providing candidates with greater salary clarity, organisations can attract qualified talent, enhance retention rates, and promote fairness in competition.While challenges and concerns may arise during the implementation process, transparency can ultimately lead to a stronger, more inclusive work environment. As organizations can adapt to these new regulations, they must prioritise effective communication, skill acquisition, and employee well-being. By embracing pay transparency and its potential benefits, Europe takes a significant step forward building a more equitable and progressive workforce. 

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The Remote-Work Rebound: Hybrid workforce grows by two-thirds, remote workforce down by 54%

The Remote-Work Rebound: Hybrid workforce grows by two-thirds, remote workforce down by 54%

The ​Talent Leaders Pulse Report was commissioned by Sigmar Recruitment as part of Talent Summit 2023.​"The power dynamic between employer and employee is rebalancing after two years of hyper competition, with early signs of a shift back to office. The fallout of remote working has seen employees pitted against employers as we look to sustain flexible working practices and settle on desired places of work. We are witnessing the remote work rebound, with twice as many workers now working a hybrid model over full-time remote. The hybrid workers now make up 51% of the current workforce, while the remote workforce has reduced by 54% within the last 12 months. This reflects employers’ sentiment that 87% of employees do their best work in a hybrid model.”, says Talent Summit founder and Sigmar CCO, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig.​Talent Summit 2023 Employment Survey Highlights at a glance:Hybrid WorkHybrid workforce grows by two-thirds, remote workforce down by 54% as employees spend more days in office.2023: 51% working hybrid (30% in 2022), 25% full-time remote (44% in 2022) and 24% in-office (26% in 2022). Of the Hybrid workforce more time is spent in-office over the last 12 months: 81% work 2 days or more in 2023 compared to 74% in 2022.Tuesday (68%), Wednesday (78%) and Thursday (67%) are the most popular days to be in-office with Monday (18% ) and Friday (8%) being the least.Employers believe employees do their best work, working a hybrid model (87%), followed by in-office (11%) with full-time remote (7%) considered the least productive model.​Headcount2023 set to see the largest reduction in headcount in the last 5 years with 18% of employers expecting a reduction this year. 62% expect an increase and 20% expect their headcount to remain the same.​HR PrioritiesThe Top 5 priorities for HR for 2023 show competing priorities creating a confusing labour market: (1) retention (2) labour costs (3) recruitment (4) sustaining a dispersed culture (5) performance management.​Pay63% of employees expected to receive a pay rise of 6% in 2023 (the lowest % pay rise in 6 years)​READ THE FULL REPORT​The current labour market is a confusing one and 2023 looks set to be challenging with many contradictions at play which in turn is creating a tug-of-war of work on four main fronts:Workforce: Employers are looking to balance workforce reduction, employee retention and continuous recruitment needs at all once; Work practices: The need to offer individual flexibility to all employees is often at odds with the collective need for greater productivity;Workplace: Work is shifting back to the office with the hybrid workforce spending more days in office and as employers believe employees are least productive full-time remote;Labour Costs: The rise in the cost of living is driving employee salary expectations yet at the same time employers are tightening budgets with economic uncertainty on the horizon.​Commenting on workplace, Mac Giolla Phádraig adds: “The workplace has been the topic of conversation since the pandemic and employers have polarised preferences. The intense competition for talent the last two years has seen employers who favoured in-office, soften their view as employees demanded greater flexibility in a hyper-competitive labour market. As that demand recedes, those employers find their voice once more, albeit veiled in language around performance and challenges around sustainable work practices. The flexibility offered to employees now seems to be rebounding to more days in office.” READ THE FULL REPORT​​ABOUT THIS SURVEYThe Talent Summit Pulse Survey 2023 was commissioned by Sigmar Recruitment as part of Talent Summit 2023. This is the sixth year the study has been conducted, measuring the pulse of Talent Leaders on a range of Talent Topics. 244 talent leaders from across Ireland took part in the study, comprising of senior executives responsible for talent decision making within their respective organisations, ranging from CHROs, CEOs HR Directors to Heads of HR functions such as L&D, Recruitment, Organisational Development and Performance Management.Europe’s largest HR, work and employment conference, Talent Summit 2023 will take place in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Thursday, 9 March, 2023, welcoming 1500 guests.www.talentsummit.ie​

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