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Salary Guide 2023

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Navigating College Admission Setbacks: A Guide for CAO Students in Ireland

Navigating College Admission Setbacks: A Guide for CAO Students in Ireland

​Receiving news that you didn't secure a college place through the CAO can be disappointing and even overwhelming. However, it's essential to remember that setbacks are a natural part of life's journey. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, consider this as an opportunity to explore alternative paths and make the most out of the situation. In this guide, we'll provide valuable insights and actionable steps to help CAO students in Ireland navigate the uncertainty and turn this setback into a steppingstone towards a bright future.​1. Stay Positive and Manage Emotions:Disappointment is natural, but it's crucial not to let it consume you. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions, but also work on maintaining a positive attitude. Engage in activities that make you happy, talk to friends and family for support, and focus on your strengths and accomplishments. A positive mindset will help you approach the next steps with determination.​2. Consider Alternative Educational Paths:Not getting into your desired college doesn't mean the end of your educational journey. Look into alternative educational paths, such as enrolling in a different college or university, pursuing online courses, or considering vocational training. Many successful individuals have taken unconventional routes and still achieved their goals.​3. Seek Guidance and Support:Don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, teachers, career counsellors, or recruitment agencies. They can provide insights into potential opportunities that align with your interests and skills. ​4. Reflect and Re-evaluate: Take this time to reflect on your academic and career goals. Is your chosen path truly aligned with your passions and ambitions? Use this setback as an opportunity to re-evaluate your aspirations and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.​5. Upskill and Enhance Your Profile:Consider using this time to enhance your skill set. Take online courses, pursue certifications, or engage in relevant projects that will bolster your resume. This proactive approach not only adds value to your profile but also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth.​6. Develop a Plan B:It's always a good idea to have a backup plan. Research industries and roles that are in demand and have a promising future. This might involve exploring emerging fields like technology, healthcare, or sustainable energy. Having a well-thought-out Plan B can help you feel more secure in your career prospects.​7. Embrace Resilience:Resilience is a valuable trait that can help you navigate setbacks and emerge stronger. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and your ability to overcome challenges will define your success. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and use them to fuel your determination.​Not receiving a college place from the CAO might feel like a setback, but it's important to view it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By understanding your options, staying positive, seeking guidance, and exploring alternative paths, you can turn this moment of disappointment into a steppingstone toward a fulfilling and successful future. Remember, your journey is unique, and the setbacks you encounter can shape you into a stronger, more resilient individual.

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​From Graduate to Professional: Mapping Your Career Path

​From Graduate to Professional: Mapping Your Career Path

Navigating the journey from graduation to establishing yourself as a seasoned professional can be both exhilarating and challenging. As a graduate, you're entering a dynamic world of opportunities, and a well-defined career path can set you on the right track. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps to map out your career trajectory. Whether you're a recent graduate or a soon-to-be one, our expert advice will help you transition seamlessly from academia to the professional realm.Self-Assessment and Goal SettingThe first step on your career journey is understanding yourself. What are your strengths, skills, and passions. Take time to reflect on your interests and values, and how they align with potential career paths. At this stage, setting clear and achievable goals is crucial. These goals will act as milestones to help you measure your progress as you advance in your career.Identifying Your Ideal Industry and RoleWith your goals in mind, research various industries and job roles that align with your aspirations. Explore job descriptions, company cultures, and growth prospects. Think about the kind of work environment you thrive in and whether a corporate, creative, or entrepreneurial setting suits you best. Remember to consider industries that are not only appealing but also have promising future prospects.Building a Strong Professional NetworkNetworking is a cornerstone of career advancement. Engage in industry-related events, seminars, and conferences to connect with professionals who can provide insights and mentorship. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for creating a digital professional network. Interact, share relevant content, and reach out to professionals in your desired field to initiate conversations.Acquiring Additional Skills and EducationWhile your academic qualifications provide a foundation, continuous learning is essential in the today’s rapidly evolving job market. Identify skill gaps in your chosen industry and seek opportunities to upskill. This might involve enrolling in workshops, gaining certifications, or engaging in online courses. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing education showcases your adaptability and determination to excel.Gaining Practical ExperienceSecuring internships, placements, or even temporary entry-level positions can provide valuable hands-on experience. Practical exposure allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, learn from industry experts, and refine your skillset. Many employers value candidates who possess a combination of academic knowledge and real-world application.Crafting an Outstanding CV and Cover LetterYour CV and cover letter are your first impressions on potential employers. Tailor these documents to showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Highlight projects, internships, and volunteer work that align with the job you're applying for. Incorporate keywords relevant to your desired role to enhance your CVs search engine visibility.Navigating the Interview ProcessMastering the art of interviews is a vital skill. Research common interview questions and practice your responses. Use methods such as the SOAR model (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide concrete examples of your abilities. Additionally, prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the company.Embracing Career Growth and AdaptabilityOnce you've secured a job, your journey is far from over. Embrace opportunities for growth within your company and industry. Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to continuously improve your skills. Stay informed about industry trends and adapt to changes, positioning yourself as an indispensable asset to your employer.Transitioning from a graduate to a seasoned professional is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning and dedication. By setting clear goals, honing your skills, networking effectively, and maintaining a growth mindset, you can confidently navigate the path to success. Remember that your journey is unique, and each step contributes to your personal and professional growth. At Sigmar, we're here to support you on your journey to a fulfilling and prosperous career.Contact us today to explore opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.  

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Securing Your Accountancy Interview: 8 Top Tips for Success

Securing Your Accountancy Interview: 8 Top Tips for Success

​In today's competitive job market, acing an accounting interview requires more than just a strong resume. Employers are looking for candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to challenges. To help you stand out in your next accounting interview, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on showcasing your expertise and nailing those tough questions.1. Showcase Your Software ProficiencyIn today's digital age, proficiency in accounting software is non-negotiable. Familiarise yourself with popular software suites such as QuickBooks, Xero, or SAP. Highlight your ability to navigate these tools effectively, emphasising your experience in managing financial data, generating reports, and streamlining processes. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your previous roles. By showcasing your software proficiency, you demonstrate your adaptability and readiness to leverage technology for better accounting practices. Such skills are invaluable in ensuring accurate and efficient financial management, making you a valuable asset to any organisation.2. Analyse Financial StatementsBefore the interview, thoroughly review the company's financial statements. Demonstrate your understanding of their financial position and discuss how your skills can contribute to their growth. Demonstrating your ability to dive into complex financial statements and extract meaningful insights is crucial. Practice interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. During the interview, discuss instances where you've identified trends, anomalies, or potential areas for improvement based on your analysis of financial data. Your capacity to understand the story behind the numbers will show your potential employers that you're more than just a numbers cruncher; you're a strategic thinker who can provide valuable insights for decision-making. Effective financial analysis is at the core of informed business decisions, and your skills in this area are indispensable for driving organisational growth.3. Sector and Client Turnover KnowledgeResearch the industry or sector your prospective employer operates in, as well as their clients. Understand the challenges and opportunities specific to that sector. Having a grasp of industry trends and regulations will demonstrate your commitment to providing tailored solutions and will also showcase your willingness to go the extra mile to meet the needs of your clients. By displaying your industry knowledge, you show that you're not just applying generic accounting principles, but you're tailoring your approach to the unique demands of the sector. This knowledge positions you as a proactive partner who can provide targeted financial guidance.4. Highlight Project InvolvementAccounting roles often involve working on various projects, such as audits, mergers, or system implementations. Highlight your experience with these types of projects and your contributions to their success. Discuss your role in coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring that projects are completed within budget. Sharing specific examples will demonstrate your project management skills and ability to work collaboratively. By emphasising your project involvement, you indicate that you're a proactive team player who can handle multifaceted tasks. This skillset is essential for ensuring the seamless execution of projects that have financial implications.5. System Implementation ExpertiseWith businesses increasingly relying on sophisticated accounting systems, your expertise in system implementation can set you apart. Highlight your involvement in migrating accounting processes to new software, integrating systems, or improving existing platforms. Explain how you've helped teams navigate transitions, minimise disruptions, and maximise the benefits of new technologies. By showcasing your system implementation expertise, you exhibit your forward-thinking approach and your role in keeping your organisation technologically up to date. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, your ability to effectively implement and integrate accounting systems is a significant asset.6. Process Improvement ExperienceEfficiency is the backbone of successful accounting. Share instances where you've identified inefficiencies in accounting processes and implemented improvements. Whether it's streamlining invoice approval workflows or enhancing payroll procedures, your ability to optimise processes will showcase your commitment to continuous improvement and resource optimisation. By discussing your process improvement experience, you convey your proactive nature and your dedication to enhancing operational effectiveness. This attribute resonates with employers seeking candidates who can contribute to long-term efficiency gains.7. Addressing Challenges in the Accounting FieldThe accounting landscape is not without its challenges. Show that you're not only aware of these challenges but also equipped to tackle them head-on. Discuss how you've dealt with issues like regulatory changes, data security concerns, or complex tax situations. Demonstrating your ability to handle adversity with poise and problem-solving skills will inspire confidence in your potential employers. By addressing challenges, you demonstrate your resilience and your capacity to thrive even in dynamic and demanding environments. Your readiness to navigate challenges positions you as a reliable professional who can adapt to evolving financial scenarios.8. Minimising Human ErrorWhile human error is inevitable to some extent, interviewers are interested in candidates who actively take steps to mitigate it. Discuss your attention to detail, your double-checking processes, and your commitment to thorough reviews before finalising financial documents. Highlighting your strategies for minimising errors will reassure interviewers that you prioritise accuracy in your work, ensuring that the integrity of financial information is upheld. In a field where precision is paramount, your dedication to minimising human error underscores your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy.​ConclusionSecuring success in an accountancy interview goes beyond showcasing your technical skills. It involves a comprehensive understanding of the industry, a willingness to take on challenges, and the ability to communicate effectively about your experiences and accomplishments. By following these eight top tips, you'll be well-prepared. Remember, preparation is the key to confidence, and confidence is what will set you apart and lead you towards landing your dream accountancy role. So, step into that interview room armed with knowledge and self-assurance, ready to make a lasting impression that highlights your potential as a valuable asset to any organisation.

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IT Market Overview 2023

IT Market Overview 2023

​IT Jobs Market 2023According to a report released by Eurostat, employment in Ireland in NACE category J62 (Computer programming, consultancy, and related activities) reached almost 120,000 at the start of 2022, increasing from 80,000 as recent as the end of 2019. The market is now moving from what was an unsustainable level of demand for technology talent to a more sustainable level- ensuring the market remains highly competitive. Whilst there has been news of layoffs in SaaS Technology companies, traditional industries such as Finance, Banking, Fintech as well as Life Sciences/Biopharma continue to hire at rapid rates, ensuring the market is still holding strong. Employers across multiple sectors (particularly Fintech) are still hiring highly skilled tech talent and are now more open to candidates relocating from Mainland Europe. Onboarding and Aftercare remain highly important as candidates are still prone to receiving multiple offers due to high levels of competition.  Download our 2023 IT Salary Guide for Ireland​Areas of DemandSoftware engineering remains the most highly sought-after skillset, with a particular focus on DevOps, Java, Python, .Net, React and Angular Js. With the continued rollout of digital transformation projects across Irish businesses, QA also remains in high demand. This move towards automated processes has allowed employees within heavily manual positions to upskill in areas such as SDET and RPA. Within an uncertain marketplace, businesses continue to be data driven; choosing to lean on their analytics teams where possible. Data Engineering appears to be the role highest in demand within this vertical, closely followed by data science. With the continuation of a hybrid working model, infrastructure remains as important as always. Most Irish based companies are choosing to move towards a serverless environment, which means there is a high demand for Site Reliability Engineers, Systems engineers, Cloud Engineers as well as technical support specialists at all levels. Ireland has a rich talent pool for executive level talent within IT, ranging from Software Engineering Managers to CTOs. With the continued pattern of new market entrants on the FDI side, these positions remain in high demand.  ​Competitive PackagesTo ensure competitive advantage, employers must offer base salaries, benefits, and perks in line with the market expectations or else risk losing strong candidates from recruitment process. In terms of monetary benefits, healthcare remains the most highly sought from candidates post-covid times followed closely by pensions. This could be linked to a heavier focus on financial security for the future.  An interesting development of late, is the increasing number of companies using sign on bonuses to secure new hires- We expect to see this continue throughout 2023 as companies fight to retain current employees and attract new hires. To maintain a competitive advantage, employers also need to be mindful of employee experience.Individualized experience proposals given to candidates or employees may be beneficial for employers to remain competitive in:CollaborationEquity in cultural experiences for remote/in-office workersEmployee well-being How employers handle these elements will ultimately determine how successful employers will be in the battle for talent.  Demand for Remote WorkHybrid working policies are now the most popular model offered to permanent employees, with 85% of our clients offering 3 days in office/2 days remote working. With the balance in the tug of war for talent shifting more in favour to the employer, companies are now addressing WFH policies on a more individual basis rather than a blanket policy. Flexibility for fully remote work appears to be offered however to candidates in the most demanded areas, with the caveat that they are based in the Republic of Ireland and will travel to the office on an ad-hoc basis when required. This may reverse as job security heightens as a priority in a tough economic climate. ​ContractorsBusinesses are continuing to look to Contractors to fill gaps in their teams in tandem with permanent positions; a trend we foresee continuing throughout 2023. An interesting development in the market is that it is no longer just large organisations leaning on contractors. SMEs are also now tapping into the contractor talent pool as a way of supplementing their workforce- especially now that permanent salaries appear to be on par with contractor daily rates due to market inflation. ​We particularly foresee an increase in demand of contract roles across Cloud, Data and Development.Outsourced IT functions also appear to be on the rise for more commercially focused IT positions (Business Analytics, Project managers) as well as infrastructure support. ​Increased RatesAs a result of the increase in demand, due to several variables ranging from talent availability, higher levels of competition, perceived instability of the IT market portrayed in the media as well as a somewhat limited talent pool, contract rates have been on the rise and will continue to increase in 2023.It is now common practice for a contractor to ask and receive rate increases when their contracts are up for renewal. Recruitment and retention therefore remain high priorities for companies using contractors. Remote WorkWith organisations now comfortable with remote work arrangements, the market has opened up to all areas of Ireland. A noticeable trend has arisen for IT Contractors based in the regions who are now being able to work for large multi-national organisations in their own cities whilst receiving the same rates of those based in the capital.This has therefore resulted in daily rates within regional areas of Ireland to be on par with those of in the major cities.All-in-all, we are optimistic about the IT Contracts job market in 2023 with plentiful opportunities across infrastructure, development and data in particular. ​​IT Salary Guide 2023Download our 2023 IT Salary Guide for Ireland