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The Advantages of Temporary Work for Employees

In today’s ever-evolving job market, temporary work has become increasingly prevalent and sought after. For employees, this type of employment offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact their career and personal lives.​1.      Provides FlexibilityTemporary employment offers greater flexibility to both the employee and employer. For employees a temporary assignment can provide the flexibility to work on short-term assignments and take time off between jobs. For the employer, temporary employment allows them to quickly adjust their workforce to meet changing business needs.Some temp jobs are often part-time which means you’ll have some extra time to spend on other things. You could use this time to focus on a permanent job search, upskilling by taking on online courses to expand your knowledge, or to simply take on a new hobby.​2.      Fills the Gaps on your C.V.If you find yourself out of work for any reason, temp work can be a great way to fill any gaps in employment. Many of our temporary roles tend to be quick cover for a leave of absence or maternity leave, and so temporary candidates who are available immediately are attractive to companies needing urgent cover. By taking on temp jobs while looking for permanent employment, you’ll have something to fill in the spaces. When you finally apply for a full-time job, your professional history section on your resume will be more complete. Even if the temp job has no relevance to your industry, it will show prospective employers that you’re a willing and motivated individual.​3.      Helps you Gain Experience.Temp jobs can help you to improve your skillset. You can choose between applying for a temp job within your area of expertise or you can opt for an entirely new environment where you’ll be able to gain new skills. Temporary employment can be an excellent way to gain experience in difficult industries and job roles. This can help make you more attractive to potential employers.​4.      Builds your Network of Connections.Temporary employment can provide you with opportunities to network with people in the professional world, where it’s all about who you know. The important role that networking plays in your professional journey cannot be emphasized enough. You need to take every chance you can get to build your list of connections and engaging in temp assignments is definitely a great opportunity to meet new people.​5.      Broadens your Horizons and Provides VarietyTemporary or contract work can provide a wide range of job opportunities in different industries which can provide variety and diversity within an employee’s work.There may be lots of different reasons why an employee may want to try out something new. Getting a temporary assignment will allow you to do a bit of first hand experimenting within various fields. This will allow you to determine which ones you may enjoy the most, which could be most profitable for you or which ones you may excel in.​6.      Opens Doors for Full-Time EmploymentThere is always the possibility that a temporary assignment could lead to permanent employment opportunities. If your employer is happy with your work, they may then decide to extend the contract or even better offer them a permanent position. Temporary/contract work offers a multitude of advantages for employees seeking a flexible, rewarding, and dynamic career. Whether you’re looking to explore diverse industries, develop new skills, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance, consider the many benefits that temporary employment can bring to your professional journey. Apply for a temporary role here.     ​

In-Demand Business Support & Customer Service Skills

As companies work hard to stay competitive and provide exceptional experiences to their clients, the need for skilled staff in business support and customer service keeps growing. In this article, we'll look at the important skills businesses are looking for.1. Great CommunicationWhether you're talking or writing, it's vital to be clear. Nowadays, good communication also means being good with digital tools. Employers want people who can talk professionally with colleagues, clients, and customers, making sure everyone gets the right information.Top Tip for interviews: Prepare examples that highlight your proficiency in clear and effective communication. Share instances where you successfully conveyed complex information to non-technical stakeholders. 2. Problem Solving AcumenIn the world of business, problems come up all the time. The ability to think on your feet and adapt to unforeseen circumstances showcases your commitment to delivering results.Top Tip for Interviews: Prepare specific anecdotes showcasing your problem-solving skills. Describe situations where you identified a challenge, analysed options, and implemented a successful solution. 3. Technological ProficiencyFamiliarity with various software, tools, and platforms can significantly enhance your employability. Things like customer relationship systems, project management tools, and data analysis software are just a few examples of technologies that are becoming increasingly integral to business operations. Embracing technology shows you're ready to work in a modern business.Top Tip for your C.V: List the software, applications, and tools you are proficient in on your C.V. Make sure to also include any certifications or trainings related to these technologies on your LinkedIn profile. ​4. Adaptability and FlexibilityThe Irish business landscape is always changing, which is why being flexible is so important. Companies want people who can handle change, learn fast, and switch things up when they need to. Being open to new challenges and being willing to upskill can set you apart in a competitive job market.Top tip for your C.V.: On your CV, talk about times when you changed and helped your team or company grow. For interviews, give examples of when you tried new things or took on jobs that weren't easy for you. Show your ability to thrive in dynamic environments.  5. Speaking Other LanguagesIreland’s strategic position in the European Union has led to an influx of international businesses and customers. If you know languages like Spanish, French, or German, this can be a significant advantage. It means you can talk to more people and understand more clients Multilingualism showcases your cultural awareness and ability to engage with a diverse audience.Top Tip for your C.V: Include a section that highlights your language proficiencies and any experiences where you effectively used them in a professional setting. 6. Being Kind and Focused on CustomersFor jobs where you help customers, being kind is important. If you know what customers want and care about their problems, they'll like your company more. Companies value candidates who prioritize customer-centricity, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and long-term success.Top Tip for Interviews: Share stories of how your empathy positively influenced customer interactions, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and/or conflict resolution.​7. Time Management and OrganisationKnowing how to use your time well and organise things can make you get more done. From arranging meetings to handling administrative responsibilities, these skills demonstrate your capability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines consistently.Top Tip for interviews: Provide examples of how your strong time management skills helped you meet tight deadlines or manage multiple projects simultaneously.  As the business world in Ireland keeps changing, the demand for proficient business support and customer service professionals remains steady. Cultivating these in-demand skills not only increases your employability but also positions you as an asset to your employer. Whether you're already experienced or just starting out, getting good at these skills can help you find great jobs and help Irish businesses grow, even when they're competing with companies from all around the world.  At Sigmar, we're committed to connecting top talent with businesses seeking excellence in business support and customer service. Get in touch to explore how we can help you thrive in these exciting fields. Email your cv to hello@sigmar.ie or check out current jobs here 

Salary Guide 2023

Keeping Company Culture Alive Across a Remote Workforce

With the majority of our teams now working remotely, the challenges of creating and maintaining company culture are evident.  Technology can’t replace what the workplace provides: community, camaraderie and shared purpose. Now, more than ever, maintaining culture matters.  Here are some ideas on instilling company culture across remote employees:     1. Connect Back to Your Values & Purpose For many of our staff currently, working remotely has been unexpected and in the face of a global health crisis, many are at a loss for what to do. For some work may feel insignificant now, so as their manager this is your time to help employees find meaning and reconnect back to your company’s values and purpose. While you may not be a company at the frontline, you still have a positive impact on people’s lives. Remind your employees of how their contributions add up to something much bigger and that we are all in this together!     2. Communication is Key Communication within divisions, one to one, social gatherings, company updates, all need to be consistent. This maintains relationships and promotes inclusivity.    Create an open and transparent communication policy. This allows people to be themselves and feel comfortable reaching out via online chat platforms. Set expectations on communication methods. Where do meetings take place? What tool is for social sharing?    Finally, you need to put an emphasis on positivity in your written communication. With the absence of face to face interactions in virtual conversations, it is easy for tone to be interpreted negatively so you need to be extra careful to be positive.        3. Mimic the Water Cooler Effect As mentioned, many of our staff are currently missing the day-to-day work interactions they have with their colleagues. Therefore, assign a platform where team members can live chat, share files, post photos and collaborate throughout the day to mimic everyday office life.  This can be where some of the best ideas and knowledge can be shared yet at the same time promotes inclusivity and the sense of “team”.     4. Trust In a remote team, there aren't any silly rules about being in your seat during certain hours of the day. This means at the end of the week you either have something to show for your week or not. This means you trust that your teammates are getting something done. But also, that your teammates trust you. To earn that trust you want to make sure you have something to show for your work each week.     5. Focus on Health & Wellbeing In the midst of a global pandemic, now is not the time to forget about your wellness programme when stress and anxiety is elevated. Make sure to check in with remote employees that they are taking breaks, finishing on time, and are maintaining a healthy work-life balance.   Make online workouts available to your employees allowing them to take part in physical activity. Perhaps set a company challenge such as a step challenge to get employees engaged in physical activity and as a plus networking with colleagues. For those struggling with sleep or anxiety, provide access to meditation or breathing courses. And to look after financial wellbeing consider organising webinars on topics such as managing a household budget, how your pension works, setting financial goals etc.      6. Rituals and Traditions Creating traditions with your team members, regardless of how often they happen, helps keep teams cohesive and encourages open communication and trust. Before you were thrown into the digital remote working world, undoubtedly you had traditions in place for how promotions, achievements and even birthdays were recognised. To keep spirits up, it’s crucial you keep celebrating these milestones.      7. Ask for Feedback Finally, the introduction to remote working has been unprecedented for many of us. Therefore, ask employees for honest feedback and suggestions. Use a pulse survey to get real data on this.      "You don’t need everyone physically together to create a strong culture. The best cultures derive from actions people actually take.” Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, Authors of Remote  

Online Interview Advice

Rossa Mullally spoke to Jennifer Zamperelli on 2FM recently to share his tips and advice for video interviews...    

If COVID-19 Moved Your Job Interview to Video, Here’s How to Prepare

With the number of companies around the globe asking their employees to stay safe and work from home increasingly every day due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person interviews are being replaced with video interviews via platforms such as Hinterview, Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc.  For some this is a new experience so here are our top 5 tips to help you get prepared.      1. Check Your Tech As mentioned, there are a variety of video interview platforms, many of which you may be familiar with such as Google Hangouts or Skype. While you might think you are adept at using such platforms, don’t rest on your laurels. When you receive the link for the platform from your potential employer - test it out! Familiarise yourself with the platform and do a test call with a family member or friend in advance. Make sure you have a strong internet connection so there are no delays and that your camera and microphone are working perfectly.  Finally make sure you are plugged into a power source; interviews can overrun so don’t be relying on the battery to see you through.       2. Set the Scene You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again but finding a suitable environment is so important in preparing for your video interview. Find a quiet, private space to do the interview, somewhere you can control the noise pollution and keep it to a minimum.    After that choose, your backdrop wisely. You don’t want potential employers to see your cluttered bedroom and dirty washing in the background, especially after listing ‘organisational skills’ as one of your top skills on your CV.    Lighting is key and is often forgotten about until the time of the interview. For the best lighting, sit facing an open window, similar to how you would face the light source or sun for photgraphs. If there is no natural light available to you at the time, use floor and desk lamps to brighten up your environment and ensure your interviewer can see you clearly.      3. Dress to Impress Although your employer won’t see you face to face, it is still important to dress appropriately. It is always a good idea to investigate the company’s dress code and go from there. You should wear professional, interview-appropriate clothes that you feel comfortable in.  If you are comfortable in what you are wearing, it will help you stay relaxed and at ease during your interview. Avoid plaids and stripes as these can cause distractions on the camera and make sure you avoid wearing the same colour as your chosen background.     4. Body Language Speaks A Thousand Words It’s important to have good eye-contact in any interview you attend, this is no different for a video interview. To maintain good eye contact during your interview, place your laptop, webcam or device at eye level. If your camera is too low or too high, it can appear to your employer that you are looking down or away.    It is also important to look into the camera when speaking. Putting a coloured sticker or something noticeable beside the camera might help remind you to speak into the camera instead of the screen. Some gestures that often go unnoticed in face to face interviews, can be more eye-catching through video, for example twirling hair, touching your face or fidgeting with your fingers.    Practicing interviews and video calls with friends or family will help you identify any nervous habits you may have. During the interview, it is important to sit upright with your back straight. Although the interviewer cannot see your lower body, it’s important to have two feet flat on the floor in order to maintain an upright position. Crossing your legs can lead to slouching and can mess with your on-camera framing.      5. Prepare to Win You want to make a great first impression, leaving the interviewer with the desire to move you to the next round or hire you and the key to achieving this is to be prepared. From software to attire, eye contact to setting, it’s essential to prepare in every aspect for your interview. Have a copy of your CV nearby, but do not get caught reading off it during your interview, keep it nearby as a reference for yourself. Have a pen and paper at your desk should you need it to avoid any disruptions during the interview. And don’t forget to nod, smile and engage with your interviewer - you might not be sitting across from each other, but they can still see you!   Finally, be patient with the recruitment process. As the COVID-19 outbreak evolves, recruitment processes may take longer than normal. You may find there will be more rounds in a process and/or it may take longer to receive feedback.    If you would like to discuss anything in this article, or have a confidential career chat,  please get in touch on 01 4744600 or email info@sigmar.ie   

Working & Living In Ireland

Relocating to a different country for a job can be both exciting and terrifying. To make your move successful, preparation is vital. If you’re thinking of moving to Ireland, you’re probably asking yourself the following questions:   How is the housing market? How do I get a PPS number? How do I to set up a bank account? How do I set up taxes? What transport is available? What is it like to livein Ireland?     We have devised a list of what you need to know about moving to Ireland…   Accommodation You can look for private rented accommodation through local newspapers, real estate agencies or websites for example: www.daft.ie, www.let.ie, https://www.myhome.ie/rentals. The quality of rental accommodation can vary so you should view the property before making any tenancy agreement. It is common for people who have not met before to rent a house together and to share the costs of the house, including gas, telephone and electricity bills. You usually pay rent monthly, in advance. An initial deposit of one or two months’ rent is also required.     PPS Number A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number for all dealings with public service in Ireland that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information. You can apply for your PPS number at your local Social Welfare Office. http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Personal-Public-Service-Number-Registration-Centres-by-Count.aspx   You must be already living in Ireland in order to apply for a PPS Number. You will be asked to produce documentary evidence of identity and residence in Ireland. Different documentary evidence will be required, depending on your nationality. To get a PPS Number, you will need to fill out an application form and provide proof of your identity. If you are not Irish, you will need to produce the following documents: Your passport/national identity card or immigration card Evidence of your address, such as a household bill. This should be the first thing you do when you move to Ireland because you will need it to work and set up a bank account.     Taxes There are two rates of tax in Ireland: 20% on the first €34,550 earned 40% on the remainder of your salary   You will also pay PRSI and the Universal Social Charge on your income. This social insurance contribution goes towards providing State Social and Health Services. You will pay 4% on all your income in PRSI. The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a tax that has replaced both the income levy and the health levy (also known as the health contribution). Rates for 2018 are; Income up to €12,012 - 0.5% Between €12,012 and €19,372 - 2% Between €19,372 and €70,044 - 4.75% Above €70,044 - 8%     Bank Account Setting up a bank account in Ireland is often something that is overlooked in the excitement of relocating. Many employers will prefer to pay into an Irish bank account and setting up an Irish bank account can be stressful if you don’t get yourself organised. Things you will need: Proof of Address (Utility bill or Lease Agreement) Proof of ID PPS Number   Once you have moved to Ireland and have the above information, choose one of Ireland’ many banks e.g. AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB or Ulster Bank and set up your account straight away.     Living in Ireland   Weather Thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is relatively mild for its latitude, with a mean annual temperature of around 10°C. The temperature drops below freezing only intermittently during winter, and snow is scarce – perhaps one or two brief flurries a year. The coldest months are January and February, when daily temperatures range from 4° to 8°C, with 7°C the average. In summer, temperatures during the day are a comfortable 15° to 20°C.   Healthcare Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to free public hospital services but may have to pay in-patient and out-patient hospital charges. You are also entitled to subsidised prescribed drugs and medicines and maternity and infant care services and you may be entitled to free or subsidised community care and personal social services.   Social Clubs There is a wide range of social clubs in Ireland catering for all interests. Sport in particular is a hugely popular pastime in Ireland. Some of the most popular sports in Ireland include Gaelic Games, Soccer and Rugby. Below are resources that provide details of clubs and societies throughout Ireland. Localclubsireland.com - directory of sporting clubs throughout Ireland Meetup.com - lists group meetings in cities around the world to help bring people with common interests together and promote the development of active local communities. Search groups of whatever your interest is in Ireland all over the country. Newcomers Club Worldwide - worldwide directory of newcomers clubs for newly arrived expatriates, including Ireland.   Transport Rail Service: Iarnród Éireann, is responsible for operating rail services in Ireland. The company operates passenger rail services nationwide and provides commuter rail services, including the DART service in Dublin and the Arrow service from Dublin to Kildare.   Bus: Bus Éireann provides various bus services on a network of routes throughout Ireland. It operates intercity coach services and provides commuter services for major cities. City and town bus services are also provided, together with a local bus service throughout the country. For further information on these services, routes and fares see www.buseireann.ie   Driving If you have a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. It is possible to exchange a driving licence issued by an EU member state or an EEA member state (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) for an Irish driving licence. It is also possible to exchange a driving licence issued by certain recognised states for an Irish driving licence.  If you are the holder of a driving licence issued by a country that is not recognised for driving licence exchange, you cannot exchange your licence for an Irish licence. You will only get an Irish driving licence after you have gone through the full driver licensing procedure (see www.rsa.ie for further information).   For further information, view our Working & Living Guides: Working and Living in Ireland Working and Living in Dublin Working and Living in Cork Working and Living in Athlone Working and Living in Galway Working and Living in Limerick Working and Living in Sligo Working and Living in Waterford