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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 IrelandAreas 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
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Mastering Body Language For Your Job Interview
Mastering Body Language For Your Job Interview
It only takes somebody between 6–30 seconds to form an opinion of someone they’ve met for the first time, and job interviews are no exception. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ and though it has become somewhat of a cliché, utilising this information can determine your success in an interview. So, you’ve researched your employer, practiced your responses to typical questions, arrived on time and appear neat and well groomed. Here is how to make the best first impression, along with some dos and don’ts to be mindful of during the interview: The First 30 Seconds Enter The Room With Confidence This will likely be the first time the interviewer sees you (unless they have greeted you upon entering the building), so make sure you appear as professional as possible. Don’t slowly open the door, nervously poke your head around and tippy toe over to your seat with your eyes locked to the floor. Stand up straight, open the door and walk in with calm confidence and good posture. Offer an initial greeting as you enter, such as a ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Hello there it’s nice to meet you,’ and rather than turn your back to the people in the room as you close the door, use your less dominant hand to close the door behind you whilst maintaining eye contact. Walk over confidentially to shake your interviewer’s hand or take your seat if you are prompted to do so. The Handshake Mastering the perfect professional handshake is a key skill you will utilise at many points in your professional career, though its important to neither be too forceful or too submissive. An overly aggressive handshake can come across as trying to hard, yet a weak handshake conveys a lack of confidence. Keep your handshake firm, but don’t crush their fingers, maintain eye contact and smile. Eventually you will develop the muscle memory needed when applying the correct amount of assertiveness for a handshake, but in the meantime, it never hurts to practice with a friend or relative. As You Sit Down Under no circumstances should you simply slump into your seat like a sack of potatoes. This shows a general ‘I’d rather be anywhere but here’ attitude, which of course will negatively impact your interviewer’s perception of you. As you sit down, keep your back straight and tuck your chair in if you are sitting at a table. During the interview Posture Maintain good posture but stay relaxed and try not to fidget. Don’t appear too rigid or stiff, as this shows you’re ‘on edge’ or trying too hard to look a certain way. When you’re sat up straight, imagine there’s a circle around your head, and try to keep your head inside this circle. If you lean back too far into your seat, you appear disinterested or too relaxed, but if you lean too far forward, it can come across as somewhat intense, or that you are trying too hard to seem engaged in what the interviewer is saying. It is OK to lean forward slightly ever so often, as it shows that you are listening, but don’t overdo it. Appear Open DO NOT CROSS YOUR ARMS! If there is any bigger indication that somebody is nervous, reserved, or holding back, I have yet to discover it. It is best to keep the hands on your lap or position your arms either at your sides or on the table. Avoid twiddling your thumbs or touching your hair or face. All of these are your body’s unconscious efforts to shy away from a situation. Remember to show confidence and that you are at ease with the situation. It’s fine to gesticulate when giving answers, but don’t go overboard. Smile A job interview can make anyone nervous, and recruiters seldom employ miserable people. The simple fix is to just smile. A smile can lower the stress levels and make you feel more relaxed. You will look comfortable, personable and ultimately, more likeable. The Eyes We have addressed the importance of maintaining eye contact without staring into your employer’s soul, however, when not maintaining eye contact, your eyes can give away more than you realise. Typically, when a person looks to their right while formulating a response, they are creating an artificial construct i.e., creating something that they haven’t seen or heard before. On the flipside, if they look to the left, they are recalling information about something they’ve seen or heard. A lot of these are unconscious movements that the body makes in a reaction to formulating a response and can be difficult to control, namely casting eyes to either relevant sides of the brain that deal with memory or imagination. However, the best way to avoid this happening is to simply prepare your responses to common interview questions in advance, so as not to be tripped up by a question you weren’t expecting. At the End of the Interview Don't Appear Rushed Your behaviour here will confirm your interviewer’s final perception of you, so quickly scrambling out of your seat, gathering your things and bolting out of the door is a sure fire way to leave a bad lasting impression. It makes you look like you just can’t wait to get out of there and breathe again. Instead, try to leave as confidently as you entered. Offer a final handshake and thank your interviewer for their time and express gratitude for the opportunity. If everybody is leaving the room together, match their pace and offer to hold the door if they aren’t already holding it open for you. Offer a final goodbye as you turn to exit the building. It’s worth bearing in mind that you may be watched as you walk out of the building, so try not to break composure and stride just yet! In Conclusion Ok so we’ve covered A LOT here, and you may finish this article with even more things to worry about than before. However, if you take one thing away from this, it’s that the simple way to avoid giving a negative impression to your interviewer is to remain calm, composed and confident. Should you worry that things are going astray, just remind yourself that your employer has chosen to interview you, so they are already impressed and think you are a good fit for the role. Remember to be open and polite, and you’re sure to walk away with a smile on your face.
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Irish jobs market reaches 20-year high, as office re-entry drives unprecedented levels of recruitment activity
Irish jobs market reaches 20-year high, as office re-entry drives unprecedented levels of recruitment activity
Sigmar Recruitment today reports a record high number of job placements over April, May, and June 2021. The number of placements during this period is higher than any other quarter in the recruitment company’s 20-year history. Current figures are up 6% on the previous record set in 2019 before the pandemic. As one of the largest recruiters in Ireland, Sigmar has offices across the country and is present in all professional sectors.The first half of the year saw strong, consistent growth with job placements breaking all records in the month of May, with June accounting for the second-highest month ever. Commenting on the rebound of the labour market, Sigmar founding Director, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig says:“The jobs market in Ireland has never been stronger or more buoyant than it currently is. We’re seeing several macro trends converge all at once, which is creating significant churn in the market. Remote working has literally opened up a world of new opportunities no longer bound by location. This is coupled with a rising tide of consumer confidence, as many professionals find themselves in a stronger financial position than before the pandemic.“The last 18 months has asked big questions of us all, and the humdrum of lockdown has created a desire for change which is now resulting in unprecedented numbers of people moving jobs. Employee loyalty is increasingly under question, with remote work being less enjoyable, many workers are now committed to the experience of work over the employer, adding further to the current levels of churn.”IT accounted for one-third of all job placements throughout the quarter, followed in order by Financial Services, Sales & Marketing, Accountancy, Life Science & Manufacturing, Office Support, Public Sector, Construction, Professional Services. Business confidence has also grown steadily over the course of the year, as vaccination gathered momentum.The “low-touch economy” is booming is sectors such as e-commerce, digital, and logistics.Says Mac Giolla Phádraig: “The resurgence of permanent recruitment is somewhat unique to how we’ve rebounded from previous downturns, where we typically saw flexible work return quicker.”Although the vast majority of job placement in Q2 were understandably remote, Sigmar reports that the tide is beginning to change with the majority of employers now committing to hybrid work over the coming three months.Mac Giolla Phádraig advises: “As we now choose our workplaces, at a time when the power dynamic has shifted to the employee, employers need to ensure adequate work practices to reconnect the workforce with the workplace equitably. There is an inherent risk that new workforce inequities may emerge, such as “proximity bias”, where those closest to the centre of influence get greater recognition and therefore promotion opportunities as opposed to remote workers. When it comes to individual contribution the opposite could be argued that remote workers get the benefit of having less in-office distractions and their output is therefore greater.”Mac Giolla Phádraig likens remote work to long-distance relationships, which in many cases don’t work out. “We’ve gone from “living” with our employees in an office environment to long-distance relationships, which often sees commitment recede over time. The context of location also opens up new experiences and possibilities, which are now being explored on a scale never before seen.”He adds, “if we thought the war for talent was tough, just wait for the battle of attrition. It’s now emerging as the number one challenge for businesses across the globe.”
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Keeping Company Culture Alive Across a Remote Workforce
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
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Sigmar Announces “COVID Ready” Learning Partnership with Alison to Upskill Newly Unemployed
Sigmar Announces “COVID Ready” Learning Partnership with Alison to Upskill Newly Unemployed
Sigmar Recruitment and Alison today announce a COVID ready learning partnership as part of the emergency jobs initiative www.covidresponsejobs.com.The initiative is an online platform set up by Sigmar Recruitment to help connect the displaced workforce with current frontline job opportunities, and to upskill the restricted workforce to enhance career prospects and enable a faster economic recovery.Alison, one of the largest learning websites worldwide, is now offering access to all of its courses free and unencumbered through www.covidresponsejobs.com. The learning content being offered through the platform has been hand curated to reflect in-demand, recession-proof skills across an array of business and IT disciplines, including;data scienceproject managementcustomer serviceaccountingweb developmentcomputer networkinge-commerce The core learning has been paired with lifestyle courses covering mental health, stress management and practical content on parenting while working from home for example aimed to support those working remote throughout the crisis period and beyond.The learning pathways have also been designed with jobseekers in mind with content on public speaking, job hunting, personal development supported by jobseeker advice on how to compete in the current marketplace, including tips on video interviewing, digital collaboration, remote onboarding and much more.Commenting on the partnership, founder of the initiative and Sigmar CCO Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig says: “As one of the world’s largest free learning platforms, Alison presents an excellent opportunity for newly unemployed in Ireland to upskill. The learning content has been COVID curated for maximum impact encompassing business skills, IT skills, mental health and personal development. We also aim to support the restricted workforce by providing upskilling opportunities during the downtime, to better equip our workforce to rebound from the crisis in the medium term.”Speaking at the announcement, Alison Founder & CEO, Mike Feerick stated that the gesture is one Alison is happy to make. “While being a global learning business, most of our team live and work in Ireland and know personally people whose employment has been jeopardised by the coronavirus pandemic crisis. Alison has over 1,500 free certificate and diploma courses, in subjects from project management, languages, IT, to health & safety, elderly caregiving, MS Excel and free courses on GDPR.“If you have been laid off, it is an opportunity to build up and strengthen your workplace skills to enhance your chances for employment in the months and years ahead. We are delighted to partner with Sigmar on the COVID Jobs Initiative.” www.covidresponsejobs.com is a for purpose “Team Ireland” initiative created by Sigmar Recruitment, supported by Alison, Candidate Manager, The Irish Times and Communicorp, established to mobilise the Irish Workforce.
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Online Interview Advice
Online Interview Advice
Rossa Mullally spoke to Jennifer Zamperelli on 2FM recently to share his tips and advice for video interviews...
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