Understanding the Vital Role of Cultural Fit in Hiring: Strategies for Interviewers

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
Job Interview Preparation

In today’s competitive job market, finding the right candidate goes beyond assessing technical skills and qualifications. Cultural fit has emerged as a crucial factor in hiring decisions because it can directly impact the success and effectiveness of an employee within the organisation. It’s about ensuring that a candidate’s values, behaviours, and work style align with those of the organisation. Ignoring cultural fit can lead to mismatches that affect team dynamics, productivity, and employee satisfaction as a whole.


Pointers On Post-Interview Etiquette For Employers

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by Sean Whelan
Job Interview Preparation


Over the years in recruitment, I learned how important it is for an employer to have a high standard and good post-interview etiquette with their candidates as this not only creates a good impression and builds a positive employer brand and it makes the whole process run more efficiently. The impression the candidate has of the company has become a critical factor contributing to the offer acceptance rate, as a company could provide the ideal salary and glorious benefits, but if the candidate feels like their time and energy have been taken for granted, they will most likely look for opportunities elsewhere.


Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Software Engineering in Ireland

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


In today’s fast-paced digital world, software engineering stands at the forefront of innovation, driving progress across industries and transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. As technology continues to advance at a crazy pace, the demand for skilled software engineers has reached new heights. However, the skillset required to thrive in this dynamic field are constantly evolving, shaped by emerging technologies, changing market demands, and evolving best practices.


A Deep Dive into Mastering Common Interview Questions

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by Sam Healy
Job Interview Preparation


Job interviews represent pivotal moments in anyone’s career journey, where the ability to effectively communicate experiences and skills can make all the difference. In my short stint so far as a recruiter, I have encountered numerous candidates who, with proper preparation and a strategic approach, have successfully navigated through commonly asked interview questions. In this guide, I hope I can help you going forward by delving into key strategies and techniques to master these questions, ensuring you can stand out amongst everyone else.


Data Centre Salary Guide Ireland 2024

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by Namratha Ambat
Data Centre Guidance


Amidst the cautious financial climate, job cuts, and a noticeable slowdown in recruitment efforts, 2023 marked a stark departure from the hiring fervour seen in the early stages of 2022. Despite initial optimism, industry leaders such as Meta, Google, and Amazon grappled with workforce reductions. While the tech sector confronted challenges, the overall impact proved less severe than initially anticipated.


Inside Data Centre Manager Interviews: Key Technician Hiring Criteria

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by Conor Kealy
Data Centre Guidance


Data centres are the backbone of modern technological infrastructure, and the individuals responsible for their operation—data centre technicians—are in high demand. These professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of data centres, safeguarding critical systems, and maintaining optimal performance. Consequently, data centre managers meticulously assess candidates during interviews to identify those possessing the required attributes and skills. Let’s delve into the key qualities that data centre managers prioritise during the interview process to help you in your next process.


What You Need to Know About Tech Talent in 2024

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Whenever you listen to anyone talking about the world we live in right now, you often hear the word ‘unpredictable’ used. Our world is described as one that is constantly changing. This really does feel true. As we kick off 2024, and in the context of the tech talent market in Ireland, what can we expect to see? What changes are coming and what trends are emerging that we need to take note of? In this blog, I will attempt to capture some of these trends and changes.

So what should we expect to see becoming more prevalent in 2024, from a tech talent perspective. Well let’s look at a couple of the macro factors first.


Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Product Management: Trends and Upskilling for 2024

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Based on my experience working as a Recruiter in the Product Management space for a while now, I have seen how the product management landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the ever-increasing pace of technological advancements and the growing emphasis on customer-centricity. As we gear up for 2024, product managers need to be prepared to adapt, upskill, and embrace the transformative power of technology.


Unlocking Varied Career Paths in the World of Data Centres

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by Mark Prizeman


Working in a data centre offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. As a Data Centre Technician, you’ll be at the forefront of technological advancements, constantly learning and adapting to new innovations. The fast-paced nature of the industry ensures that no two days are the same, making it an ideal environment for those who crave variety and excitement in their careers.


Managing Finances as an IT Contractor

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IT Contracting Advice


You’ve listened to my advice, you have read my blogs and you have made the leap into IT contracting. Life is good, you’re making more money, paying less taxes, and you’re getting all these benefits, but you want to make sure life stays good and keep that money coming in steady and prepared for any mishaps. Well, it’s time to read my new blog then, as today I’m talking about managing finances as an IT contractor. This isn’t advice to help you get rich quickly, unfortunately, if I knew that maybe I wouldn’t be writing this blog, but this is how to stay rich when you get rich advice, so let’s get into it!


Information Technology Salary Guide Ireland 2024

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by Namratha Ambat
Job Interview Preparation


In 2023, a year marked by cautious spending, job losses, and a slowdown in recruitment processes, there was a striking shift from the hiring surge witnessed in the early stages of 2022. Despite initially strong positions, major players such as Meta, Google, and Amazon underwent staff reductions. While the tech sector did face challenges, the impact wasn’t as severe as initially anticipated.


Work-Life Balance in the Irish Tech Industry

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Having a good work-life balance is something that is imperative for both employers and employees. For an employer’s side, the better the work-life balance culture the easier it is to attract talent. From an employee’s point of view, it is more attractive to engage with a company that really prides itself on its culture and sets a standard throughout.


Startup Success Blueprint: Mastering IT Recruitment in Ireland

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Hiring tech experts for a startup in Ireland can be challenging at times because you usually have fewer resources and have to compete with the bigger companies who are able to dedicate huge budgets towards acquiring the talent they need. So start-ups and smaller organisations need to get more creative with their talent acquisition processes. It’s also crucial for startups to have team members who match the company’s culture because each person shapes how the company works.

In this blog I will look into these difficulties and try to provide some tips for startups who are trying to hire IT experts here in Ireland.


Fostering Inclusivity: Building a Network with Women in Tech in Ireland

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Diversity and Inclusion


Women have made significant contributions to the Irish tech industry, playing vital roles in its growth and development. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the sector. Women are breaking down barriers, driving innovation, and leading the way for future generations. Their contributions range from software development and data analysis to cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.


Nurturing IT Talent Communities

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Data Centre Guidance IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


By cultivating these connections early, we can tap into a rich source of talent, reduce time-to-hire positions, and enhance the overall efficiency of the hiring process.

It’s not just about finding the right person for the job today, but also about fostering relationships to meet the needs of the client.


10 Steps to Develop Your AI-Driven IT Hiring Strategy

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


In the dynamic landscape of the Irish IT job market, talent acquisition teams and hiring managers are constantly seeking innovative approaches to fill crucial tech positions. With the demand for IT professionals soaring and the talent pool seemingly shrinking, companies are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise their hiring strategies. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the creation of an AI-based hiring strategy, designed to address the distinctive challenges of the Irish tech industry and empower you to attract, evaluate, and secure ideal IT talent.


Navigating the Remote Work Revolution

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by Sam Healy
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


In recent years, Ireland’s professional landscape has undergone a major transformation driven by the rise of remote work. Technological advancements and the global pandemic have collectively brought about a new era of remote work that seems to be here to stay. We will discuss some pros and cons of this as well as some market insights to help us understand a bit more about the rise of remote working in Ireland and how it is affecting the IT job market.


A Day in the Life of a Data Centre Engineer

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by Conor Kealy
Data Centre Guidance


Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work inside the digital realm that powers our modern world? Welcome to a day in the life of a Data Centre Engineer. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring that the physical infrastructure of data centres remains operational, efficient, and reliable. To provide you with a firsthand look at this exciting career, I have spoken to a number of Data Centre Engineers that I have recruited in Ireland for some of the biggest companies in the world.


Navigating the IT Skills Shortage in Ireland

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Fundamentally, our clients pay us recruitment fee’s to find them talent. If they could do it themselves, there would not be a need for recruitment agencies. But our industry is still worth over €4 billion in 2023 in Ireland alone. The tech talent market in Ireland is still candidate short. This means anyone looking to hire talent is still struggling, even though things have calmed since the surge in post-covid hiring in 2021 and first half of 2022.


Understanding the Building Blocks of Employer Branding

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by Namratha Ambat
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Is your company brand something that is well known? Are you recognised in the market? Do you have the right associations attached to your name? If this is something that you have not made a conscious effort to impact, improve and establish, it’s time to focus on it. It’s not too late to hop on board, as it will make a world of difference.


How to Become a Sought-After UX/UI Designer: Skills and Strategies

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


So far into the year 2023, I have seen that the UX/UI design talent market has come to be a rapidly growing field as it plays a crucial role in the success of any digital product. Consequently, in the current digital landscape, the role of UX/UI design has become more crucial than ever before. As users and customers are becoming more sophisticated and demanding, businesses are realising that a well-designed interface can make or break their success.


Expanding Professional Circles - The Importance of Networking

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


“It’s all about who you know”

We’ve all heard the phrase that it’s all about who you know, but is it really a phrase, or just one of the best tips you can be given in life? I’d say it’s one of the most useful pieces of life advice you could probably receive, whether it’s your friend group or a network of people who can help you when you need it. Who you know is what genuinely shapes your life and has such an impact for you as a person.


Overcoming Job Search Challenges: Solutions to Common Roadblocks

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


It’s important to highlight the common roadblocks when it comes to a typical job search and the career path you choose to take. Some of the most common roadblocks I encounter when talking to candidates daily can be from lack of clarity to lack of interview skills. There are so many different factors that sum up a roadblock in a candidate’s career search.


Developing the Ideal IT Recruitment Process

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


In the ever-evolving landscape of the Irish IT market, the role of recruitment agencies has become increasingly pivotal in ensuring that the right talent meets the right opportunities. As a recruitment consultant operating in this dynamic market, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of an effective candidate screening and selection process. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key components of an ideal IT recruitment process while shedding light on potential pitfalls that recruiters and TA teams should be wary of.


Unleashing Creativity in the Workplace: Building an Innovative Environment

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Innovation and growth are the lifeblood of a thriving workplace, infusing it with vitality and relevance in an ever-evolving world. This is essential for any company to be able to grow and improve the quality of its products and services.


Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Apply for a Job

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Going down the path of job applications is no walk in the park. It’s a windy road with many twists and turns, but when you find that one ideal job that checks all the boxes on your list, it is definitely worth it. But during this search for the ‘one (perfect job)’, you could be tempted to apply to as many as possible, irrespective of whether it matches your criteria or not. Try to avoid this instinct.


What Are The In-demand Tech Skills In Ireland In 2023?

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by Sam Healy
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As the digital revolution continues to reshape industries across the globe, Ireland’s tech landscape is no exception. In 2023, the demand for skilled tech professionals is at an all-time high, driven by the rapid growth of technology companies and startups in the country. From Dublin to Galway, the tech sector is booming, and employers are seeking talented individuals with specific expertise. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top in-demand tech skills in Ireland and how job seekers can take advantage of the current market trends to secure rewarding positions.


Is There A Demand for IT Contractors Currently?

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by Conor Kealy
IT Contracting Advice


Welcome to the exhilarating world of tech contracting, where the demand for IT superheroes is skyrocketing, and the digital landscape is buzzing with action! Amidst economic upheavals and the pandemic’s aftermath, a new era of online business has dawned, blazing brighter than ever before.


Stepping Out of Your comfort Zone into IT Contracting

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IT Contracting Advice


In recent years, the demand for IT contractors has grown significantly in Ireland. With its thriving tech industry and a wide range of exciting opportunities, becoming an IT contractor can offer both professional and financial rewards. This blog aims to guide aspiring and tech hungry individuals through the process of becoming an IT contractor in Ireland, highlighting the essential skills and pathways to success.


Why We Won Best Tech Specialist Recruitment Agency in 2022

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Friday 25th November 2022 was an incredible night for GemPool. This was the night when we were recognised by the Employment and Recruitment Federation as the best tech specialist agency in Ireland. The night was very special and memorable


Points to Remember While Negotiating Job Offers

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by Namratha Ambat
Job Interview Preparation


Negotiating a job offer can be challenging, despite excelling in interviews and conversations. It’s crucial to express that while you appreciate the role, team, and company culture, compensation is also a significant factor. It directly influences your personal life, goals, and aspirations beyond the workplace. Balancing your enthusiasm for the job with the need for fair compensation is essential for aligning your professional and personal interests.


Assessing the Availability of Skilled Talent for Data Centres

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by Mark Prizeman
Data Centre Guidance


The data centre industry is constantly evolving, and Ireland is leading the way in Europe when it comes to data centres and has some of the most talented workforce in this field. There are a few reasons why Ireland is a hotspot for this industry.


The Power of Project Management Certification: Why It Matters in Hiring

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


I’ve been recruiting for Project Managers for a good while now and I have seen the importance of having a project management certification. Not only does it demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise, but it also provides a competitive edge in the job market. In this article, I will explain why project management certification matters in hiring, the benefits of certification, the various types of certifications available, and how to obtain them.

Today I’m going to share all the knowledge I’ve collected on Project Management while working with multiple clients across Ireland, which will hopefully help you in mapping out your career.


IT Contracting In A Remote World

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IT Contracting Advice


“Is this role remote?” is probably one of the most common questions I get asked when talking to contractors about different roles, and quite honestly, the amount of times I’m saying yes has been less and less as time has gone on from our time living with the disease that shall not be named. This, however, got me thinking about the state of the remote world of IT contracting. Is it viable to work remotely in today’s market? Well, so glad you asked, because now I can continue writing this blog for you to enjoy!


Evaluating and Perfecting Your Candidate Experience

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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The hiring process for any company can be a long and time-consuming affair, as it can reflect poorly on internal management if it is not mapped out efficiently and in a well-organised manner. Evaluating the first initial steps are important for passive candidates but it can ultimately be the difference between losing a good candidate and hiring a poor candidate.


Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Hiring Process

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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Recruitment teams have a big responsibility of attracting and retaining top talent in today’s IT market. The tech industry in Ireland is highly competitive, and recruitment efforts can make or break the success of your company. That’s why it’s essential to measure the effectiveness of your hiring process.

Measuring the effectiveness of your hiring process can help you identify areas of improvement and ensure that you’re making the most of your recruitment efforts. By tracking key metrics, you can gain insights into how well your recruitment strategy is working and make data-driven decisions to improve it.


How To Build and Maintain An Effective Remote Culture

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


“What’s the key for a business to be successful?” That’s a question that brings many aspects and opinions to the table. I personally think that having a healthy work culture is one of the key elements.


Journey of an IT Recruiter: Reflections on 5 Years in the Industry

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


After 10 years in retail I was made redundant in April 2018 and I knew I wanted a change. Not having any experience in recruitment, I took a leap of faith and applied for a position at GemPool Recruitment, and I was very fortunate to be offered the position. I accepted the offer and since then I have never looked back. I recently celebrated my 5 year anniversary and what an absolute wonderful journey it has been!


How To Get Reward And Recognition Right, And Not Break The Bank

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


When we talk about rewards in work, typically your mind immediately thinks about financial rewards like salary, raises, bonuses or commission. Recognition is a hugely important part of work. So many studies have shown how recognition drives engagement, loyalty, job satisfaction and therefore performance.


My Secret to Creating An Ideal Candidate Experience

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by Sam Healy
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


With this being my first year as a recruiter in GemPool, it has been a treat to be part of a company that really does right by their candidates. Our culture and moto is oriented around this and our aim is to provide consultative advice throughout the candidate journey. In my blog today I will discuss my attitude towards creating a safe and positive experience for my candidates. I will also provide some personal examples as well to back up what I’m saying.


Step Into The World of Data Center Operations

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Data Centre Guidance


Data centres have been around for quite some time, allowing individuals to have the ability to connect and bring technology to a reality. Having had the chance to work in this industry over the past few years I know about the extensive job opportunities it brings with it. So where do we go from here? Let’s start with strategy.


Exploring the Latest Emerging Technologies in a Data Centre

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by Conor Kealy
Data Centre Guidance


As a tech recruiter and a tech enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of the data centre industry. In the eight months that I’ve been working in the recruitment field, I’ve seen first-hand how emerging technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionising the way we process and store data. It’s an exciting time to be in the industry, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.


How to start a Design Career in Ireland in 2023

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As an experienced technical recruiter and former professional product designer, I believe I am in the somewhat unique position to “live” in two worlds, one being the world of business, consulting HR and recruitment, the other being the world of design, creativity, innovation and rapidly advancing technology. From this standpoint I wanted to talk about the sometimes tricky subject of Starting and Developing your Career as a Designer in the context of Ireland 2023.


Top 5 Insights for the Irish Tech Sector in 2023

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by Namratha Ambat
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


So, what’s happening in the talent market now? We came out of covid into an extremely fruitful environment for recruiters, with companies who were looking to grow and scale up at an extremely fast pace, offering above market average salaries, but talent was scarce and competition was high. Fast forward to Q4 of 2022 and Q1 of 2023, things have shifted within the IT talent market in Ireland and around the world, we have once again found ourselves in an uncertain environment.


Understanding the Data Centre Recruitment Game

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by Mark Prizeman
Data Centre Guidance


At GemPool, and for our Infrastructure team, one client and in particular their data centre teams are of very high priority. We continuously pipeline candidates all year round to make sure we are prepared for all situations that arise for teams and ensure we are in a strong position to provide relevant candidates once each team requires additional resources. In this blog, I will break down how we ensure the very high standard of delivery that this client needs from us.


Top Questions Hiring Managers Need To Answer

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Job Interview Preparation


When interviewing it is very important to ask your potential future employer many questions. Not only to express your interest in the role but to engage with the company and learn more about the internal processes and culture. This could paint you in an even better light and potentially help you stand out from other candidates that are interviewing for the position.


Importance Of Building Your Brand As An IT Recruiter

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


If you want to be a source of accurate information for your candidates, regularly share those insights! If you want to be considered as an approachable person, a person candidates can relate to, can trust, can be friends with, and can have a laugh with, these are all well within your control as part of your personal brand.


.NET Developers Job Search Toolkit

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by Sean Whelan
Job Search Toolkits


In this blog I am hoping to provide as much info as possible to .NET developers that are currently searching for a new role in today’s IT market. I will extensively cover some tips and some guidelines on how to begin your search and how to prepare for a variety of job opportunities.


Top Growing Tech Skills in Ireland

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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As a software development manager in 2023, you must know the market around you and the fastest-growing skills. The candidates that demonstrate an interest in your open positions will likely either have obtained these skills or want to learn them. With prior knowledge of these emerging skills, you can help map out a learning and development pathway for your existing team and utilise these skills when you grow your team.


How does Cultural Diversity Add to a Company’s Success?

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Diversity and Inclusion


Diversity, equality, and inclusion. Three words have quickly found themselves at the top of almost every companies’ priority list. Diversity helps bring different perspectives, drives innovation, and creates a sense of belonging within workplaces. It’s a topic that is finally gaining the attention it deserves.


Product Management and Project Management- What’s the difference?

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Ireland is home to a thriving technology industry and offers numerous career opportunities for professionals across all sectors. The fields of product and project management has seen significant growth in Ireland specifically over the last five years.


What benefits are important to employees in 2023?

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


​At GemPool, we spend all day talking to candidates about their salary expectations, but also the benefits they currently have. It’s not always the salary that is the most important aspect of the remuneration package. All parts of a benefits package have the ability to sway a candidate to accept an offer, and also retain existing employees.

We completed our research for the recently published GemPool Tech Salary Guide Ireland for 2023 from August-December 2022. As part of this we also gathered data on benefits packages and today I am happy to share some of this with you.


Is Your Recruiter Giving You The Best Interview Preparation Advice?

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by Sam Healy
Job Interview Preparation


Job interview preparation is a crucial step in the hiring process, and it can be nerve-racking for both the interviewer and the interviewee. So, by doing the right preparations you can ease this process for both you and the interviewer, increase your chances of impressing them, and hopefully land the job. Below I have formulated, through research and from personal experience, some quick tips to best prepare yourself for that interview:


What Kind of Action Words Should You Use on Your Resume?

Posted on:
by Conor Kealy
CV Assistance


Hiring managers and recruiters review a lot of resumes, so it’s important to make yours stand out. One way to do this is by using action words in your resume. These words can make your resume more compelling and show the hiring manager that you have the right skills and qualifications for the job.


Undercover Recruiter

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Let’s take a look at Recruitment which is notoriously a tough gig that may disguise itself as a piece of cake.

So what do you think are the key traits a top IT recruiter needs to hold?


Data Centre Job Market 2023

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by Mark Prizeman
Data Centre Guidance


The Data Centre industry has had an unusual 18-24 months, from hyper growth to sustaining growth and power and electrical concerns. While other industries struggled, Data Centres continued to flourish but not without its challenges.


Living in Ireland Guide 2023

Posted on:
by Sean Whelan
Job Interview Preparation


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2022 has been a hugely turbulent year in so many ways. We have seen some crazy things happening. The war in Ukraine, the subsequent energy crisis, inflation, the threat of an economic slowdown and Newcastle United are third in the premier league. It’s been unpredictable, constantly changing and difficult.


Top Pointers on  Negotiating Contracting Rates

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IT Contracting Advice


You may have already read my amazing article on how much money you can make as a contractor, and now you need to know how to negotiate the rate. Unlike permanent positions, where you can negotiate salary, benefits, sign-on bonuses etc., you simply need to negotiate the contract rate and the contract length. So, with that in mind, let me give you some tips!


How Do I Recruit QA Engineers?

Posted on:

CV Assistance IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights Job Interview Preparation


It’s safe to say that there is a lot going on in the talent market and as a candidate, who has a certain salary expectation, you need to stand out from the rest. Luckily, you’re in good hands. I recruit in the QA space and have the inside scoop that will help you stand out from the crowd.


Rising Above the Counter Offer Culture When Hiring

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


In today’s recruitment market counter offers are the new norm, especially in the IT sector. Think about it, if one of your top employees hands in their notice, you are going to do everything in your power to try and convince them to stay. There is such a skill shortage in the IT tech market that companies won’t let go of staff without a fight.


A Company’s Role During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


The importance of Breast Cancer Awareness month is mostly educating people about this disease, and the importance of early detection by doing self-checks and getting scans.

The good news is that most people can survive breast cancer if it is detected early enough. This is why education and awareness are so important!


Mistakes Companies Make During an Interview Process

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
Job Interview Preparation


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As a company, if you’re looking to create a great first impression in the mind of your candidates, you need to ensure you provide a smooth interview experience. However, as tech recruiters we have often listened to stories our candidates shared with us regarding poor candidate experiences they have faced while interviewing for jobs.


Q4 Market Trends & What to Expect in 2023

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As we approach the end of 2022, it is fair to say that the tech recruitment industry in Ireland has been highly volatile this year. Market salary rates have skyrocketed for many skill sets, benefits packages have had to be reworked, working arrangements have changed fundamentally and the mindset around what people want from their work has shifted.


What do We Look for in Candidates for Our Data Centre Teams?

Posted on:
by Mark Prizeman
Data Centre Guidance


At GemPool a big part of what we do in our infrastructure practice is recruiting top talent for a number of our clients in the data centre space. It is a truly unique (and testing environment) and exciting space to get into with so many possibilities for career progression. Whether you are a hardware enthusiast looking to break in and get that much-needed industry experience or a more seasoned technician looking to advance your career we have got you covered.


5 Ways to Improve Diversity and Inclusion in a Workplace

Posted on:
by Namratha Ambat
Diversity and Inclusion


How do you go about creating an equitable work environment? It’s one thing to attract a diverse talent pool, but developing a culture that is inclusive and retaining them is a whole other subject.


What do IT Recruiters Look for on Your LinkedIn Profile? 

Posted on:

CV Assistance


Job Seeking can result in such an emphasis on your CV, that you almost forget everything else at your disposal to help get a job. Trust me, I’ve been there. You may not realise that your LinkedIn profile is just as important as a CV in helping you get a job!


Meet Joe - A Data Centre Manager Looking To Hire You

Posted on:
by Michael Lantry
Data Centre Guidance


Last year we gave you a step by step guide on how to secure a job in a data centre. Today, I want to revisit this topic and add some extra insight and information that will help you.

The data centre market in Ireland is growing and has attracted a lot of media attention in recent months. For someone who might want to build a career in IT, then considering a job in IT infrastructure, specifically data centres is a smart play. With the proliferation of data across the globe, the need for data centres has never been stronger. Also, there really are some great career path opportunities.


1 Year in The Life of an IT Recruiter

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


I started my recruitment career in May 2021, I had been working in retail for five years before that so I had no recruitment experience. I was going in as a complete rookie which was a risk, because I could’ve potentially not liked working in the industry or the role itself, but it also gave me the determination and motivation to learn something new and hopefully excel at it.


Writing a Tech CV to get Recognised

Posted on:
by Cathal McAliskey
CV Assistance


How often have you found the perfect job, applied online and not heard anything back? In too many cases, good candidates miss out on being shortlisted due to a poorly written CV. In my job as an IT Recruiter, I review many CVs daily, and the bad ones always stick out. Your CV is a chance to make a great first impression, so it’s essential to get it right.


Top 10 Product Manager Skills To Boost Your Resume In 2022

Posted on:
by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


I once heard that ‘a great product manager has the brain of an engineer, the heart of a designer and the speech of a diplomat!’ This goes without saying that Product Management is a versatile field and it is very important that for a product manager to remain successful in their careers they need to focus on both, their soft as well as technical skills, so that they are at par with the market and do not miss out on any opportunity.


The in Demand Tech Skills Across Ireland in The First Half of 2022

Posted on:
by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


The IT industry in Ireland remains strong and resilient, despite global headwinds from inflation, the war and huge values dropping off the share prices of tech companies, especially in the USA. A recent report from the IDA Ireland boasted the highest ever amount of FDI (foreign direct investment) into Ireland over a six month period, in the first half of 2022.


What do IT Recruiters Look for in a Design Portfolio?

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CV Assistance IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights Job Interview Preparation


Have you ever thought about how Hiring Managers examine your design portfolio and how you can set yourself apart from the rest of the applicants? As an IT Recruitment Design Consultant, it’s my job to investigate a designer’s portfolio every day before forwarding their job applications over to my clients. This has helped me learn significant details on what works and what does not.


Are You Creating Diverse and Inclusive Job Descriptions?

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by Namratha Ambat
CV Assistance IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Did you know that the tone, words and the wishlist you use in a job spec will have an impact on who applies to the job you’ve listed? It’s very true, for example, women are less likely to apply to roles if they don’t check every requirement listed.


What Type of Job Seeker Are You?

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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We’ve all been there. Going out on the job market, trying your best to come across as amazing and giving the hiring manager no other choice but to offer you a role and absolutely kill it in their company.

That being said, have you ever thought about how you may come across to hiring managers? What impression might you be giving that meant you were rejected from that one role you liked or prompted the hiring manager to fast track a recruitment process and beg you to be on their team with an offer? Well, here are a few examples of the types of candidates hiring managers deal with regularly, so let’s see if you identify as one of them!


How to Tackle Employee Retention Issues

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As Richard Branson once said, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” In this period, post-covid, I have dealt with employers who have mentioned employee retention as a point of concern. Retaining staff is a huge challenge when market salaries levels keep going up, and employee’s are constantly bombarded with job opportunities.


Career Roadmap for Software Engineers

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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With a huge demand for software engineers in today’s Irish job market, software engineering is one of the most sought-after skills you can have. Many engineers believe that coding is the universal language of the 21st century.


Winning the IT Talent Tug of War

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


There is a constant competition for talent across all areas. This is particularly prevalent in the IT industry. In a recent article published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it stated that ‘by 2030, there will be a global shortage of more than 85 million tech workers’.

In the context of this future, it’s important that we discuss the competitive market out there within the IT industry. If we allow ourselves to dissect the small factors of how to win this chaotic battle it could ultimately make it much easier for Hiring Managers to attract new employees efficiently.


A Quick Dive Into Growth Product Managers

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Growth Product Managers, if you’ve been anywhere near the Product Manager job boards you’ve definitely been seeing this term all over the place, but what does it mean? Isn’t every Product Manager focused on growth? How do they differ from a regular Product Manager? Where does it fit within the Product team?


Can Recruiters Predict Recessions Better Than Economists?

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Firstly, I am not an economist. I am a recruiter. So I cannot claim any level of expertise on the subject of the economy, BUT, one thing I have learnt from my career as a recruiter is that the recruitment industry is a good barometer of the economy. The recruitment industry feels it first when things slow down and also when things pick up.


How to be a Sought-After UI/UX Designer

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Are you looking to dive into the tech jobs market for a new design role? If so, I have a few valuable insights to share with you. I am presently working as a UX/UI Design Recruitment Consultant for GemPool. During my time here I have collected very interesting data and insights on how to stand out in this very fast-paced and competitive market.


Ever Wondered How Much Money You Can Make As A Contractor?

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IT Contracting Advice


As a contract recruitment consultant, I deal with contractors every day, but I also deal with people who are on the fence about contracting. I know that before I was well-versed on the world of contracting, I would have admittedly been quite oblivious to the idea of being a contractor. It just simply never crossed my mind.


How Does a Data Analyst Differ from a BI Data Analyst?

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Recently, while recruiting for a Data Analyst role, I realised how similar a Business Intelligence (BI) Data Analyst position and a Data Analyst position can be! So I felt it would be useful to research the differences, and then share these points so anyone applying to these positions can keep them in mind.


Preparing for Your Tech Interview

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by Mark Prizeman
Job Interview Preparation


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Preparation is vital for anything you plan on doing, whether that be training for a marathon or interviewing with a company you are excited about working with. Regardless of the situation, if you don’t put in the work, the results are going to be disappointing which will then hold you back from your end goal.


How do Employers Select Candidates to Join Their Teams?

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by Sean Whelan
Job Interview Preparation


For all those candidates who are open to the market and looking for a new opportunity, it’s important for you to know the selection process that goes on behind the scenes. There are many stages that take place in a selection process.


What does a Gender Inclusive Leader Look Like?

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Diversity and Inclusion


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Before we can begin to break down what a gender-inclusive leader is, first we need to understand what we associate with an effective leader, and more importantly, why we associate certain traits with an effective leader.

This may seem like a tedious and possibly an unimportant task, but have you ever stopped to wonder why some traits are held in higher regard than others?

Probably not, and that’s okay! But let’s dig a little deeper.


What Should Agency Recruiters Be Doing For You?

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


The recruitment services provided by an agency must add value to the client. This is paramount. If this value creation is not there, then it’s all a costly waste of time. So the focus should always be on what the client needs. The obvious need is to hire talent. But what are the other compelling ways that a recruitment agency can add value?


Preparing for and Negotiating a Job Offer

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by Cathal McAliskey
Job Interview Preparation


In the current IT market, software developers change jobs roughly every 2 years, so it is extremely important to be well equipped in dealing with offers and hiring processes. Before entering interview processes, I would recommend doing these 2 things:


Networking Is One Of The Best Tools For Career Development

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Networking is more than a buzzword in today’s industry. Networking is about establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with people. It’s a two-way street. If you open doors for others and deliver good opportunities, in return you will reap its benefits.


Top 5 Things to Avoid in a Job Interview

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You have the technical skills, you have the experience, you have the drive to do a great job and you have just been invited for an interview with a company you’d like to work for. Everything is going swimmingly.


Data Analyst: Is It An Attractive Career Path?

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by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Data analysis skills will always be in demand. For most companies across various sectors, like finance and banking or retail and e-commerce or private equity firms; data plays an important role in shaping the growth and informing development roadmap of their company.


  What are the Biggest Hiring Trends in the Irish Tech Market Right Now?

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


GemPool is working with some incredible tech companies in Ireland right now to help find them the right talent for their teams. As we talk to our clients to understand their needs, we have seen some trends emerging on what our clients are asking us to prioritise in our headhunting. Also, we are constantly talking to candidates in Ireland and across the EU every day.


What to Consider with Contract and Permanent Jobs

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by Sean Whelan
IT Contracting Advice


If you’re looking to dive back into the job market, it’s always important to gain a better understanding of the options available. The best way to do this is to compare what the differences are between potential job opportunities within both contract and permanent positions.


Top 5 Tech Careers to Keep an Eye On

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


IT is the driving force behind the growth of modern businesses. Today we see the importance of technology to our everyday lives, and the many opportunities to launch a career in the IT space. With IT constantly changing due to innovation, it’s crucial to plan out your career path and choose a rewarding vocation where you can be impactful. Here are some emerging career paths to consider:


Gender Inclusive Initiatives - Looking at Your 2022 Plans

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Diversity and Inclusion


Although I have only just started my career in the technology industry, I have had the fortune of working alongside a large range of leaders in my professional life, some better than others, for many reasons, but each and every one of them has taught me something valuable.


Top 5 Things to Consider While Changing Jobs in Cyber Security

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by Mark Prizeman
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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Has your role become a little bit stale? Looking for a new opportunity within the cyber security space but don’t know where to start? This happens to us all regardless of the line of work we are in but the hardest part for people looking to change jobs is where exactly do they begin.

It might sound simple but covering the basics first is the easiest way to start. Building a strong network, creating a CV that showcases your experience and the benefits you wouldbring to a new company are key.


3 Steps to Improve Your Design Portfolio

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights Job Interview Preparation


As a Recruiter for UX, UI and Product Designers, I get to look at dozens of portfolios a day. My job is to figure out whether the work showcased demonstrates the right skills that the hiring manager is looking for. As enjoyable as it is to wander through peoples’ work, it has become a much quicker process with experience. I can now identify whether a candidate is suitable for a role within seconds. It has come to my attention that this rapid decision-making process is a norm in the design industry. A trained eye can pick up what it needs and move on.


Cloud Engineering- Everything You Need to Know

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by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


Cloud Engineering has gone from strength to strength with the emergence of the public cloud offerings from AWS, Azure, and GCP. This has led to greater demand for cloud engineers to build or maintain cloud infrastructure. A career in Cloud Engineering is very appealing with the vast opportunities for learning, especially the number of certificates on offer from the cloud providers.


The Engineering Skills Gap and How We Got Here

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


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I started a civil engineering degree in 2006… why wouldn’t I; Construction in Ireland was absolutely booming, the country was borrowing and spending more than ever before.What the majority in this country didn’t realise at that time was that we were on the precipice of a financial collapse that would be felt around the world.


Top 5 Highest in Demand Tech Jobs In Ireland

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by Sean Whelan
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As we come to the end of 2021, it’s time to have a quick look over the different job titles that have been most popular within the tech industry in Ireland. For Hiring Managers, it’s an important trend to keep an eye on as it represents what this year has been like in terms of job flow in the industry and might indicate what 2022 could look like. These insights are key when considering hiring plans for 2022 and potentially timelines for attracting ‘high demand’ skill sets.


How Can You Prevent Burnout in the Team You Lead?

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by Michael Lantry
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


As a Leader, you must be people focused in your approach and think about the human behind the computer screen. Everyone has different stresses and things going on at any time, so burnout may occur in some people and not others. Leading with empathy, understanding and openness will allow you to be effective in trying to manage burnout in your team/s.


Latest Project Management Trends in IT

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IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights


With the introduction of new technology, adaptable methodologies and leadership approaches, Project Management continues to change and evolve.

Add on the innovative pressure of a global pandemic and it’s hard to keep up.

As a Project Manager, it is important to stay ahead of the curve, by keeping up with the latest technologies and trends. After speaking to Hiring Managers, Project Managers and researching industry trends, I have compiled the 5 latest project management trends.


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