Top Pointers on Creating a Successful Hybrid Working Model

posted on:
Robert Hourie

Now that we are all accustomed to our working from home life, how are we going to re-adapt to going back to the office? Recently the likes of Google, Facebook, Amazon & Goldman Sachs announced that they plan on bringing everyone back to the office in a structured way, over the course of the next few months. Perhaps the great return is upon us, or is it?

PHP Developers’ Job Search Toolkit

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


No matter how many times you’ve headed down the road of job applications and interview processes, it’s always slightly nerve wracking. To make this easier on you right at the very start, we’ve created this toolkit. The aim of this toolkit is to cover the basic groundwork and prepare you for the path ahead.

The Lessons I Learnt About Personal Career Development

posted on:
Michael Lantry


Everyone’s experience of their work and career is very unique and personal. But there is one thing that everyone has in common. It’s in your control. You have the power to influence your own actions and the direction your career goes. You have the ability to make things happen.

One thing I would tell myself younger self finishing up in college would be to proactively go after what I wanted in my career.

The key is simple planning, goal setting and action. For anyone who is currently meandering in their career or feels like they are not in control of it, why not try out these 5 steps to managing your personal career development.

10 Best Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


In every interview process, it is important to bring your own questions to the table. In 99% of interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. This is an opportunity to gain more insight into the role and the company, amongst other things.

What Kind of Professional Goals Should You Create?

posted on:
Lee Garvin


Planning for the future is not always the easiest task in-hand, but when it comes to your career, it’s vital in order to grow within your chosen path. Setting a professional goal can help you focus more on getting to where you want to be (in let’s say 5 years), but first of all it is important to figure out where it is exactly that you want to see yourself.

How can Defined Career Paths Help with Recruitment

posted on:
Michael Lantry


Having clear career paths and career ladders within a company has a number of benefits. The obvious one is that it provides a framework for existing staff to progress their career, learn new skills and continue to be challenged. But there are less obvious benefits worth paying attention to.

How to Write The Perfect Job Description

posted on:
Michael Lantry


The job spec really sets out the tone for the job and the employer. Get it right, and you will get more, better quality, applications, and therefore end hire. Get it wrong, and you can damage your brand in the talent market, and really struggle to get the right hire. This can be costly.

Data Centre Operatives Job Search Toolkit

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Every job search process requires a candidate to focus on a few different elements in order to ensure a good level of success. The key to success in any job search process is preparation. This toolkit is exactly aimed at that, it will help you prepare on all fronts. Right from the process of writing and building the ideal CV to interview preparation, we have got you covered.

How to Ace Your Interview Using STAR Interview Technique

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


It is the goal of any employer to question aspects of soft skills during the interview process. They are looking to recruit the best candidate who is capable of changing in a variety of circumstances. Displaying one’s soft skills shows how one performed in previous roles to accomplish one’s goals and objectives.

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

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


Hiring managers and recruiters look at hundreds of resumes weekly, so it is important to make yours stand out. Set yourself apart by utilising action words in your CV. Using the right verbs will make them jump off the page, and will signal to the hiring manager that you have the right skills and qualifications for the role at hand.

Python Developers Job Search Toolkit

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Starting your job search process at any point in your career is not an easy task. A little help and guidance can go a long way. As specialist recruiters working in the IT space, we have leveraged our extensive experience to create the following guide which can assist you in your job search endeavours.

What Would You Change About Your Hiring Process?

posted on:
Richard Ward


In short, there were many. Far too many to go into here, so below I’ve highlighted just a couple from each end of the spectrum.

Why is Workplace Diversity Training so Important?

posted on:
Sarah Cotter


Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a major obstacle for most companies in the IT sector. The tech industry has seen significant growth in terms of the number of people working in the industry, however we are yet to see a striking difference in terms of gender diversity.

IT Recruitment Market Insights for 2021

posted on:
Robert Hourie


Despite economic uncertainty heading into 2021, the outlook for IT professionals is a positive one. If the COVID-19 pandemic has done one thing for the IT industry, it’s that it has shone a very bright light on the increasingly critical nature of digital IT tools and infrastructures. Below are a few stats to give you an idea as to how the sector has grown.

Social Media and It’s Importance as A Recruitment Tool

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Social recruiting is booming as a trend in today’s environment as a substantial level of employers indicate that quantity and quality of applications they receive through social channels are high. According to Undercover recruiter, 79% of job seekers are scanning through social media for job opportunities. Looking for job opportunities or looking for job seekers, social platforms are increasingly growing as a popular go-to option.

10 Best Questions to ask a Software Engineer During an Interview

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


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From speaking to many candidates and hiring managers I have compiled a list of the best questions to understand software development candidates. These questions cover a range of topics from ideal environment to interests and motivations. An interview must be considered from both points of view.

How is the Job Market for IT Project Managers?

posted on:
Lee Garvin


​We do however, often see project managers change jobs around this time of year and this can be due to a contract ending or they’re simply seeking a change. Project Managers are always in high demand, there’s usually a wealth of jobs for candidates to apply for.

So how is the market looking now?

Top 5 Insights for the Irish Tech Sector in 2021

posted on:
Michael Lantry


The tech industry in Ireland specifically, has also been through a lot over the last 12 months. As we make our way through 2021, we are starting to see some more solid predictions coming from various corners.

Network Engineer’s Job Search Toolkit

posted on:
Robert Hourie


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​To help make your network engineering job hunt fruitful, we’ve compiled the following critical information which will give you the inside track on CV creation, general competency frameworks and detailed technical questions to expect throughout the hiring process.

Strategic Resource Planning During a Pandemic

posted on:
Richard Ward


There are any number of ways to approach resource planning, with no, single, tried and tested method proven to succeed and anyone who tells you otherwise is no different to that guy who pops up on Instagram now and then trying to sell you 7 simple steps to being rich and successful.

What do IT Recruiters Look for on Your LinkedIn Profile? 

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


I know the process of looking for a new job, or making your profile more searchable for recruiters can seem daunting, but here are a few tips that will help you optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Top 5 Reasons to Exclusively Work with One Recruiter

posted on:
Sarah Cotter


Sometimes the excitement of making a new career move can be daunting. You might work, be in school or taking care of your family. The thought of having to update your resume, find advertised jobs, apply to various career pages and hope then that you get responses can seem like a lot of hassle at best, or worse, fill you with dread and anxiety. Working with a recruiter can make the whole process easier.

Top 5 Interview Rounds to Prepare For in IT

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


Preparation for an interview is a big part of the process of finding a new job. The key to giving yourself the highest percentage chance of success in an interview is to prepare, prepare and prepare. In this blog, I will mainly focus on technical interviews and the questions that can get put in front of candidates. I will also reflect on certain scenario-based questions, and how best to answer them.

Importance of Short-Term Restructuring - Flexible Staffing Offerings

posted on:
Robert Hourie


Now those companies need to find an interim solution that might be more cost effective then using the Managed Services company that set it up. So, to get an effective short-term plan, you need to look into the following steps:

Why Now Is The Best Time For You To Upskill?

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


In the current climate there are great opportunities to upskill within software development. We are no longer wasting time on long commutes so we should have a lot more spare time on our hands. If you want to get ahead of the competition you should think about investing some of this time into upskilling and keeping up to date with modern technology.

Top Tips While Negotiating Salaries

posted on:
Lee Garvin


When changing jobs, there are many factors that can determine somebody’s decision to accept an offer. An obvious, but highly important factor is the salary and package that is offered by the company. This can result in tense salary negotiations and if not handled correctly by either the company or the candidate, can result in the hire not being made at all.

Understanding the Building Blocks of Employer Branding

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


The concept of employer branding isn’t a new strategy, it has been around for a long time. However, it is definitely something that is gaining more and more importance when it comes to talent acquisition strategies in tech companies.

Is your company brand something that is well known? Are you recognised in the market? Do you have the right associations made? If this is something that has not been at the top of your priority list, it’s time to focus on it. It’s not too late to hop on board, as it will make a world of difference.

Living In Ireland Guide

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


As we’re moving towards the new year that’s filled with opportunities and new beginnings there’s probably many people out there looking to move jobs or even countries for a fresh new challenge and start. We’ve all heard about the ever growing IT market in Ireland and the number of jobs being created in 2020 alone, so Ireland could be a good place to start.

Information Technology Salary Guide Ireland 2021

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


​The tech industry is booming and there are constantly growing opportunities, but the available talent is scarce in comparison to the demand levels, this essentially makes it a candidate driven market in Ireland.

What are The Most Popular Hiring Trends Right Now?

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


The world has gone through a lot of changes in 2020, and many areas of our lives have been flipped upside down. While the future is uncertain, different industries are thinking about the best ways to reshape our work life to suit the new tomorrow. There are a number of hiring trends already in place that are here to stay for the long run. Today, I wanted to focus on three key trends we are seeing right now.

What are the effects Data Centres have on society?

posted on:
Robert Hourie


I wanted to write this quick blog to explain the importance of data centre’s in today’s society and perhaps investigate some of the myths that consume so many when it comes to data centres.

Challenges Project Managers are Facing in The Current Climate

posted on:
Lee Garvin


Having spoken to numerous project managers over the past few months, it’s interesting to see how their roles have evolved in terms of their day to day activities. That being said, with IT teams often being dispersed (even in normal times), some would say that project managers are among some of the least affected with regards to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Top 5 Things to Consider While Changing Jobs in Cyber Security

posted on:
Ujwal Kiran


Have you decided to start looking for a new job in Cybersecurity? Or perhaps thinking about it due to the change in circumstances caused by the pandemic? As a Security Recruitment Consultant, I interact with cybersecurity professionals regularly. One common question I hear multiple times is- How to look for a new job during this pandemic?

Is There A Demand for IT Contractors Currently?

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


2020 has been a devastating year economically for the whole world due to the pandemic. However, it will probably become known for the year of online business. This sector has really taken off this year and this was reflected by companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Zoom, to name a few, doing exceptionally well.

This sudden surge of dependency on these platforms, has given rise to another demand, contractors.

Top Interview Tips to Secure A Job in A Data Centre

posted on:
Laura Mooney


So you have decided to start a new career in a data centre and you are wondering what to expect, how to prepare, wondering about the interview process, what questions they will ask, will it be formal or informal, and how can you stand out from the competition?

Well I am here to help guide you through the process and give you some insight on how to secure a job in a data centre.

A Tech Recruiter’s Journey Through Lockdown 2.0

posted on:
Sarah Cotter


Here we are again…Lockdown 2.0. Back in March we all thought we would be back in the office in a month and everything would be back to normal. Nearly 8 months later and we are in another lockdown!

How to move up the ladder as a Software Developer

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


It’s human nature to look to the future and look at where our jobs could lead us and a career in software development is no different. While the progression ladder isn’t as straightforward as other professions, there are two directions developers usually take – Technical or People. Both options provide a challenging direction for developers but require a lot of preplanning and reflection to ensure they follow the right path.

How to work effectively with a recruiter

posted on:
Richard Ward


Recruitment, especially from a candidate’s perspective, is comparable to talent management. Much like an athlete, actor or media personality would likely have an agent to manage their day-to-day engagements, contracts and obligations; a tech professional looking for their next challenge might engage with a recruiter, to help them navigate the labyrinth that is today’s Irish tech job market

What are Some Challenges That UX/UI Designers Face in SaaS Companies?

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


The main concern for any SaaS company is having customers continuously revisit their product. The best way to ensure this, is by creating a great user experience. This has had a proven success rate especially for SaaS start-ups in the United States, where they incorporate design in their earliest stages of production, and where developers and designers work as one.

A Guide to Writing your Perfect Tech CV

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


In this blog, we’re going to attempt to improve your chances of getting shortlisted for your next dream job opportunity. If you have the skills and experience, don’t let your CV hold you back. These pointers below will help you stay ahead of the game in this tech market in Ireland.

What is The Job of an IT Recruiter?

posted on:
Lee Garvin


Working as a recruiter can be a hectic but highly enjoyable role for the right person. There are a lot of daily tasks involved and if being compared with other sectors, is like a mixture of HR and sales together. In this job the main outcome essentially is to match the right candidates with the right job, but the hiring manager for the company makes the final hire decision.

What are the Different Types of IT Recruitment Tools?

posted on:
Laura Mooney


Choosing what recruitment channel to use can be difficult as you need to consider some factors before deciding such as budget and resources, employer brand, skill gaps in the current team, labour market conditions and the role, time to hire and number of vacancies

Technical Recruitment Advice for Scaling Start-ups

posted on:
Ujwal Kiran


Hiring can be challenging if you do not have someone well versed in recruitment best practices. If you are a scaling start-up and thinking of building your team without a dedicated Human Resource (HR) team, we might have some useful tips for you.

Cloud Engineer & Cloud Architect – What’s the difference?

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


Cloud computing is something that is becoming more popular within today’s IT industry with the emergence of the cloud hosting offering from Microsoft, Amazon and Google. IT Companies see cloud as the future.

Avoid These 5 Recruitment Myths for a Better Tech Talent Acquisition Strategy

posted on:
Richard Ward


There are any number of factors that need to be taken into account when developing a talent acquisition strategy for your business. As with creating any kind of plan, one issue almost always prompts another and, before you know it, things have got out of hand.

Get Your Head Into The Cloud

posted on:
Michael Lantry


This information age has meant an exponential creation of data. This has only been made possible by the growth and improvement of cloud computing technologies. One cannot underestimate the importance of cloud computing in our modern way of living.

Why don’t we have ‘Contract-To-Hire’ Arrangements in Ireland?

posted on:
Michael Lantry


In the USA the use of contract to hire arrangements is quite a popular approach for bringing in talent. So why do we not see it in Ireland where so many US owned companies operate and, quite often, our talent acquisition strategies and workforce structures align? Here we will attempt to explain what ‘contract to hire’ is and why it is not used by employers in Ireland.

Is Partnering with an IT Recruitment Agency your Safest Bet?

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


The process of hiring a new employee who fits the technical requirements as well as the cultural aspect of your company requires a lot of work and dedication. It comes down to the question of whether you want to spend your time seeking out talent or save your time and spend the money to make that perfect hire.

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

posted on:
Sarah Cotter


As a recruiter, I work with both contract and permanent positions. In recent months there has been an increasingly large number of people who are now working as contractors. With the economy so unpredictable, more businesses are embracing the concept of hiring contractors for project-based work. I find that there are a lot of questions asked about contracting but one question in particular is, “how do I convert a perm salary to a contract daily rate”?

The Challenges of Hiring Staff for a Data Centre

posted on:
Lee Garvin


Working in the Data Centre space is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, and with that also comes the demand for exceptional staff to work within them. The systems and designs of data centres are constantly changing and innovating and this can make them an exciting but also a tricky place to work. There are many reasons that people find data centres an appealing place to work and the ever evolving industry has many delights that you can read about further here.

Pros and Cons of IT Contracting

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


Contracting is where you are hired to work on a project or task for a set period of time, normally 6 or 12 months. You receive what is called a contract for service rather than a contract of service (perm position). The 2 types of contracting are fixed term or daily rate.

Is IT Contracting Right for You? Have You A choice?

posted on:
Robert Hourie


IT contracting has recently been gaining popularity considering the market situation and improving people’s willingness to jump on board with contracting opportunities. However we’ve always come across a variety of questions from candidates on whether contracting is beneficial or not for them and their career path. In last week’s blog, Cathay Wojnicki spoke about a few tips for new contractors, however the list below covers a few more topics that might be helpful and might set you up on a path to a successful contracting career.

Top Tips for new IT Contractors

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


In recent years, IT contracting has become an agreeable option for many developers. This is largely due to multinational IT companies choosing Ireland for their European headquarters, and respectively, the vast amount of choice that experienced developers have when choosing a new job. Not only does contracting come with flexibility for the worker, but increased pay and better life to work balance to name a few. However, in the post COVID-19 market, how can those looking to move into IT contract work be best prepared? Below I have outlined some key nuggets of information to get you ready for your new career adventure.

The Front-line Workers We Didn’t Clap For

posted on:
Richard Ward


Nurses, doctors, paramedics, and other members of the emergency services have - quite rightly - received a huge amount of praise for their efforts out there on the coal face. Whether we were out clapping at 8pm on a Tuesday (and then the following Tuesday which in some places got moved to the Thursday) or, for those who hail from my side of the sea, “Going blue” on Facebook for the NHS, we were doing our 21st-century best to acknowledge how indebted we are to them.

The benefits of working in a Data Centre?

posted on:
Laura Mooney


Why work in a Data Centre?

This is a question that I have started asking candidates and they all found working in a data centre so appealing, but why?

Filling Contract Roles In A Company

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


Contract workers play a key role in the IT sector. They are hired to carry out specific projects. They are distinct from permanent employees as they are required to perform certain project roles in many organisations. These skilled workers compliment the permanent workers in the companies they serve. Hiring contractors is becoming extremely popular in the IT sector as more companies aim to fill niche roles.

Data Centres In Ireland: The Ever-growing Industry

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Ireland has been growing in popularity as the ideal data centre destination over the past few years. There are 53 operational data centres in Ireland, with 8 more under construction and 26 with planning approval and are expected to double by 2025.

Contracting with Stability

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


The Software Development team in GemPool have traditionally recruited for a mixture of contract and permanent job opportunities in recent years. When a candidate is faced with a dilemma of choosing one or the other, there is a recurring theme of job stability that has routinely emerged as a deciding factor.

Is working from home all that it is cut out to be?

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


6 things that might interest you about the Employment Law in Ireland

posted on:
Richard Ward


Throughout this piece I have highlighted a number of elements of Irish Employment Law that I believe may be of interest, particularly to those coming to Ireland from abroad. I’m not an expert in Irish Employment Law, but I’ve recently undertaken a course on the subject, in order to bolster my proficiency in the area and was fascinated by a number of points that wouldn’t necessarily spring to mind. Also, much like that song that you hear for the first time, then find yourself hearing it everywhere you go, I’ve found that in my work as a specialist in the Data Centre Recruitment space, not a day goes by when I don’t come across at least one of these points these points that, prior to taking the course, I could well have been oblivious to.

Have a read, yourself. Were you aware of these things before?

When is the right time to return to the office, if at all?

posted on:
Robert Hourie


I have found myself asking many of my contacts the same question I am asking myself. When should we bring people back to the office? Some of the larger multi nationals are keeping their offices closed for the rest of the year. Others until next summer, believe it or not, little more information here if you want to explore further.

The World Of PHP Development

posted on:
Sarah Cotter


PHP is a popular general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited to web development. Its fast, flexible, and practical, PHP powers everything from blogs to the most popular websites in the world like Wikipedia.

Work After Lockdown- Industry Survey and Results

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


At the beginning of April, all we hoped for was things to return to “normal”. Our personal and work-lives were completely displaced and we were introduced to a new way of living as our home and work life began to merge into one. Now, as things are now beginning to wind down and we’re allowed to step back into the office it almost seems impossible to just snap back into our former normalcy.

Don’t just dive in: My lonely battle with “Quick Apply” buttons

posted on:
Richard Ward


​​​​​​​

I find it prudent to precede this article with a bit of a disclaimer. This is very much an opinion piece and the opinion of the author is heavily weighted against the practices described.

In a previous piece, I touched on the subject of patience in the job application process. I opined that patience is not something that today’s society-at-large is blessed with. Again, information, money and, yes - jobs, are never more than a couple of clicks away and, as a result, we’re all guilty of being impatient and/or lazy.

eLearning- Lockdown Opportunities

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


With the recent restrictions, lockdowns, and a lack of simple stimulation from everyday activities, many of us have been confined to our homes. Unemployment has risen and economic uncertainty is looming, but let’s park these scary thoughts just for a moment. By staying athome, many of us have been handed a surplus of time, one of the most valuable commoditiesthere is. Through eLearning, this time can be converted into opportunity.

GemPool In Conversation With Strata3

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Our interview series definitely felt the impact of the pandemic, but here’s the next one with one of Ireland’s best! Our Director Michael Lantry interviewed the Head of People and Operations at Strata3- Shona Healy, to learn about the companies core values, their people-centric environment, their growth plans and how quickly the company adpated to these unprecedented times. They are Ireland’s largest independent digital strategy, innovation and performance agency, you can now read their whole story below.

How To Navigate Through The New Normal?

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


We decided to host a Round Table with a few HR leaders within the industry. Using this platform they were able to share their challenges and develop solutions to the same in a collaborative envirnoment. Some great insights was gathered from this session that can be benefical to the others in the industry. Below we’ve attached a graphic capturing all the key points from the conversation, have a look.

Back Of The .NET

posted on:
Cathal McAliskey


.NET is an open source developer platform used for building many different types of applications.Microsoft started to develop the .NET Framework in the late 1990’s with the first version beingreleased in February 2002, bringing managed code to Windows NT 4.0, 98, 2000, ME and XP. Since the first version, Microsoft has released nine more upgrades for .NET Framework, seven of which have been released along with a new version of Visual Studio. So we have .NET 1.0 through to .NET 4.8.

A look at the key roles in Data Science

posted on:
Ujwal Kiran


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You will often here job titles like Data Engineer, Data Analyst, and Data Scientist when people are talking about Data Science. Data Science is one of the fast-growing fields that is reshaping the world we live in. The application of Data Science is vast and powerful. Companies use data to run and grow their everyday business. Data Science has a vital role in helping these companies to make decisions to progress in this competitive market.

Hiring After The Lockdown

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


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The process of looking for, interviewing, and hiring new employees has probably been altered to a great extent with the onset of COVID-19. There were some who were hired even during the lockdown, and now that we see restrictions being lifted, there are more jobs going live. This means companies are on the lookout for new talent.

The Process Begins

posted on:
Richard Ward


Just a couple of weeks ago, held a webinar on the subject, featuring highly reputed industry professionals, advising on how you can present your best self to the job market. Consider this post then, a sort of companion piece. Volume two, if you will, in a string of PSAs that may just guide you to your next role.

The Current State Of The Employment Sector

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


In the last few months, people around the world have endured different kinds of stress. People have been impacted physically, mentally, and economically.

All you need to know about Cyber Security

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Cyber Security protects our devices and networks from harmful attacks. As our dependence on technology grows, our vulnerability to these cyber attacks becomes increasingly dangerous. Most of us now store personal information on our mobile phone or laptop, such as bank details or healthcare records. If this sensitive information is not secured, hackers can gain access to it remotely at our expense.

So, you want to be a Project Manager?

posted on:
Lee Garvin


Project Management is a massive area within almost any company or industry within today’s world. Be it on a construction site managing the build of a new hotel or in a tech startup creating the latest analytics tool - in order for a project to be completed, you first need a Project Manager.

Candidate Interview Experience Survey And Analysis

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


This survey was conducted from February 2020 to March 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak in Ireland which created a huge shift in the market. However, there are many valuable learning points to takeaway from this analysis.

All You Need To Know About The World Of Java

posted on:
Rory Lawlor


According to multiple sources, the Java programming language has been the most popular language since it was created in 1995. The language was created by James Gosling. Java is widely used in the software world and it is expressly created for the world of the internet. It facilitates computers talking to each other. Java was designed to be like the C++ programming language, but compared to C++ it is an easier language to use and operate, and it implements an object-oriented programming model. Java can be used to build software applications to run on a single computer or be distributed among servers and clients.

Your Complete Guide Regarding QA Jobs

posted on:
Laura Mooney


The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) involves several distinct stages, including planning, design, building, testing, and deployment. A Software QA looks at the testing phase. A software quality assurance engineer is someone who monitors every phase of the software development process to ensure the quality of the software. They make sure that it meets the standards of the company which would be stated beforehand as the requirements

specifications. They make sure that the new products work before being released to the public. If there are any bugs they are reported and sent back a phase until it is ready to be moved to the release stage. The basic goals of software tests are to eliminate bugs and to enhance various aspects of the software, such as performance, user experience, security, and so on.

Key Points To Check While Building Your Professional Profile

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


The job market has suffered a great deal due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, there are many finding it tough to make a switch or even find a suitable job opportunity. In light of this tough situation, we decided to put together a webinar around building and improving your professional profile. The webinar was broken down into 4 parts that concentrated on 4 areas that are important to ensure that you are ready for your next opportunity.

Thinking Of A Career Change? Why Not UX/UI Design

posted on:
Cathy Wojnicki


Over the last few weeks I had the pleasure of talking to a number of really talented individuals who are looking to change careers into a more creative field. After some research, many have come across UX/UI Design and realised that THIS is what they want to do when they “grow up”. For those who do not know, UX or ‘User experience’ and UI or ‘User interface’ design, is design that takes place for a digital medium. You can be a UX designer, UI designer, or both, however it is important to understand that they are two different disciplines.

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


The job industry has suffered a great deal as an impact of COVID-19. Here’s a chance to prepare if you’re looking for your next opportunity. Listen to the insights and tips from Ed McDermott, Mark Valentine, Michael Lantry and Robert Hourie on how to build a strong profile.

Effective Strategies For Onboarding During The Coronavirus Crisis

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


An area as we mentioned earlier, that is feeling the impact of the current restrictions is the onboarding of a new candidate into the company and team. It’s always easier for a new person to settle into a company when they’re able to interact with their team members and are able to learn their way around the company. But in these trying times, it’s time to adapt!

4 Simple Steps To Keep Your Candidates Warm During A Crisis

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Covid-19 has brought about big changes to all of our day-to-day activities. An area that has specifically experienced a significant impact is the working conditions in all companies due to the need for social distancing. As a part of this measure, the process of hiring and on-boarding of new candidates has taken a significant hit.

How are you keeping your future hires content and warm during these testing times?

Video Interviewing Due To The Coronavirus Outbreak? Here Are A Few Tips!

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Nailing video interviews is important now more than ever. With social distancing being one of the key factors in flighting the Covid-19 outbreak, all interviews are now taking place virtually.

GemPool In Conversation With area22

posted on:
Namratha Ambat


Our Director Michael Lantry recently sat down with the CEO of area22, Kenneth Jackson to gain a better understanding of their product and their functions. “We are pioneering the provision of personality for virtual assistants that help them become more capable and actually engaging as well for the end audience”. Learn more below on how their product will revolutionise the way we interact with our virtual assistants, certainly a new and interesting space to be working in!

Contract vs Permanent Job Opportunities

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Namratha Ambat


Changing the nature of your job is never an easy path, we’ve highlighted a few different elements that might have an impact on this decision.

Are You Aware Of The Advantages Of Using Specialist Recruiters?

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Namratha Ambat


Recruitment agencies are growing in number and there’s a reason for this rapid increase in popularity. More companies are realising the benefits of having an agency on their side to help deliver on their talent needs. Recruitment agencies help improve the efficiency of your company’s functions in more than one way as they essentially take away a huge chunk of time-consuming activities from your company’s schedule such as identifying, screening and delivering strong candidates, by studying the company functions and culture. They help you as a company scale up quickly and efficiently to ultimately reach your business goals.

5 Reasons That Make Start-Ups More Attractive

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Namratha Ambat


One of the main reasons that start-ups are becoming popular today is due to the fact that it gave young entrepreneurs and innovators in the market a chance to work on their ideas and turn them into reality. They are a product of an existing gap in the market that people have been able to develop smart solutions. The article published by Silicon Republic highlights the consistent growth of startups in the tech industry and the potential job creation as a result of this growth. Even though many are in favour of startups, an element of risk always exists in comparison to well established corporate firms. Maybe the points listed below will help build your confidence when it comes to taking a chance with a startup company.

Are You Aware Of The Signs That Indicate It’s Time To Switch Jobs?

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Namratha Ambat


Can you pinpoint the exact moment when you realised you needed a fresh start in terms of your work life? Are you able to determine the factors and circumstances that lead to this decision? It’s never just a single reason that leads to this moment. It usually is a mix of different elements, piling up over a period of time, that made you realise it’s time to start the next chapter.

Employee Experience Survey

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Namratha Ambat


Employee experience is defined as an employee’s observations and perceptions regarding their time in an organisation. It is a three-fold concept which consists of the company’s culture, the physical environment within which they work and the technological factors that enable them to grow and develop their skills. Employee experience is more than just a buzzword, its the secret to a successful organisation.

Are Multiple Job Offers Making Decisions Tougher?

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Namratha Ambat


Owning the freedom to pick a job from two different offers is difficult often rather than an easy task. It is lovely to have the option until you’ve to make a final call. No matter how great your final pick sounds, you might always feel like you’re losing out on the declined offer in some way or the other.

Networking Is One Of The Best Tools For Career Development

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Namratha Ambat


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’ll reap its benefits. We all understand the importance of networking, however many situations we face it might not seem like the easiest task and sometimes it is just downright awkward. Understandably at some point, we all have experienced those nerves that hold us back from going up to someone and starting a conversation or connecting with them through social channels, but this is a barrier we all need to break in order to gain a positive outcome.

Employer Branding Is A Key Tool For Talent Acquisition

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Namratha Ambat


We have heard time and again that there’s a war for talent since the market at this very moment is candidate driven. With the growing job opportunities, the need to find ideal candidates is becoming more prominent. Every good candidate in the market now is faced with a number of choices career-wise. It is only by developing a unique recognition in the market would you be able to stand out from the crowd. Developing this unique identification can be termed as employer branding.

Are Employees Considering A Pay Cut To Work Flexibility?

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Namratha Ambat


Technology and times are evolving and with it, the work culture should evolve as well. Back in the day where we did not have the pleasure of video call and constant access to the internet, there was a prominent communication barrier for people who were working from home. But now we live in a day and age where we are always connected to our team and work. With the development of IoT (Internet of things) and fairly large access to WiFi, communication has become more free-flowing. People are able to communicate with their team onsite from the comfort of their home and work in collaboration. IoT is growing in popularity and that is going to pave a stronger path for remote options for employees.

Dublin Housing Situation

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Namratha Ambat


Are we facing a housing crisis at this moment in Ireland? Yes, there are difficulties experienced across the country but there are valid reasons to explain the sudden spike and recently there have been measures taken to counter this.

There’s A War For Talent, Stay Ahead

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Namratha Ambat


If you’re in the market and looking to hire new talent to help your company expand and grow, you now know that it is a candidate-driven market and the demand for talent is at its highest. You blink and you could be losing out on valuable resources. There is a war for talent and you need to act quick. All employers out there need to realise there are competitors or more attractive industries who could compromise your chances of grabbing the attention of your prospective candidates.

Time To Look At Recruitment Agencies In A Different Light

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Namratha Ambat


Let’s talk about recruitment agencies and why people immediately deflect from the idea of working with them. It’s a few bad fish that give everyone a bad name, but there are some of us out there giving it our best because only a happy candidate and a happy client, keeps us happy. We’re out here working day-in and day-out trying to match the ideal candidate with their ideal company in this candidate driven market.

Ok Google, What’s Happening In The World Of Voice Recognition?

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Namratha Ambat


Voice recognition and voice assistants are growing and are slowly becoming a part of everyone’s daily lifestyle. Trying to recall the age where we Siri, Alexa or Google wasn’t a part of our life seems tough. As more and more devices go online with the expansion of IoT, voice is becoming a key interface as it is an easier and more consistent form of interaction with devices. The voice and speech recognition market is predicted to grow from $1.1 billion from 2017 to $6.9 billion in 2025. This steady growth can be attributed to the ever-developing AI industry that acts as the backbone of the voice and speech recognition technology.

Cyber Security And Where It’s Heading in 2019

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Namratha Ambat


It’s a new threat everyday and personal data is always at risk, security around personal information should be the priority of all businesses. Cybersecurity has gained significant attention in today’s world with all companies taking all their businesses digital. It involves technologies, processes and practices designed to protect computers, networks, programs and data from unauthorized access.

Employee Experience Drives Employee Engagement

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Namratha Ambat


Customer experience has been making its rounds as one of the most crucial factors for a business to thrive. Something that is gaining equal significance in the market now would be the factor of employee experience. A relatively new concept that has created a buzz within the industry and brought about a few changes in the everyday work environment. If employee experience hasn’t yet gained momentum within your organisation, maybe it’s time it gains a little attention.

What Is The Biggest Threat To Employee Retention Today?

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Namratha Ambat


We recently conducted a survey towards the end of 2018 to try and gain a better understanding regarding the factors contributing to a lower employee retention rate that might exist with different companies. We reached out to people working in the Irish Market to attain proper feedback in relation their personal opinions concerning the reasons why they would be quick to switch jobs. All the responses received supported our inital analysis, but a few distinctive trends were also drawn that helped us understand, what steps the company would have to take in order to go the extra mile for their employees. The entire process of scouting, screening and hiring new employees results in higher levels of expenditure for company. So, we tried to zero down and pin down the major factors that can contribute to this expense. Below a we have depicted the trends along with our own insights into countering these issues.

New Year, New Opportunities. Here’s A List Of Live Roles We’re Recruiting For.

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Namratha Ambat


The new year brings about many changes and one of them tends to be a change in jobs. A recent market research conducted by us indicated that even though a large portion of people are happy with their job situation, a majority of them were still willing to switch up if the right opportunity presented itself. If you are in two minds and looking for a new start, we at GemPool have a few roles we’re looking to fill for our clients. We work across 17 different verticals in the tech industry and if you are looking, maybe we have a role that suits your area of expertise. Have a look through a few of the roles we are currently scouting for. If any of these interest you and you fit the profile, get in touch with us!