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Mastering the New HR: Strategies for 2024
Mastering the New HR: Strategies for 2024
As we step into 2024, the HR market is poised for an interesting year. While there are still some lingering effects from the pandemic, there are also signs of positive growth and development. Here's an overview of the HR market in 2024, including insights into trends, opportunities, and strategies for success.Key Takeaways from 2023Reduced Churn in Senior Positions: Organisations are prioritizing retention of top talent, especially in senior roles, to ensure stability and continuity.Contract Opportunities on the Rise: Uncertainty and the availability of candidates drive a strong demand for contract positions. Contract-to-permanent transitions remain prevalent.Mid-Level Roles in Demand: Mid-level HR roles, particularly HR Business Partners and Senior Generalists, are highly sought-after.Specialised Positions Remain in Demand: Learning and Development (L&D), Employee Relations, and HR Information Systems (HRIS) Specialists continue to be in high demand.Hybrid Work Remains the Norm: Hybrid work arrangements with anchor days are prevalent, balancing flexibility with team cohesion.Incremental Salary Increases: Salaries in Generalist functions witness modest increases, albeit below inflation.Video Technology Integration: Video-based interviews gain traction, expediting hiring processes and enabling seamless international collaboration.Increased Retained Search Projects: A 30% rise in retained recruitment projects in senior and specialized HR roles enhances candidate experience.Predictions for 2024Strong Contract Opportunities: Contract roles remain attractive due to reduced churn and candidate availability. Contract opportunities provide a springboard for diversifying experience or gaining new industry exposure.Focus on Employee Experience: Candidates with strong experience in employee experience will be highly sought-after.Emerging Role of Technology: Technology, including AI-driven tools, continues to transform HR practices. Data-driven decision-making drives the demand for HR Analysts.Demand for Employee Relations Expertise: Employee relations skills remain in high demand, as organizations prioritize positive employee interactions.Growth in Specific Industries: Energy sectors, infrastructure, manufacturing, and financial services are expected to see increased HR demand. Whereas IT demand has levelled off.Direct Hiring of Entry-Level Roles: Organisations will continue to directly hire entry-level HR professionals.Trend Towards Exclusivity and Retainerships: The positive response to retained search projects will drive a further increase in exclusivity and retainerships in 2024.Strategies for HR Professionals in 2024Develop Skills in Employee Experience: Emphasize your understanding of employee engagement, culture, and feedback mechanisms.Stay Ahead of Technology Trends: Familiarize yourself with emerging AI-powered HR solutions to enhance your value proposition.Build Strength in Employee Relations: Cultivate expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, and building positive employee relationships.Network and Build Relationships: Expand your professional network within your desired industries to stay informed about opportunities and build connections.Demonstrate Adaptability and Versatility: Be open to different work arrangements, including contracts and direct hires.Seek Expertise in Specialised Areas: Consider specialising in areas like Learning and Development (L&D), HR Information Systems (HRIS), or Employee Relations to gain a competitive edge.As the HR market continues to evolve, staying informed, adapting to new trends, and developing specialized skills will set you apart and enhance your career prospects. With careful planning and proactive action, you can navigate the HR landscape effectively and achieve your professional goals in 2024.
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HR skills hiring managers want to see on your CV
HR skills hiring managers want to see on your CV
Human resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in any organisation, from small businesses to large corporations. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee relations, and compensation and benefits.If you are interested in pursuing a career in HR, there are a number of skills that you should highlight on your CV to make yourself a more attractive candidate to hiring managers.Here are some of the most sought-after HR skills:Communication skills: HR professionals must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, managers, executives, and external vendors. They need to be able to write clear and concise reports, give presentations, and have difficult conversations in a professional and respectful manner.Organisational skills: HR professionals often must juggle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. They need to be able to prioritize their work, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines.Problem-solving skills: HR professionals are regularly faced with challenges and problems that need to be solved. They need to be able to think critically and creatively to come up with solutions that are fair and beneficial to all parties involved.Interpersonal skills: HR professionals need to be able to build rapport and trust with employees at all levels of the organisation. They need to be able to listen empathetically, resolve conflict, and provide support and guidance.Technical skills: Many HR departments now use HR software and other technology to manage their operations. HR professionals need to be familiar with these tools and be able to use them effectively.In addition to these general skills, hiring managers may also look for specific HR skills and experience depending on the role they are hiring for. For example, if you are applying for a role in HR recruiting, hiring managers may want to see experience with conducting job interviews, screening resumes, and negotiating salaries.When highlighting your HR skills on your CV, be sure to use specific examples and keywords to demonstrate your abilities. For example, instead of simply saying that you have "excellent communication skills," you could say something like, "Managed a team of 10 HR professionals and successfully communicated complex HR policies and procedures to employees."You should also tailor your CV to each specific job that you apply for. Be sure to read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.Check out our current HR vacancies here:HR OfficerSalary: €33,000Location: SwordsHR GeneralistSalary: €35,000-45,000Location: GalwayHead of HRSalary: €85,000 - 90,000Location: Kilkenny
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The Advantages of Temporary Work for Employees
The Advantages of Temporary Work for Employees
In today’s ever-evolving job market, temporary work has become increasingly prevalent and sought after. For employees, this type of employment offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact their career and personal lives.1. Provides FlexibilityTemporary employment offers greater flexibility to both the employee and employer. For employees a temporary assignment can provide the flexibility to work on short-term assignments and take time off between jobs. For the employer, temporary employment allows them to quickly adjust their workforce to meet changing business needs.Some temp jobs are often part-time which means you’ll have some extra time to spend on other things. You could use this time to focus on a permanent job search, upskilling by taking on online courses to expand your knowledge, or to simply take on a new hobby.2. Fills the Gaps on your C.V.If you find yourself out of work for any reason, temp work can be a great way to fill any gaps in employment. Many of our temporary roles tend to be quick cover for a leave of absence or maternity leave, and so temporary candidates who are available immediately are attractive to companies needing urgent cover. By taking on temp jobs while looking for permanent employment, you’ll have something to fill in the spaces. When you finally apply for a full-time job, your professional history section on your resume will be more complete. Even if the temp job has no relevance to your industry, it will show prospective employers that you’re a willing and motivated individual.3. Helps you Gain Experience.Temp jobs can help you to improve your skillset. You can choose between applying for a temp job within your area of expertise or you can opt for an entirely new environment where you’ll be able to gain new skills. Temporary employment can be an excellent way to gain experience in difficult industries and job roles. This can help make you more attractive to potential employers.4. Builds your Network of Connections.Temporary employment can provide you with opportunities to network with people in the professional world, where it’s all about who you know. The important role that networking plays in your professional journey cannot be emphasized enough. You need to take every chance you can get to build your list of connections and engaging in temp assignments is definitely a great opportunity to meet new people.5. Broadens your Horizons and Provides VarietyTemporary or contract work can provide a wide range of job opportunities in different industries which can provide variety and diversity within an employee’s work.There may be lots of different reasons why an employee may want to try out something new. Getting a temporary assignment will allow you to do a bit of first hand experimenting within various fields. This will allow you to determine which ones you may enjoy the most, which could be most profitable for you or which ones you may excel in.6. Opens Doors for Full-Time EmploymentThere is always the possibility that a temporary assignment could lead to permanent employment opportunities. If your employer is happy with your work, they may then decide to extend the contract or even better offer them a permanent position. Temporary/contract work offers a multitude of advantages for employees seeking a flexible, rewarding, and dynamic career. Whether you’re looking to explore diverse industries, develop new skills, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance, consider the many benefits that temporary employment can bring to your professional journey. Apply for a temporary role here.