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IT Jobs Market 2024: Capitalising on Ireland's Thriving Tech Landscape
IT Jobs Market 2024: Capitalising on Ireland's Thriving Tech Landscape
Ireland's IT job market in 2024 is a dynamic landscape, reflecting the country's status as a global tech hub. With over 106,000 people employed in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, Ireland boasts a robust ecosystem hosting 16 of the top 20 global tech companies, including the top 3 enterprise software providers with their headquarters located here.Investment and Employment Trends:The momentum in Ireland's IT sector continues to surge, with 139 investments secured in the first half of 2023. These investments are expected to generate over 12,000 jobs in 2024, aligning with the consistent strong investment flows seen since 2015. Notably, 48% of these investments have been approved for regional locations, showcasing a commitment to spreading the benefits of the tech boom across the country.Innovation and Talent Pipeline:Ireland's commitment to Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) is evident in the 25 projects initiated in 2023, surpassing the previous year's achievements. The focus on sustainability projects and transformative investments reflects a shift in client priorities. Ireland maintains one of Europe's strongest talent pipelines for STEM, aided by extensive government support and investment in skills programs.Areas of Skill Demand:Persistent skills shortages persist due to intense competition, creating challenges for employers. Key areas of demand include software engineering (DevOps, Java, Python, .NET, React, and Angular Js), Site Reliability Engineers, DevSecOps, Information Security, Cloud Engineers, Business Analysts, Project/Program Managers, Quality Assurance (QA) professionals, and roles in Data Engineering and Data Science. The move toward automated processes also fuels demand for Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) roles.Executive-Level Positions:Ireland's substantial talent pool extends to executive-level positions, with high demand for Software Engineering Managers to Chief Technology Officers (CTOs). The influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) entrants sustains this demand.Salaries and Competitive Packages:In a competitive talent market, salaries have increased but stabilized. Companies are enhancing benefits packages, with a significant focus on healthcare, pensions, and bonuses. The use of sign-on bonuses has emerged as a strategy to attract and retain top talent, reflecting the ongoing battle for skilled professionals. Employers are increasingly mindful of individualized employee experiences in areas such as collaboration, cultural equity, and employee well-being.Demand for Remote Work:The IT job market reflects a new era of flexible working arrangements, with companies prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction. The term "hybrid" has given way to a more adaptable approach, responding to the needs and preferences of both employers and employees. Companies are recognizing the importance of flexibility in recruitment and retention strategies.Contractors in High Demand:Contract roles in Cloud, Data, and Software Development are experiencing increased demand, with both large organisations and SMEs tapping into the contractor talent pool. Permanent salaries now rival contractor daily rates due to market inflation, prompting businesses to use contractors to supplement their workforce. Outsourced IT functions are on the rise, particularly for commercially focused IT positions and infrastructure support. The acceptance of remote work arrangements has further opened up opportunities for contractors across different regions in Ireland.As Ireland's IT job market evolves in 2024, the key to success for both employers and employees lies in adaptability. The continued influx of investments, focus on innovation, and the demand for diverse skill sets position Ireland as a vibrant hub for technology professionals. Employers must navigate the competitive landscape by offering attractive packages and prioritizing employee experiences, while professionals can explore a wealth of opportunities in a market that values flexibility, innovation, and expertise.
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Fintech skills in demand
Fintech skills in demand
The fintech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and the demand for skilled professionals is high. As fintech companies continue to innovate and develop new products and services, they need employees with a variety of skills, including:Technical skills: Fintech companies need employees with strong technical skills, such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity. These skills are essential for developing and maintaining fintech products and services.Financial skills: Fintech companies also need employees with strong financial skills, such as accounting, finance, and risk management. These skills are essential for understanding and managing the financial aspects of fintech products and services.Business skills: Fintech companies also need employees with strong business skills, such as marketing, sales, and customer service. These skills are essential for promoting and selling fintech products and services, as well as providing excellent customer support.Here are some of the most in-demand fintech skills currently:Software development: Fintech companies need software developers to build and maintain their products and services. Popular programming languages for fintech include Python, Java, and JavaScript.Data science: Fintech companies use data to make better decisions about their products and services, and data scientists are responsible for collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.Cybersecurity: Fintech companies need to protect their customers' data from cyberattacks, and cybersecurity professionals are responsible for developing and implementing security measures.Blockchain: Blockchain is a new technology that is being used to develop new financial products and services. Fintech companies need employees with expertise in blockchain technology.Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is another new technology that is being used to develop new financial products and services, meaning this is also a skill in demand.In addition to these technical skills, fintech companies also need employees with strong soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.If you are interested in a career in fintech, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:Get the right education and experience. There are many different educational paths that can lead to a career in fintech. Some people choose to get a bachelor's degree in fintech, while others get a degree in business administration or another related field. You can also gain experience in fintech through internships and volunteer work.Network with people in the field. Networking is a great way to learn about job openings and meet people who can help you get your foot in the door. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn.Stay up to date on the latest fintech trends and best practices. This shows employers that you're passionate about the field and that you're committed to professional development.Be able to articulate your skills and experience concisely. This is important for both your resume and cover letter, as well as during interviews.Be enthusiastic and positive. This will make a good impression on potential employers and show them that you're excited about the possibility of working for their company.Here are some of our current roles within the FinTech industry:Finance Manager - FintechSalary: €75,000 - 85,000Location: South DublinFinancial Controller – FintechSalary: €75,000 - 80,000Location: Dublin City CentreNewly Qualified Accountant- FintechSalary: €60,000 - 65,000Location: Dublin
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Find Your Next Opportunity with Our New IT Contractor Hub
Find Your Next Opportunity with Our New IT Contractor Hub
If you're an IT contractor looking for your next opportunity, be sure to check out our new IT Contractor Hub linked here. This hub is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about IT contracting, including:A directory of IT contracting jobs:Browse tonnes of IT contracting jobs, and filter them by your skills, experience, and location.Tips for finding and landing IT contracting jobs:Get advice from experts on how to write a winning C.V, ace your interview, and negotiate your rate.Resources for IT contractors:Find information on everything from taxes and benefits to professional development and networking.Whether you're new to IT contracting or a seasoned pro, the IT Contractor Hub has something for you. So head on over and start your search for your next great opportunity!Here are some of the benefits of using our IT Contractor Hub:Find the perfect job for your skills and experience.Our job directory is searchable by keyword, location, and other criteria, so you can easily find jobs that are a good fit for you.Save time and effort.You can apply for jobs directly from our website, without having to visit multiple different job boards.Get expert advice and support.Our team of experienced IT recruiters is here to help you with every step of the job search process, from writing your resume to negotiating your salary.To get started, simply visit our IT Contractor Hub and create a Sigmar profile. Once your profile is complete, you can start browsing jobs and applying. We're here to help you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions atit@sigmar.ie
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7 CV Tips and Tricks for Temps & Contractors
7 CV Tips and Tricks for Temps & Contractors
As a temporary or contract worker, you may have a unique set of challenges when it comes to writing a CV. After all, you may have a variety of different jobs and experiences on your resume, and it can be difficult to know how to highlight them in a way that is both relevant and appealing to potential employers.Here are a few tips for writing a CV that will help you land your next temporary or contract job in 2023: 1. Relevance is key:Ensure your CV focuses on relevant work experience. Avoid including unrelated jobs, even if they were interesting, as the skills you gained probably aren’t transferable. You want to include work experience which is relevant to the role you’re applying for. Organise similar roles together, prioritize the most important ones, and include dates and durations for each. 2. Use a consistent format:When you have a variety of different jobs on your resume, it can be helpful to use a consistent format to make it easy for employers to scan your CV and find the information they're looking for. For example, if you have a lot of temporary work experience, you may want to group it together into one section on your CV. This will help employers to see that you have a consistent track record of work, even if it wasn't all in permanent positions. 3. Emphasise your temp credentials:To excel as a temp or contract worker, it's crucial to demonstrate technical and soft skills, such as adaptability, communication, and being able to learn quickly. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your CV's career summary to grab employers' attention right away.While technical expertise is important, soft skills are increasingly valued in contracting. These are less teachable traits that reflect your personality and can distinguish a good contractor from a great one. When updating your CV, weave in the soft skills that have benefited your contracting career. Incorporate this information into your personal statement and key skills section. 4. Make your skills stand out:Instead of just listing your job skills, showcase how you've applied them at work by highlighting major accomplishments using the STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.Include a skills and technology grid under your personal statement on your CV. Recruiters and hiring managers need to see your relevant skills upfront, as they don't have time to train contractors. Use this section to highlight your systems and technology skills, along with any relevant certifications. 5. Make your work availability clear:As a contractor, your recruiter needs to know your availability, which is crucial. Clients often want to start projects promptly, and your recruiter aims to find the right contractor with the right skills at the right time. To ensure clarity on your CV, mention your departure from your previous organization and your availability near your contact details. Also, include your expected completion date for your current assignment in your work history to avoid potential misunderstandings about your availability. 6. Label your temporary or contract work experience:Failing to indicate whether past jobs were permanent or temporary on your CV can cause issues. When applying for a temporary position, add "(contract)" or "(freelance)” after each job title. This helps employers understand your contract work experience. It's especially crucial if you've had multiple short-term roles because not specifying might make hiring managers think you've left a series of permanent jobs quickly, which could raise concerns about your reliability. 7. Use keywords throughout your CV:Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords related to the job they're hiring for. Be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your CV, including in your job titles, work experience, and skills sections.Google and other search engines use complex algorithms to match search terms with relevant content. If you're aiming for an administrative role, relevant content includes skills like typing speed, excel proficiency, and teamwork. If your CV highlights your unique selling points in the first paragraph, Google will notice it.As a contractor, you're likely aware of the advantages of temporary work, such as gaining diverse experience and expanding your professional network while improving work-life balance. Because contract positions are in high demand, having an impressive CV is crucial to stand out from the competition.