As 2016 draws to a close, we look at ways you can improve your qualifications and develop your career, and we do some traditional end-of-year listicles.
2016 is nearly over. (“Thank God,” come the shouts from the peanut gallery.) That means we have some rounding up to do.
This week, we took a look at all of the sci-tech job announcements that were made in Ireland this year – a colossal 20,160 jobs, or 55 every single day.
Sticking with that theme, we looked at the top job searches of the year from Indeed.com.
We also listed some of the Twitter influencers who you should follow if you’re looking for top-notch career advice.
But, if you want to just stick with us for your career advice – thank you, faithful readers – we’ve got you covered.
We talked skills, looking at the difference between SQL and NoSQL, and asked Hays to offer some guidance on how a person can upskill without doing a course.
Though, of course, we’re not averse to courses – the National College of Ireland is set to roll out a number of free courses designed to bridge skills gaps in fintech, cybersecurity and analytics.
Tips and tricks
This week, we also gathered some helpful tips for those pursuing roles in specific areas.
For those interested in working in IT contracting, we shared the questions that individuals should be asking themselves to be certain they’re on the right path.
If you’re thinking of getting into UX, we heard from expert Frank Gaine, who gave us tips on how to create the perfect UX portfolio.
If you’re looking for work, though, you may already be dreading the interview process. Don’t! James Milligan, IT director at Hays, offered some guidance on the best way to answer some of the most common interview questions.
But what if the interview isn’t the biggest stumbling block?
We spoke to Nicole O’Sullivan, an entrepreneur who was interested in becoming an employee, and was struggling to find the right fit. We sought advice on her behalf on how to bridge the chasm between entrepreneurship and being employed by someone.
But, once you’re actually in a job, you’re facing a whole other set of problems, like beating procrastination and combatting mid-career crises.
Lastly, we spoke to Emmajane Morgan of Version 1 and Catherine Vaughan of EY to find out what a day looks like in their jobs.
Not all of this week’s advice was for employees, of course. We also took a look at what companies need to be doing to improve productivity.
As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below.
1. Incredible 20,160 jobs announced in Ireland this year
As our round-up of 2016’s jobs announcements came to a close, we learned that it was an amazing 12 months for Irish jobs.
2. A look back at the year in job searches
As we bring 2016 to an end, jobs site Indeed looked back at some of the key moments from the year and how they affected jobseekers.
3. 10 Twitter influencers you need to follow for expert career advice
If you’re serious about your career, you’ll want it to be the best it can be. These Twitter influencers offer career advice that will help you get it there.
4. Data science skills: Is NoSQL better than SQL?
Big data is one of the hottest sectors in tech right now, but how do you stay on top of the changing technologies? David Pardoe of Hays Recruitment talks about the differences between SQL and NoSQL.
5. How to upskill easily without doing a course
Jane McNeill from Hays Recruitment details some of the ways you can upskill outside of the office, enriching your career and developing your skills.
6. Bridging the gap: Free tech courses for employees
Irish companies will soon be able to bridge their tech skills gap by enrolling staff members in degree-level ICT courses for free.
7. Want to be an IT contractor?
Becoming an IT contractor is very appealing. However, before you make the jump into the flexible world of IT contracting, James Milligan from Hays Recruitment has some questions for you.
8. How to create a winning UX portfolio
So you want to be a UX designer. You’ve followed all the right steps, you’ve educated yourself and you’re ready to look for your dream job. UX expert Frank Gaine can help you get the edge you need.
9. How to answer the toughest interview questions
The most common job interview questions are also probably the toughest. Do you know what to say when you’re asked where you see yourself in five years? What are you going to say your biggest weakness is?
10. Entrepreneur to employee: How to make the change
Starting your own business is tough. Making it a success is tougher. So, surely for a successful entrepreneur, going back into the working world as a regular employee should be a piece of cake, right?
11. How to deal with a mid-career slump
Are you feeling unmotivated in work? Whatever has you facing your career slump, Hays Recruitment is here to help you get out of it.
12. How to overcome ultimate procrastination
It can happen to us at the best of times, but when we’re counting down the days to Christmas, procrastination can become especially problematic. Thankfully, there are ways to battle it.
13. Consultant: Testers need new skills and tools for software testing
You know that all software needs to be tested constantly to make sure it works. But what does a software tester do on a typical day? How do they stay on top of various projects? And what skills do they need to have? Version 1’s Emmajane Morgan has the answers.
14. Global compliance leader: Find the time to be a little selfish
Catherine Vaughan has a lot on her plate. Not only is she the global compliance leader at EY, but she also champions diversity and inclusion in the company. How does she split her time?
15. The one change that will increase your company’s productivity
In recent years, we have seen companies shift and adapt in order to increase employee productivity. One trend that has become increasingly clear is the ineffectiveness of performance management. How can a company fix that?
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