Last weekend, thousands of jobseekers descended on The Convention Centre Dublin for Career Zoo, Ireland’s largest tech recruitment event. Bank of Ireland was there too, with a focus on hiring grads.
Siliconrepublic.com took the opportunity to speak with Jim O’Brien, Bank of Ireland’s HR Director, about what he looks for from an employee.
Speaking first about the changing jobs market, O’Brien remarked that he has seen an increase in the number of Ireland’s diaspora who are returning to Ireland seeking work again. He sees this as a sign of Ireland’s recovering economy.
On the issue of diversity within Bank of Ireland, O’Brien said that what Bank of Ireland does is far more important than any policy it could have in place – it seeks the best talent available and supports that talent in every way possible. It’s all about practice, not compliance.
O’Brien highlighted the bank’s push for graduate and intern hires, particularly drawing attention to risk analytics interns – an area, he said, Bank of Ireland is especially keen to hire for throughout the year.
Finally, O’Brien spoke about some of the key attributes he looks for in candidates, including customer focus, innovation and an ability to collaborate.
