TORC

Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho in recent job moves at Inter Milan

As we approach the traditionally slow summer period, I thought I might share some thoughts on the Irish job market …  

First the good news – some new jobs are beginning to emerge, especially in technology and sales/business development. This trend we expect to continue as we move through 2010, because many companies have had an embargo on recruitment for 12-18 months now, while the economy seems to have (modestly) returned to growth in the first half of the year.  

Interestingly, very few new candidates are voluntarily entering the recruitment market – people are still very risk aware and are reluctant to make a career move until the growth picture gets further confirmed through Q3 & Q4.  

Ironic as it may seem, this means that some Irish employers are still finding difficulties in filling vacancies that need some specific skillset requirements – despite  aggregate unemployment levels of 13.4%.  

On the other side, where viable candidates do exist, the recruitment process seems to be taking far longer than heretofore. Reasons vary from company to company, but might include a reluctance to actually make the hire (and add to headcount cost), lack of clarity surrounding internal processes and ownership, or a tendency to ‘play the market’ until an ‘ideal’ candidate comes along.  

The impact of the web and the use of social media for directly connecting candidates with job postings still remains somewhat unclear in the Irish context, though we are noticing some activity with companies seeking support with researching Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter – on the trail of profiles which are relevant to their business.  And,  candidates are being “Googled” and their web profiles reviewed as part of the early screening and assessment process.  

This trend is likely to pick up further as the market returns to normality going into 2011. Big e-Brother is sure to be watching!

PS. For some useful tips on how to best navigate the recruitment process, please click on the appropriate word here: interview preparation, panel interviews, assessment centres and career change.