IT professionals - Why you should consider a move into contracting

The last 12 months has seen a significant shift in the IT skills market in Ireland. The IDA has been very successful in bringing new investment into Ireland and this, combined with more confidence in the investment banking sector and blue chip organisation’s has led to a skills shortage in certain areas.

As organisations continue to move to a more flexible workforce model, they require contractors to fulfil the skills demand for certain projects. This combined with unfilled permanent positions means that there is an abundance of opportunities for IT contractors.

Skills in demand include:

• ·    Specialist networking and security skills
• ·     Developers with - Java, .net and Oracle
• ·     Automated testers
• ·     BA’s with financial services backgrounds
• ·    Technical Project Managers

What is the appeal of contracting?

• Market: There are now more contract opportunities available than any other time in the last 4 years.

• Attractive daily rates: Daily rates can sometimes be as high as double the permanent salary for the same position. As demand continues to outstrip supply rates will remain at a premium.

• Effective taxation: Whether you set yourself up as a limited company or you use and umbrella organisation such as CXC you can take home a much higher proportion of what you are paid.  Contractors should retain 80% of their invoiced hours.

• Variety: You can get exposure to multiple organisations and sectors as well as different technologies on a regular basis.

• Flexibility: You can chose when you work, typical contract duration is 6 months. However contracts often roll on, it is not unheard of for contractors to have worked several years with one organisation on multiple projects.

• Control of your own wealth management : Just because your not a permanent employee, it doesn't mean that you can't have a pension or income protection managed in a very tax effective way. 

So what's stopping you from considering a move into contracting?

James Milligan, Senior Business Director

Recruiting experts in Information Technology

HAYS Recruiting experts worldwide

E: james.milligan@hays.com

D: +353 (0)1 6787649

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Get Dressed to Get Hired

“What do I wear to an interview? This is a common questions asked by job seekers.  While you might have little control over the interview questions you are asked there is  ONE thing you can take charge of - the way you present yourself for interviews. 

The way you dress could clinch that much sought-after, once in a lifetime job. Or  it may leave you hanging in the background like the forgotten pair of last season’s trousers. A survey taken in 2011 said 37% of employers decided against hiring someone due to what they were wearing. While many people say “You can’t judge a book by its cover” unfortunately it happens.  Therefore I wouldn’t miss a job opportunity by not putting the time and effort into my appearance for an interview.

Just a week ago a lady came for an interview with me whose credentials were very impressive, however, my first impression was "doesn’t she look very polished?".  She made a lasting impression in a couple of seconds and will spring to mind for future positions.

Of course the dress code in companies can vary quite a bit. An accountant will dress differently from a java developer or an advertising executive. So should you dress according to your industry? The hard and fast rule here should be NO. Regardless of whether you are interviewing for technology, finance or hospitality sector you should remove all uncertainty by choosing professional attire.  A suit is the safest and best choice for any interview.

Here are a few essentials to consider when creating this lasting first impression.

For Women  

• Structured pencil skirt (below the knee will be flattering on most shapes)
• A good fitting pair of black trousers - if there is a second round this gives an alternative to your interview wardrobe
• A fitted buttoned shirt/ high neck blouse
• Suit jacket - one that’s comfortable enough and easily buttoned
• Shoes - this is a tricky one as you can slightly showcase a bit of personality here but with caution

                - no open toe

                - no bright colours

                - no skyscraper heels

                - no ankle straps

• Accessories - these should be as minimal as possible, think of your school days, nothing too ostentatious. If you have any facial piercings, it might be worthwhile leaving them at home.
• No bare legs - a woman not wearing stockings is as bad as a man not wearing socks.
• Do try it on a few days before the interview to avoid last minute panic

For Men - A Suit

• A solid dark toned conservative suit
• A light coloured long sleeve shirt
• Dark shade socks 
• A conservative tie - no animated characters or flashy emblems but you have the opportunity to add some colour to your outfit
• Generally a pair of well polished black shoes will be best.

Most importantly fit is crucial - if the suit is too big it will look like it belongs to your dad!

You should also consider your grooming. For the ladies - painted nails, low key make-up and conservative hair style. For the boys, if you like a one razor, back and sides on your head, wait until after you’ve been hired and also consider your nails.  

Maybe you don’t want to be conservative, maybe it’s a dilution of your individual personality? But bear in mind, you will be competing for a job against candidates with similar experience and background that will present themselves more conservatively. You have to ask yourself is it worth the risk?

Dan Zevin, a well known author says it all with “Never wear a backward baseball cap to an interview unless applying for the job of umpire”

Getting dressed for an interview doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal just follow these simple rules and you’ll be well on your way to impressing what could be your new employer"


Susan Hogan
Business Manager 
Hays Information Technology
email: Susan.hogan@hays.com
T: +353 1 678 7649


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Confessions of a Serial Networker

Hi, my name is Richie Smith and I'm a serial networker.

It all started many years ago when I discovered I quite liked talking to people. In my last job I had a requirement to meet people and develop new business leads but it was in a fairly small pool of target clients. Since joining Hays I have discovered, to use a famous one-liner “The world is my lobster”.

And this suits me just fine.I attend many events, held by many organisations, trade groups, chambers of commerce and other umbrella groups. Some and are targeted at senior people in certain industry sectors; others are aimed at SMEs and ‘one man bands’. I don’t differentiate in terms of my aims at the event; to meet new people and make connections.

However, although I am a serial networker it doesn’t get any less daunting. Walking into a room full of strangers is scary and those minutes between arriving and actually being in conversation are nerve-wracking.And you don’t have to be a salesperson to be a networker. It helps with all forms of business.

In fact it even helps with searching for a job. Why do you think Linkedin is one the biggest social networks in the world?While Linkedin is a fantastic tool nothing beats face-to face interaction. So let me give you a few tips on how to succeed in person-to person networking. 


-Be consistent – attend lots of events
-Be interested in people – listen to their stories, learn about them 
-Learn their names – you’d be surprised how many times you’ll bump into that person again 
-Be genuine – people can spot fakes a mile away 
-Don’t try and sell to anyone – make a connection, not a sale 
-Bring something to the party – be prepared to share information and make introductions 
-Help the lost souls – look out for the person in the room with nobody to talk to 
-Pay it forward – people help you, you help others 


There is no substitute to knowing people. Establishing a wide network gives you great access to leads, tips and information which could lead to new business or a new job. And sometimes you even make friends.If you do connect with someone whether in person or online, establish a connection, stay in touch. Drop an odd line or make a quick call to see how they are, no agenda. 

You’ll be amazed how quickly your phone and inbox can come alive with enquiries and pieces of news and information that can prove invaluable.Hays has just hosted a business dinner which was attended by a British cabinet minister, senior politicians and over a dozen CEO and C-Suite execs from some of Ireland’s biggest employers and well known brands. We met some wonderful people who may or may not generate business for Hays in the future but hopefully we will be useful for each other when our paths cross again.

Like I say, I like to meet new people and make connections.You can do it too. Get out there. Find an event that interests you and go along. And when you walk into that event, take a deep breath and say ‘the world is my lobster!’

Richie Smith
Business Director
Hays Recruiting experts worldwide
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