Written by Marian Garvey
Dublin’s software market is extremely buoyant at the moment. Ireland continues to be a hub of activity, companies across all industries are hiring and the outlook for IT professionals is very positive. There is a consistent demand for Software Engineers with skills in the following areas: Java, C++, C#, .Net, Web Development as well as Mobile, iPhone/Android. Salary levels for Software Engineers have steadied in this quarter but the biggest challenge is for companies finding the mid-range candidates between the €35-45k bracket. The demand for Senior Project Managers and Senior BA’s has also dramatically increased and salary levels have risen with this.
The growth in outsourcing IT and ‘Cloud Computing’ has resulted in less ‘in-house’ IT support, and as a result there are more IT jobs being created in the providers of managed IT services and in data centres. There is a strong demand for Field Service Engineers, especially with strong Windows and Networking experience, as well as data centre engineers and technicians, particularly with Linux administration skills. Salaries in the infrastructure side have remained relatively steady.
For graduate developers, the software world is their oyster! Nearly all software companies in varying industries are currently recruiting software professionals. Most software companies are investing heavily in their training and development. Employers are particularly interested in attracting degree educated computer science candidates who have completed 2-3 large scale software projects. Salaries for graduates are extremely competitive. Another area in demand is Data Analytics/Business Intelligence. There has been a 65% increase in jobs registered for DA/BI skills compared to last year.
Candidates need to prepare a well laid out CV that catalogues their experience clearly, make sure there are no spelling mistakes and include a section highlighting core technical skills. Also it sounds like an obvious point but candidates need to know their CV’s inside out and need to be able to discuss their project work and day-to-day responsibilities in great detail. In addition to this, candidates need to be able to explain their current technical competence and what technologies they would like to learn or cross / train in the future. Candidates who work in web development need to have an updated portfolio or a Github account. Candidates also need to be mindful that the IT market is moving quickly and they need to be making themselves available for interviews if they are serious about securing their dream role.
Good software talent is extremely hard to find! Candidates have their choice of roles and companies really need to differentiate their company, projects and technologies to attract top talent. When IT professionals start looking for jobs they will be easily snapped up, therefore companies who are intent on hiring need to sit down with their recruitment partners and work out a process that will ensure successful hires.
Companies who are intent on assessing candidates by means of a technical test should endeavour to make this test accessible online or facilitate candidates to sit it before or after work. Phone screens are a useful way for clients to quickly assess candidates skills and save time and effort for the candidate and client. If clients like a candidate and feel they are a good fit then they need to progress to second round interview….immediately. Before extending an offer, clients need to fully assess what the candidate is looking for, offers are extremely delicate and they need to handled effectively by both client and recruiter. Clients also need to be putting in place an effective and welcoming for new starters, to ensure they settle in well with minimal problems.
The final point for clients to note is, Technology moves quickly and clients need to be constantly upskilling and training their software professionals, this will ensure the candidates remain in engaged, equipped and skilled for the market.
Dublin is a melting pot for IT professionals and offers the opportunity to work in diverse companies. Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Facebook and Twitter have all made Dublin their European headquarters. Dublin is home to 10 of the top ICT companies in the world. They have large operations in Ireland, and offer options in the following areas Insurance, Consulting, Financial, E-Learning, Mobile, Social Media, Gaming & Online and Telecoms to name but a few. As our capital city, we are closely located to mainland Europe which allows us to access the software talent of our European neighbours for hard to fill roles. On the salary front Dublin companies have extremely competitive offers and packages. Companies are dotted in and around the city centre with some located in large industrial parks in Dublin West and South and easily within reach from commuter towns.
