Working from the Office or at Home

Do you prefer to work from home or the office? Some prefer the working in the office as it gives structure to the day, it’s easier to focus on tasks and they get to meet colleagues. For others working from home is easier than working in the office. They prefer the calm of their home office, the flexibility in their hours and prefer to work on their own, for most of the day – they find that they get a lot more done in this environment.

While working from home during the pandemic may have seemed appealing in the early days, for many the four walls began to close in pretty quickly and they yearned to get back into the office environment. Adjusting to the home-work life model has been a struggle for some. The benefits of working at the office now seem more appealing. They prefer the familiarity that comes with the job, and the structure that the office environment provides.

Benefits of working in the office:

  • Emotional and social value increase towards work, including the brand
  • Face to face connections are far better for wellbeing than webinars and online meeting rooms
  • Helps to keep a healthy work-life balance, by maintaining work hours
  • Disturbances to work flow, which may have seemed annoying before, are now a welcome relief
  • Routines can give more structure to the day
  • Can increase job satisfaction and feeling valued
  • Teamwork reduces frustration on certain activities
  • More recognition is achieved in the office
  • Can improve mental and physical health
  • Likely to increase networking opportunities
  • Less likelihood of household and family distractions
  • Work is left at the office, at close of business

Maintaining clear boundaries, between the work and home environments, will help to maintain a healthy work-life balance in your life. The positive effects can be major including increased overall wellbeing and productivity in work. Social connections are really important; otherwise the job is ‘just a job’! “We must establish a personal connection with each other. Connection before content. Without relatedness, no work can occur” – Peter Block.  

/0 Comments/by

The Benefits of Effective Networking

,

Effective networking is essential to advance professional development and provides many benefits. It is a fantastic opportunity to expand your business circle, opportunities and personal knowledge. The main elements of networking are based on great communication skills, trust and support. Knowing how to network is a skill that is learned. Developing strategies, over time, will help to make it an enjoyable experience.

Benefits of Networking:

  • Improve career prospects and professional development
  • Provides opportunity to increase knowledge
  • Opportunity to develop new ideas
  • Helps build confidence levels
  • Gain new insights and fresh perspectives
  • Opportunity to develop strong relationships
  • Raises your profile
  • Can result in new opportunities for your organisation
  • Opportunity to further expand your social circle
    • Essential to gain insights into the job market and business world

Developing strategies to improve networking will enhance future opportunities and can advance your career. There are many tips that can help with boosting your morale. Enjoying the sociable experiences of meeting other professionals can bring a positive dimension to the job. Similar to personal relationships, trust is built over time.  

Useful strategies for effective networking:

  • Plan ahead before each networking event
  • Actively participate at networking engagements
  • Try to greet and mingle with as many people as possible
  • Getting to the event early can increase connecting with more individuals – ‘the early bird catches the worm’
  • Staying late can help too
  • Know who is going to be there
  • Practice elevation pitches before the event
  • Bring a small supply of business cards
  • Always follow up on leads after the event, promptly – seek their business card or details, to save a long search after the event.

Networking is an amazing and valuable skill that can bring incredible success and support to your career. It is really important to value and nurture the connections that have been made. It’s important to remember; be genuine with each connection and stay in touch regularly to strengthen the relationship, then trust will follow. “There’s a ton of value in taking the time to build a real human to human relationship” – Mike Allton

/0 Comments/by

How to Deal with Burnout

Are you struggling with burnout, stressed from your job and feeling the impact of it in your personal life? Stress can lead to many personal issues. Unfortunately, it is part of many professional jobs. Health care professionals and the hospitality industry can be high demanding jobs, leading to long hours and less personal time, which can lead to burnout. Recognising the signs of exhaustion, in the early stages, is vital to overall health and wellbeing, and performance at work.

It is vital to harness resilience when dealing with exhaustion and asking the right questions will help you to get on the road to recovery a little faster. Sometimes it’s not easily identified until fully into the depths of its throws. Frequently asked questions that are a good starting point to identify burnout include:

What is burnout?

Burnout is your body’s way of telling you that it is overstretched. It can leave people feeling mentally, physically and emotionally drained, unable to do menial tasks, lacking creativity, feeling detached unmotivated, and hollow. The situation worsens when we don’t take care of ourselves in the early stages, or ignore the symptoms. Dealing with exhaustion in the early stages lessens the risk of serious physical or mental dis-ease.

Start with self-care; evaluate daily tasks and take time for restoration. Invaluable advice and insights to help deal with burnout include:

How do I deal with burnout?

  • Reach out to family, friends and colleagues, or seek professional support
  • Simple as it sounds, listen to your body
  • Create time for rest and relaxation – time to wind down and, increase personal time to find balance and restoration
  • Increase physical activities, starting with small movements and gradually increasing every day until it becomes a habit
  • Hydration is key to boost energy levels and reduce recovery time
  • A health check-up will rule out anything more sinister, and may provide details on any vitamin or mineral deficiencies
  • Reduce technology time, significantly in the early days of self-care
  • Get enough sleep, this is paramount for a speedier recovery
  • Spend time enjoying hobbies, to lift the soul and bring joy back into your life
  • Alone-time might not always be easy, especially when life has been overly busy. Take time to stand still, meditate and journal emotions that surface during this time
  • Sometimes we may get lost in the process – find yourself again
  • Finish work on time. Too many late work evenings eventually catch up and eat into precious restoration time
  • List accomplishments and let go of past slip-ups
  • Identify if the job is rewarding, and take steps to create job satisfaction, even if this means having an honest chat with your employer
  • Meet personal needs, especially during the weekend

How do I move beyond burnout?

Burnout can take some time to recover from, depending on the stage. It really helps to plan for the future, to avoid coming across this situation again. Plan your time well, starting with healthy meals, exercise, time for hobbies and personal activates, and most importantly annual leave. Ask for help, let go of unnecessary work. Delegate or say ‘no’ when needed. Begin to take control of your life again!

Time and stress management are two important elements that can really help to prevent future symptoms of burnout, and can lead to a much healthier life. Remember; “You can do anything, but not everything” – David Allen.

/0 Comments/by
Chef Jobs

Summer Chef Referral Competition

,

Do you know a Chef that is looking for their next job? Here at Three Q we are running a Chef referral competition from July 1st – August 28th.

If you know a Chef that has a QQI Level 6 qualification in Culinary Arts then send us their CV to cvs@3qrecruitment.ie

Anyone who referees a Chef to Three Q (that meets all of the terms & conditions below) will automatically be entered into a draw for a €100 gift card.

Terms & Conditions:

  • This competition is open to the greater public.
  • Referral must have a QQI Qualification in Culinary Arts (or equivalent).
  • Referral must be based in Ireland.
  • Referral must complete all mandatory training & documentation.
  • Referral must sign up and work with Three Q for one month.
  • If your referral sends in their CV directly, make sure they give your details on their application (name, contact number and email address)
  • This competition will run from July 1st to August 28th.
  • The winner will be chosen at random.
  • The winner will be announced on the 2nd of September.

You can view all of our current jobs openings by visiting http://3qrecruitment.ie/view_all_jobs/

/0 Comments/by

What Employers and Recruiters Look for in CV’s

,

Are you unsure of what to put in your CV, or how to structure it? Knowing what details to add can give you a strong lead on being called for an interview! Recruitment agencies and employers look for items that stand out at a glance. These can vary for different jobs. Recruiters are adept at seeking any gaps or discrepancies. The presentation of the CV needs to be considered. The structure to the layout should be clear and easy to read – providing a succinct story, from start to finish. Cover letters are similar to windows of a house. They provide a preview of the CV. It is similar to a sales pitch. Include relevant elements here from your CV, and information that relates to your experience and the job spec.

Some main elements to consider putting into your CV:

  • Previous roles and responsibilities of previous employment, or volunteer work
  • Experience to date – a brief overview
  • Skill-set, including hard and soft skills
  • Results and achievements in previous roles, include any that relate to the job spec
  • Education achieved to date, including course work currently being undertaken or planned up-skilling courses in the pipeline. Evidence of continuous learning is more desirable in an application
  • Keep bullet-points concise
  • Ensure that content is consistent
  • Including a profile headshot provides a personal connection
  • References provide strength to the application, particularly if the recruiter would like to follow up on more information with a third party
  • Including a LinkedIn link can provide additional pertinent information

Remember the CV must be clear in its presentation, easily scanned, and provide the relevant information for the role, including significant keywords. Ensure that dates are accurate and proofread for any typos. Structure the layout so that it’s visually easy to read. HR personnel should be able to review your CV in less than one minute. “Structure is more important than content in the transmission of information” – Abbie Hoffman.

A good cover letter should provide a brief synopsis of the CV and why the candidate is interested in the company, and the role being applied for. Knowing your CV details, and dates, ahead of the interview will provide you with consistency during the interview. Getting these steps right always provides a great first impression.

/0 Comments/by

Thinking About Changing Careers?

Whether you’re a temporary or permanent employee, or simply looking for a career change, changing jobs is increasingly becoming the norm! Active jobseekers face many challenges when searching for new jobs and adapting to the change during the search and transition in their new career.

Key items to consider when planning a career change:

  • Start with an action plan, be clear on this from the start and adapt where needed
  • Understand your personal brand story – who you are and the job that will provide the ultimate ‘job satisfaction’ feeling
  • Assess your skills, qualities, experience and interests. Getting help on this evaluation will help enormously
  • List responsibilities and achievements
  • Undertake a personal SWOT analysis, to identify personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
  • Explore different career choices, relocation as an option and further training options to advance your career path
  • Seek support from family, friends and colleagues. Former employers can also provide positive support

“There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living! – Nelson Mandela

The job market has expanded and increased its presence online. LinkedIn is a useful online platform which provides the opportunity to market organisations by advertising job vacancies in Ireland, and beyond. It is also a useful online platform to market individuals seeking employment. Use these tips to get you off to a flying start on LinkedIn:

  • If you’re new to LinkedIn, watch YouTube clips before setting up your account. They offer great tips and insights
  • Include key items – experience, education, photo, volunteer work, etc.
  • Network with other LinkedIn users – expand your connection-circle
  • Regularly share interesting content, which fits your interests
  • Refer other LinkedIn users
  • Remember to keep your profile professional, always!
  • Recruitment companies and HR departments take your LinkedIn profile seriously, and research the platform when seeking additional information on potential employees
  • Commit to keeping the profile fresh and updated, with relevant and timely content, to give you a stronger online presence

Changing careers is easier than you think! Positive benefits include meeting new people, learning new skills, embracing a new sense of purpose and exploring new beginnings, which can all be exciting and so worth the change.

Still considering a career move? Call us today, on 01 8783335 or email operations@3qrecruitment.ie if you would like to chat with a member of our vibrant team, to explore your options and new opportunities.

/0 Comments/by

Why you should use company reviews in your job search

,

Are you currently looking for a new job or considering moving employers in the future? Then we have some useful tips for you to follow before you start applying to prospective employers.

One of the main reasons people leave their jobs is due to a negative work environment. So how can you as a jobseekers ensure that a prospective employer will be a good match? It’s simple – Check company reviews.

What is a company review?

A Company review is a description from an employee or ex-employees about their experience working with a company. They can be used to give us an insight to what it would be like working with a company. Company reviews are available on platforms such as – Indeed, Glassdoors, Monster & More. Companies are usually rated out of 5 stars but employees can also leave comments as to their experience working with a particular employer.

Analyse and consider employee reviews

When viewing company reviews it is important to take certain things into consideration, like what was the date of the review? You want the review to be current. If an employee gave a lower star rating did, they give reasons as to why? You want to ensure that the review was not simply left by a disgruntled ex-employee. Some employees will tell you exactly why they scored a company low and include reasons such as – poor management/ training/ support, poor salary, poor company benefits, toxic work environment etc. If there are positive reviews, make sure to check that what employees consider positive align to what you would be looking for in a prospective employer.

Check for Similar reviews

View multiple reviews to see if there are any patterns or similar reviews. If multiple reviews are commenting on poor management or negative work environment, then this is a red flag.

Compare company reviews

Check out multiple employers and their reviews to see what the differences of working for each would be. While one company may offer a better salary, they may not have good benefits such as pension, health insurance, annual leave etc. See which company best matches up to what you are looking for.

Check Company’s social media pages & website

You can gain further insight to what it would be like working with a particular company by checking out their website and socials. Some companies share content about their staff and events such as birthdays, promotions, employee appreciation days, social outings etc, this is a good way to see what the company culture is like and if a company values and gives recognition to their employees. You can also check to see if they have been re-posting the same job adverts in short spaces of time – this shows a high turnover rate. Check to see if they list the salary & benefits details – a great employer should have nothing to hide!

If you want help with your job search, then call us on 01 878 3335 or email recruiter@3qrecruitment

Charissa Mulholland

Nursing & Healthcare Recruitment Consultant

Three Q Perms & Temps

01 878 3335

/0 Comments/by

Training

Read more
/0 Comments/by

Employment Contracts – Understanding Key Terms and Phrases

,

When signing up for a new job, the employee contract can be daunting at the best of times. It includes many terms and phrases that some may find difficult to understand. There are many types of employment contracts including permanent employment, temporary employment, seasonal employment and contracted employment contracts. Employees must agree to the terms when they accept the job, unless they negotiate in advance. Terms typically include elements such as areas of work, holidays, pension, salary, company policy and termination.

Citizens Information is a great source for employees, especially those who are signing contracts for the first time. Their website hosts useful information about employment in Ireland including this link to key ‘Terms and Phrases’ https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/reference/checklists/checklist_glossary_of_employment_terms.html.

Some terms and phrases included in an employee’s contract:

  • Agency worker – an individual who is employed by an agency
  • Breaks – brief duration periods, for a stretch, cuppa or rest
  • Career break – agreed time from career, unpaid, to care for personal responsibilities or undertake education. Some organisations offer to pay employees during this time
  • Duty of care – by the employer, to ensure the workplace is safe and promotes wellbeing
  • Employee permit – an employment permit is required to work in Ireland for most EEA Nationals
  • Freedom of information – employees are entitled to access government records, under the FOI legislation (freedom of information)
  • Grievance procedure – complaints that require immediate action, and once highlighted there is typically a pre-determined process to work through, for a satisfactory outcome
  • Holiday – paid annual leave including public holidays

Remember, if you’re unsure, contact the employer or HR personnel to query any items on the contract content if you are unsure. They will respond, and answer any queries, and there may be opportunity to negotiate. For additional support, phone Citizen Information Service on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Before signing the contract, ensure that the contract contains what was agreed, and that it is dated and signed by both parties. “It is impossible to un-sign a contract, so do all your thinking before you sign” – Warren Buffet. Once the paperwork is completed, you can start to enjoy the next chapter of your life, in your new career!

/0 Comments/by

Why Use Recruitment Agencies?

,

Hiring the right employee & benefits of using a recruitment agency:

Hiring the right employee for your company can be a challenging and lengthy process. With so many sectors struggling with staff shortages and hiring, recruitment agencies are here to help. More and more companies are partnering with recruitment agencies to source talent.

But what exactly are the benefits of working with a niche recruitment agency?

Save time – The recruitment process from start to finish is a lengthy process. You must advertise your vacancy, go through CV’s, create a short-list, contact candidates & organise interviews then comes job offer, referencing & acquiring needed documentation. A recruitment agency will do all this for you, saving you valuable time.

Accesses to more candidates – Often recruiters will have a database of candidates they can reach out to regarding your open role. They also seek out passive candidates as well as active ones, through head-hunting.

Higher quality candidates – Recruitment agencies will screen suitable applicants prior to sending CV’s, ensuring that candidates presented are a good match and have relevant skills & experience required for the role.

Specialist knowledge – Recruitment agencies will often be specialised in a certain sector. Three Q Perms & Temps specialises specifically in Nursing and healthcare recruitment and so have ain depth understanding about the market.

Company & Brand advocacy – Candidates want to know the benefits of working with an employer. Recruiters will make sure to promote the benefits and career development potential to candidates. Three Q will promote your company on our various advertising platforms & social media.

If you want to find out more about working with Three Q Perms & Temps and how we recruit for in-demand professionals in the healthcare sector, through innovative search, selection & recruitment processes and find the best candidates for your company then call me on 01 878 3335.

Charissa Mulholland

Nursing & Healthcare recruitment professional

Three Q Perms & Temps

/0 Comments/by