Interview Archives - Life Science & Engineering Recruitment Specialists in Ireland

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        Tag: Interview

        12 Expert Tips On Changing Your Engineering Job In 2023 That You Need To Know

        Posted on by Derek Perill
        Expert to changing your engineering job in 2023
        Expert guide to changing your engineering job in 2023

        Changing your engineering job in 2023, now that you have made this decision, where do you begin?

        Even if deciding that you’re ready to change jobs is a big step, it can still seem like a frustratingly long time until you can actually locate a new engineering role.

        There are things you can do right away to assist you get ready for a job transition, even before you get your first interview.

        Write The Description Of The Perfect Engineering Job.

        You know that you want to move on , but where? Try writing an engineering job description for the position you see for yourself. Consider your abilities and areas of interest, as well as the aspects of your current role that you like or dislike. Your job search should be guided by this ideal description.

        Create A Schedule.

        Creating a schedule is critical when looking to change your engineering role
        Creating a schedule is critical when looking to change your engineering role

        Your job search should be divided into a number of manageable steps, such as:

        • Job Research
        • Selection
        • Applications
        • Interviewing prep

        Determine what you must complete at each level, such as having your CV prepared for the application stage and a wardrobe assessment completed for the interview stage, and set a reasonable timetable for each stage. This schedule should be pinned up someplace in your house to serve as a reminder.

        Reconnect With Your Network

        Ask around among reliable contacts for recommendations on the best employers, reliable information sources, and recruiters. This will give you suggestions for businesses to look up online, follow on social media, and even contact recruiters for. It might even produce some interesting results..

        Sign Up To Specific Engineering Jobs Newsletters and Job Alerts

        Consider the finest resources for new employment information in your sector, and confirm that you have subscribed to all relevant alerts and newsletters. Many websites let you customise a search by a number of factors. Such as travel distance and income range and get alerts for new relevant job possibilities.

        Consult With Industry Specific Recruiters

        A professional recruiter within the industry may be a goldmine of beneficial information, regarding everything from wage expectations to skills requirements to job hunting advice, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of your market and of recruiting trends. Make a couple unscheduled exploratory calls to recruiters who seem like a good fit.

        A top-notch recruiter might volunteer to handle your job hunt. Being exclusive indicates that you have a committed resource working hard to match you with the ideal position. Since you won’t have to communicate with numerous different recruitment firms, you may prefer this choice.

        Get in touch with one of our experienced recruiters who are experts in placing qualified engineers in jobs that they love.

        Keep Up To Date (When your changing engineering job)

        Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to make sure you’re up to date on technical advancements, regulatory changes, and market trends. Choose a few important publications you can rely on to keep you well-informed, and make a point of reading them frequently.

        Starting to pay closer attention to current events now will help you be as educated as you can be when it comes time for your interview. Consider specifically how important news stories have affected your sector.

        Allocate Time Each Day For Job Searching

        Make a list of the tasks you want to do each day. Allot a modest amount of time each day for your new job search. This usually entails browsing LinkedIn, reviewing important job boards, and reading the most recent articles from important trade periodicals.

        Make The Most Out Of LinkedIn

        LinkedIn can be an asset when changing your engineering job
        LinkedIn can be an asset when changing your engineering job

        Your online presence will be more noticeable the more engaged you are on LinkedIn. Connect with employers and recruiters in the fields and industries that interest you. To find useful contacts, use the alumni search tool. To increase the number of people who read your profile, look to constantly update your LinkedIn status with interesting information and links, as well as submit relevant articles.

        Spend time making sure your profile is current, to maximize your appeal to possible new employers. Ensure your profile has an up to date professional photo and includes all the information about your most recent experience and expertise. You can also request recommendations and testimonials from contacts who know you well.

        Our piece on “How LinkedIn can be key to your new role” provides more information on this topic

        Enhance Your Appeal To Potential Employers

        There are several actions you may do at your present employment that could possibly help your job search. Consider utilizing any available training or development options that would improve your skill set. And be prepared to take on new duties or expand your areas of expertise so you can add them to your resume.

        Upgrade Your Skillset

        It’s always a good idea to pick up a new skill to add to your CV, especially if you’re looking for a job that’s a little different from what you now do or if you’re concerned about a skill gap. There are many free online classes, seminars, and evening programs available. Discover what might be pertinent to the position you’re seeking and begin learning.

        Update your CV

        If you’ve been in the same position for a while, there’s a chance you haven’t lately accessed your CV file. Update it before submitting applications for new positions. Include all of your relevant experience, additional coursework, and any freshly acquired abilities. Check out our article on creating a winning CV for additional information.

        Our recent blog goes into more detail on how to write “A compelling engineering CV that stands out“

        Upgrade Your Wardrobe

        A polished professional look offers a fantastic first impression and gives the wearer confidence. Look through your closet to see if you have a standout clothing or if it would be wise to invest in a new appearance right now. Of course, you may have multiple interviews or meetings to attend, so consider upgrading the necessities as well.

        What we can do for you

        If you need a professional guidance on your future career prospects get in touch with us.

        STEM Recruitment Partners specialises in the placement of candidates from Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics backgrounds into Manufacturing, Life Science, Supply Chain & Engineering Businesses nationwide.

        Our leading engineering and life science recruitment agency have offices based in Limerick & Cork, and we have excellent job openings all over Ireland. Check out some of our roles in our job portal.

        Reach out to the team in STEM Recruitment Partners for the best advice and support in building your engineering career,  contact us today www.stemrp.ie

        Our goal is to become Ireland’s No.1 Recruitment Agency Specialising in the following areas

        • Executive Search Recruitment
        • Manufacturing and Engineering Recruitment
        • Medical Device Recruitment
        • Engineering to Senior Management Recruitment
        • Construction Engineering Recruitment
        • Supply Chain Recruitment
        • Life Science Recruitment

        The Recruitment Process 3 Easy Proven Ways to Shorten It

        Posted on by Derek Perill
        Shorten your engineering recruitment process in 3 steps
        Shorten your recruitment process in 3 steps

        The best way to lose out on top Life science, manufacturing, engineering & leadership talent is through a long recruitment process. If your recruitment process is longer than 40 days, then something needs to change. Your competitors aren’t taking this long to pull the trigger, and neither should you.

        It can be difficult to reduce the steps involved in your recruitment process. A certain “way of doing things” might have worked in the past when it was an employer’s market but that is no longer the case. Employees hold the cards now and acting fast on the right engineering personnel is crucial to growing your business.

        However, during the interview stage, hiring managers must adhere to several policies and procedures, which frequently causes the process to drag on longer than it needs to. With the ball in the court of the jobseeker, if your business takes too long to make a great offer. the likelihood that you will lose top talent to your competition increases.

        A recent study showed that nearly 50% of respondents admitted to turning down a job offer as a result of the hiring process took too long. This also shows candidates that the hiring company is not fully sure about the applicant thus causing them to withdraw from the process themselves.

        Below are three top tips to attract the right engineer for the role you are trying to fill.

        1. Rewrite your Job Description & Ads
        2. Be Realistic and Focus on Skills
        3. Invest in Quality Software

        1. Rewrite your Job Descriptions To Shorten Your Recruitment Process.

        Rewrite your job descriptions to attract top engineering talent
        Rewrite your job descriptions to attract top engineering talent

        Writing a job description might feel easy, but hiring managers struggle with it more frequently than you think. If you want to get a candidate’s attention when drafting a job description, there are a few best practices you should stick to

        1. Talk about the company culture and office workplace environment. What distinguishes your company from every other one that your ideal prospect is currently interviewing with?
        2. Utilize all that is available in both the online and offline worlds. Do not post it on just one online job board and hope that the ideal applicant will emerge from the sea of applications. For instance, you may request referrals from your staff and offer them rewards for recommending qualified people.
        3. Use your network. Let your network know that you are hiring for a specific role by using LinkedIn, events, etc. Post it on all your social media accounts.
        4. Partner with a recruiter. It’s our responsibility as a recruitment agency to quickly identify the ideal individual for your business. To be able to do that, we have established extensive networks of highly skilled professionals across all areas of expertise such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, life science, supply chain, and senior executive positions. To learn more about our hiring process, get in touch with us today.

        A job description is not a job advertisement. An internal job description outlines the duties the chosen individual would be expected to perform.

        The job advertisement is external and is intended to “sell” the opening by emphasizing the role’s desirable outcomes for candidates. In addition to encouraging talented people to apply, a well-written job posting will help you create your company’s brand and a solid talent pool of prospects.

        2. Be Realistic and Focus on Skills During The Recruitment Process

        Focus on the candidates skills to ensure you're getting the right hire
        Focus on the candidates skills to ensure you’re getting the right hire

        We see businesses searching for that unicorn candidate all too frequently. There will be one contender who has everything. 20 years of expertise, a postgraduate degree in a highly specialized field, applicable certificates from the sector, and work history in your industry

        When searching for the ideal individual, use caution because they frequently don’t exist and, even if they did, many of your needs can scare them away. When creating your job description, have that in mind as well.

        Consider that if someone has talent, you may develop them to become even more qualified for the job. According to our research, it’s essential to provide opportunities for growth and training as well as to ensure that employees are using their skills.

        Instead, of focusing on degrees, emphasize talents. You may access a far larger talent pool and increase diversity and retention by hiring based on skills.

        You are passing up on a far larger, more diverse talent pool if you continue to analyse CV’s and people based on whether they have a degree or attended a reputable university or college rather than concentrating on their skill sets.

        3. Invest in Software For Your Recruitment Process

        Invest in Software to speed up your recruitment process
        Invest in Software to speed up your recruitment process

        After properly posting and promoting your job description, you will begin to receive a large number of applicants. That is fantastic, but it can also be difficult to coordinate and manage.

        ATS, or applicant tracking systems, are excellent tools. Many different applicant tracking systems are available today, however, the capabilities that the majority of ATS have can assist you to speed up your hiring process are listed below:

        1. Career Page Hosting
        2. Sharing job descriptions
        3. Receiving and managing applications
        4. Storing CVs
        5. Scheduling Interviews
        6. Onboarding Programs

        Our Solutions

        At STEM Recruitment Partners we specialise in Life Science & Engineering Recruitment. Our team has extensive experience (67 years combined) in recruiting in the Irish Market. Reach out to the team here in STEM Recruitment Partners for the best advice and support in building your engineering teams contact us today.

        Smart & Simple Interview Questions To Ask Employers, When being Interviewed

        Posted on by Derek Perill
        Asking questions during your engineering interview is always a good idea.
        Asking questions during your engineering interview is always a good idea.

        You have a job interview that is soon approaching. In this guide we discuss the interview questions to ask the engineering organisation at the end of an interview.

        Why Ask Interview Questions, During Your Interview?

        Here at STEM Recruitment Partners, we always recommend candidates to ask questions during the interview and at the end of an interview when invited by the interviewing panel to do so.

        According to indeed asking questions will give you a better understanding of whether the position is the right fit for you. It also shows the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the position.

        Job interviews are not only for the hiring company to ensure that the candidate is a fit for their company and team. They are also an opportunity for engineering jobseekers to evaluate potential employers. The ideal outcome would be for both parties to leave the process feeling that the candidate, the position, and the business are a good fit.

        Additionally, well-chosen interview questions can make the applicant stand out from the competition. The appropriate questions show you were engaged and attentive in the conversation and that you have interest in the position. Moreover, it can be a chance for you to demonstrate any other information you may have. You might cite current news items or business statements/reports for example.

        Do Your Research On Interview Questions.

        It can be difficult to think of appropriate questions on the spot, so as part of your interview preparation, you should come up with a list of potential questions. Your questions should demonstrate your level of knowledge and should not be ones that can be quickly resolved by visiting the business’ website. When coming up with questions, you should consult the following resources:

        1. Begin by reading the job description. Check to see if any important details are missing or if the interviewer needs to expound on anything.
        2. Search the company’s website and social media to learn more about it.
        3. Google News the business name to find out more.
        4. Use Google Trends to see what’s trending in the industry of your potential employer
        5. Look at the interviewers’ LinkedIn profiles.
        Have your questions ready to go before the interview
        Have your questions ready to go before the interview

        How Many Interview Questions Should You Ask?

        A minimum of four or five questions should be prepared for the interview in advance. This guarantees that you have follow-up questions even if one or two of yours were addressed during the interview.

        What Interview Questions to Avoid.

        1. Asking queries that are primarily about what the organization can do for you should be avoided.
        2. Don’t inquire about pay or annual leave, your recruitment agency should have briefed you I advance
        3. Don’t ask yes/no questions. Ask questions that are genuinely open-ended instead.
        4. Do not ask questions that anyone could find the answers to just taking a short look over the business website.
        5. Never ask a question that has already been addressed in the interview because it indicates that you were not fully present in the conversation.

        Some Great Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

        Questions About Your Potential new Job

        1. Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
        2. What is the company’s strategic plan for the next year, and how will it impact this role?
        3. What do you think is the most important indicator of success in this role?
        4. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with (if I successfully secured the role)?
        5. What does success look like?
        6. If I were taken on for this role, what would you want me to achieve in my first few months?
        7. Are there mechanisms in place for performance reviews?
        8. Is this a new position?
        Ask your interviewer great questions
        Ask your interviewer great questions

        Interview Questions About The Company

        1. What qualities and attributes make for a successful employee in the company?
        2. How would you describe the management style here?
        3. How would you describe the company culture?
        4. How would you describe the work/life balance here?
        5. What are the company’s goals for the year?
        6. Are there opportunities for professional development?
        7. What is the greatest challenge currently facing the company?
        8. Is there anything that we haven’t discussed that you think is important for me to know about working here?
        9. What are the company’s values?

        Interview Questions To ask The Hiring Manager

        1. What do you enjoy about working here?
        2. Where do you see the company in the next five years?

        Next Steps

        1. Could you tell me the timeline for making a decision and when you think I can expect to hear from you?
        2. Do you need any further information from me to help you make your decision?
        3. If I am successful today, what do the next steps look like?

        Our Solutions

        At STEM Recruitment Partners we specialise in Life Science & Engineering Recruitment. Our team have extensive experience (67 years combined) recruiting in the Irish Market. Reach out to the team here in STEM Recruitment Partners for the best advice and support in building your engineering teams contact us today

        Prepare for your STEM Interview

        Posted on by Derek Perill

        How to make a great impression

        Congratulations! you have landed an interview. Your CV jumped out and caught the attention of the hiring company, you’re one step closer to landing that dream job. Now its time to prepare for that interview and make a lasting impression.

        We have got you covered, below we have tips on how to make that lasting impression. We have broken it down into three steps

        • Before the interview
        • During the interview
        • After the interview

        Part of our jobseeker service offering at STEM Recruitment Partners and Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment is interview preparation.

        Prepare for your STEM Interview

        Before the interview.

        Research The Company

        Its obvious but its something that should never be overlooked. Know everything on their website from their about us page, latest news. product and services they provide and everything in between, know their website inside and out.

        Don’t forget to check out their social media and take note of key milestones, events, updates, or announcements. This will give you a greater understanding of what the goals of the company are and will cover you for the inevitable ‘’What do you know about us’’ question.

        Research The Interviewers

        Often you might have information on who will be interviewing you. Make use of LinkedIn and find out where they studied, where they were employed previously and what groups they are members of.

        This will help you build a rapport with your interviewer or interviewers. Building a rapport early makes you stand out helps make a lasting impression.

        Prepare Questions and Answers

        ‘’Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail’’ A famous quote from Roy Keane, spoken in a different context but it also applies for interview questions. Common interview questions such as

        ‘Tell me about yourself?

        Why do you want to leave your current role?

        What interests you about our company?

        Will allow you to demonstrate who you are your experience, knowledge and value that you can bring the hiring company. Here is 21 common interview questions from Pass my interview.com

        Know the job description

        Read the job description multiple times and highlight what skills it emphasises. Match skills you have with the job description and have examples of how you used those experiences in past and current roles.

        Use the STAR model to explain technical situations

        STAR is an acronym for

        • Situation
        • Task
        • Action
        • Result

        In the world of Engineering, Manufacturing, Life Science and Supply Chain its very easy to get bogged down by the technical details when answering a question. By using the STAR model, you can explain how your technical capabilities helped the company overcome a problem or situation.

        Prepare examples of your work

        It is common to be asked about specific work you have carried out in previous roles such as projects completed. Think of work you have done in the past that is relevant to the job description.

        Gather a list of intelligent questions to ask the interviewer.

        It’s not all one-way traffic when it comes to interviews, they provide a platform for you to understand the company better and understand the people in the company better. Interviews allow the employers to know if the candidate is serious about the position. The interviewer will be expecting you to ask them questions, here is a list questions compiled by the Business Insider to ask the interviewer it may help you on the day.

        The interviewer will be expecting you to ask them questions, here is a list questions compiled by the Business Insider to ask the interviewer it may help you on the day.

        During the interview

        Get Your Outfit Ready

        Make sure you have your formal outfit ready the night before the interview. Don’t be scrambling around the house looking for your belt just before your about to leave. Have everything ready, you have enough to be thinking about.

        Bring Copies of your CV and a Notebook

        Take five copies of your CV to the interview with you just in case there are multiple interviewers. This shows your organised and considerate. Having a notebook allows you to take notes of key information that the interviewer is telling you. This shows you are interested and serious about the role, however, don’t use a tablet or phone to take notes as this may be seen as ignorant or rude.

        Arrive Early

        Be at the interview 10 – 15 minutes before the interview. Do a recon of the commute a few days before the interview so you know where the building is, how busy is the traffic, where you can park and how long of a walk you have to get there.

        Make a great first impression

        First impressions last, people say it for a reason. Make sure you look professional check your clothes for stains and your shoes are shined etc. Try and display confident positive body language, give a firm but not too tight handshake and remember to smile throughout the interview.

        Treat Everyone As If They are The Hiring Manager

        This goes without saying but nerves can interfere. Just remember to treat everyone with respect including front desk staff, security personnel cleaning personnel, security etc. Your potential employer may ask for feedback from other employees and as we said earlier first impressions last.

        Respond Honestly to Questions

        It may be tempting to decorate your skills and achievements in our experience interviewers find honesty respectable and refreshing. Focus on key strengths and again use the STAR model to deflect questions you may think show weaknesses.

        Bring Them Back to your Skills and Achievements

        When asked a question use it to your advantage by bringing to examples of how your skills and experience helped your past companies. Keep your answers focused and concise as your time is limited in an interview.

        Do Not:

        Speak negatively about past roles or employers as this makes you come across as adverse in an interview. If you feel your not getting what you want out of your current role, try focus on the skills and experience you have gained and what you want in the short and long term.  

        After the interview

        Ask About the Next Stage

        Ask the interviewer about what the next stage in the process is. This shows enthusiasm for the role and will allow you to prepare for the next stage in the process.

        Send a thank you email.

        Send a thank you email to the interviewer, showing your appreciation for taking time out of their busy schedules. This shows that you are considerate.

        We provide free jobseeker consultation to ensure you are placed in a role that fits your needs and values.

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