March 09 2023
In recent years, the technology industry has made strides towards achieving gender diversity. However, there is still a long way to go, particularly in the financial services sector. As a Senior Female IT Recruitment Consultant, I have seen first-hand the benefits of having a diverse workforce, particularly in the tech industry. With a focus on female IT talent in Ireland within financial services, I recently placed four Senior Business/Application Support roles, all with female talent. This whitepaper will delve into the challenges faced by women in technology and how my experience as a recruiter has helped to promote diversity and inclusion.... read more
March 03 2023
Delighted to have Andrew Quinn back on the show for a second time. Andrew talks about how he went from bringing down Lehman Brothers 😉, before skipping off to the Bahamas, to education. Andrew has been a long time friend of Top Tier Recruitment and a real pleasure to hear his back story and his passion for what he does today supporting the Compliance & Risk industry in Ireland. ... read more
February 24 2023
Sara Jane, at 18 years of age, is probably one of the best known people in and around the Web3 space in Ireland… and beyond!... read more
February 17 2023
Back in 2023 with our focus on Web3 & Blockchain. First up, Owen O Driscoll, Founder of Impact Investing platform - Plandail. Paul & Owen get into all things Plandail, the world of Web3 and how to break into it and advice for someone thinking of going out on their own.... read more
January 19 2023
Ireland has a strong technology sector and has been consistently ranked as one of the top European countries for technology talent. The country has a well-educated and skilled workforce, with a high proportion of workers in the technology sector holding tertiary qualifications.
The technology sector in Ireland is diverse, with strengths in areas such as software development, digital media, and fintech. The country is also a hub for technology companies, with many multinationals such as Google, Facebook, and Apple having significant operations there.... read more
January 19 2023
This Blog will explore the challenges that financial services companies face when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent in the fintech and blockchain industry. It will discuss the importance of having a strong employer brand and the benefits of offering competitive compensation and benefits packages.
It will also explore the importance of providing opportunities for career development and growth. Additionally, it will detail how a specialist recruitment company can assist companies in identifying and recruiting the best candidates in the industry.
... read more
January 19 2023
This Blog will explore the ways in which fintech and blockchain technology are changing the financial services industry. It will discuss how these technologies are being used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience.
It will also examine the challenges that financial services companies face when it comes to adopting these new technologies, and the critical role that talent acquisition plays in driving innovation and growth.
... read more
January 10 2023
It all started over 7 years ago.
I had been sitting in a secure, stable job, climbing the career ladder and navigating the corporate world.
Paul, as COO was helping to further build another established recruitment firm and was a very well thought of senior member of staff.
There we sat, successful, set-up but something was missing. ... read more
August 28 2022
CKS Finance are working with Top Tier Recruitment to expand their Corporate Finance team - hear from Gavin Pitcher, Head of Corporate Finance & Tech Advisory on what makes this such an exceptional opportunity!... read more
May 27 2021
Transitioning into a career in Blockchain
Well, it is that time of the year again and another super exciting Blockchain week was and is in store for all participants. While this year all events were hosted online, the value gained was just as exciting as the past face to face events. We have all become experts at feeding and consuming information via video / online thanks to Covid.
The event I chose to focus on is one that was hosted by an incredible group of women, I have had the honour to get to know since their first event in September 2018, BlockW. The event title was also of interest to me given the fact we work with candidates who are actively looking to transition into Blockchain. The panel line-up was fantastic with each person adding lots of value to all the attendees.
... read more
January 13 2021
In this Blog and Podcast, we give you lots of insights to help you perfect your cv when applying for a new role.... read more
January 13 2021
Is this year any different from previous ones?
• Interviews are all online, so we need to be able to adapt our style and be comfortable with zoom or other video methods
• Finding ways to give that “firm handshake” virtually will be important. For example, try to research your interviewers on LinkedIn and find some commonalities in interests etc which you can use as an icebreaker to create rapport
• There is absolutely no excuse for being late! You need to ensure your internet is working and the interview link is working at least 30 minutes in advance of your interview
... read more
November 25 2020
We are now in our second lockdown, however, this time does feel a lot less severe – perhaps it has become out new normal. ... read more
November 25 2020
Recruitment always gets slower coming up to Christmas. Companies are focused on their end of year results and hiring Managers take time off to spend with their families, so it always takes a back seat. It is the perfect time to brush up on your cv, interview skills and job search strategies.... read more
September 04 2020
Financial Services Recruitment post lockdown, pre-Brexit!
Tune in as Paul and Laura discuss FS recruitment during these times. There will answer questions
1. What are you seeing in the financial services market at the moment and how has it changed over the course of the pandemic?
2. Are there any particular sectors that are hiring at the moment?
3. What types of roles are particularly in demand?
4. In terms of level, anything standing out?
5. What impact is Brexit having now?
... read more
August 31 2020
Wow, what a hectic year!!! 2020 will certainly be one we will all never forget. For some, it has been stressful, sorrowful and an unenjoyable experience. For others, it has given them the chance to press the reset button, get their exercise and eating patterns at a satisfactory level, and has allowed them reassess what is important to them.
Regardless of where you are on your Covid journey, an interesting question is continually raised from our clients and candidates – “when do you think we will return to the office?”.
... read more
August 20 2020
We were delighted to have Adrian Whelan join Paul on this episode of Your Pursuit of Happiness.... read more
July 15 2020
For anyone on the job hunt, you will know the market is starting to pick up again and there are more and more roles being released every day. We have gathered some tips to help you with your next video interview.... read more
May 21 2020
"What Basis.Point does is it puts together those people who want to make a difference and want to make a change with those who can" - Edel O'Malley's succinct description of what Basis.Point do.
... read more
April 06 2020
In this special episode, we welcome back Pete Townsend of Norio Ventures to discuss the impact Covid 19 is having on the FinTech, Blockchain and Financial Services market with Paul.
... read more
![Understanding Brexit [With The British Irish Chamber of Commerce]](https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/images/uploads/blog/_listing/Pursuit_of_Happiness_Podcast_-_Katie_Daughen_-_British_Irish_Chamber_of_Commerce.png)
February 28 2020
Brexit has come to pass and will affect Irish business and employment for years to come.
We spoke with the former Brexit spokesperson at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, Katie Daughen, for her thoughts on how best to deal with this huge change.... read more
![One To Watch - R3 [With Katelyn Baker and Dave Hudson]](https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/images/uploads/blog/_listing/Pursuit_of_Happiness_Podcast_-_R3.png)
February 18 2020
R3 is an exciting international enterprise blockchain software firm that continues to grow in Ireland.
Join us as we talk with Dave Hudson and Katelyn Baker from R3.... read more
February 11 2020
The Funds Industry in Ireland has gone from strength to strength and today we're joined by an industry leader, Karen Malone.
Karen is Founding Partner & CEO of Centaur. With offices in Europe and North America, Centaur delivers independent fund administration and regulatory services worldwide.... read more
February 04 2020
"Come here often? Well, you should." Cheesy one-liners are predictable, and most people are used to them, but preparation is key. Just like interview questions.
Here are the most common ‘Chat Up Lines’ you are likely to be asked at interview and a light-hearted steer on how to approach them.... read more
January 29 2020
We're joined on the show by a former international rugby player, Jamie Heaslip. Jamie joined us to talk about his rugby career, life after rugby, the Irish tech scene, Flender, and lessons he's learned along the way.... read more
January 22 2020
FINTECH Circle is the leading FinTech angel investment network. It also helps banks and service providers to make sense of FinTech.
We spoke with Michal Bezak, Head of Partnerships at FINTECH Circle, all about FINTECH Circle and the future of FinTech.... read more
![Growing Starling - Interview With Felim O’Donnell [COO with Starling International]](https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/images/uploads/blog/_listing/Pursuit_of_Happiness_Podcast_wide_-_Felim_ODonnell_-_Starling_Bank.png)
December 18 2019
Starling is an exciting Fintech company that is reshaping the world of financial services.
We spoke with Felim O'Donnell, COO with Starling International, about Starling's journey past, present, and future.
Felim also shared some fascinating insights on creating a positive, powerful workplace culture.
Listen to the discussion below.... read more
December 10 2019
Laura and Paul had a fascinating conversation with Coral Movasseli (Managing Director of Girls in Tech Dublin) about how to get more women into the tech industry.... read more
![New Report: Future Of The Funds Industry In Ireland [Free Download]](https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/images/uploads/blog/_listing/Post_-_LinkedIn_-_Fund_Report.png)
December 03 2019
The funds industry in Ireland has been in a state of constant change so we've put together a report on the future of the industry.
The report covers FinTech, fund managers, fund services firms, advisory companies, ManCos and others who have a vested interest in the changing nature of the funds industry in Ireland.... read more
November 26 2019
Following her excellent article in the Employee Retention Guide, productivity expert Moira Dunne from BeProductive.ie joined Laura & Paul to share her ever-useful advice on how to be more productive at work.... read more
November 20 2019
Top Tier Recruitment is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Dublin Simon Community to help support their efforts to provide services at all stages of homelessness and enable people to move to a place they can call home. Listen to Pat Greene describe how they've been helping people over the last 50 years.... read more
November 19 2019
Following her excellent article in the Employee Retention Guide, peak performance strategist Abigail Ireland joined Laura & Paul to talk about employee engagement and peak performance.... read more
November 13 2019
Made it through the first interview? Well done!
Now, Laura and Paul explain how to handle the second and third-round job interviews . . .
... read more
November 06 2019
How would you rate your company culture? Laura & Paul had a fascinating discussion with Evelien Veenman about her unusual role as 'Chief Happiness Officer' at the innovative Dutch company, Experius.... read more
October 23 2019
Building an inclusive business, an inclusive culture, is a challenge.
In this extract from our Diversity & Inclusion Guide, Andrew Keating (former Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of Inclusion & Diversity at Bank of Ireland) shares his insights on this key issue.... read more
October 14 2019
Congratulations! You got the job!
Now, let's look at how to hand in your resignation in the right way.... read more
October 08 2019
Paul recently had a fascinating talk with Enda Lynch who's the Head of Enterprise at Munster Rugby.
Enda runs the Munster Rugby, High Performance Leadership business in partnership with the University of Limerick.
Read on or listen in to learn how to achieve high performance in your career and in your business.... read more
October 02 2019
It can be really disheartening when you're unsuccessful in your job application. How to handle an unsuccessful job application? Read on (or listen in) as Laura and Paul help you through this difficult time . . .... read more
![How To Create A Great Place To Work [Interview With Fania Stoney]](https://www.toptierrecruitment.com/images/uploads/blog/_listing/Pursuit_of_Happiness_Podcast_cover_-_Fania_Stoney_of_Great_Place_To_Work.png)
September 25 2019
We had a fascinating conversation about employee engagement (and a lot more) with Fania Stoney of Great Place To Work on a recent episode of the Your Pursuit of Happiness podcast.... read more
September 17 2019
You got the job! Congratulations! Now it's time to work out the agreement. We'll walk you through the tricky question of how to negotiate a job offer.... read more
September 11 2019
We were very pleased to discuss employee financial wellness with Adam Hankin (General Manager - Ireland) of Wagestream, a rapidly-growing Fintech on a recent episode of the Your Pursuit of Happiness podcast.... read more
September 04 2019
We were very pleased to be joined on the Your Pursuit of Happiness podcast by Andrew Quinn, Course Director for Accountancy, Finance, Financial Technology & Business Analytics Programs at Dublin Business School.... read more
August 28 2019
We were very pleased to be joined by David Kindlon, CEO and Co-Founder of Eppione, a company which offers cloud-based HR and Employee Benefits software as well as a complete insurance broker service.
David joined us on the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast to talk about how he and the Eppione team have transitioned an offline business to become an HR & Employee Benefits tech company with a worldwide audience.... read more
August 20 2019
Today, we're very pleased to be joined by Hesus Inoma, a leader from Grant Thornton's Financial Services Advisory practice where he leads the FinTech service offering.
Hesus kindly joined us to talk about all things Fintech, funds, and financial services.... read more
August 14 2019
Ever wondered whether it's necessary to keep track of job applications and to follow-up?
If so, how and when do you do it?
Laura and Paul give you the low-down on this issue.... read more
August 08 2019
Ever wondered whether you should you try to steer the interview discussion or is it best simply to respond to questions?
If trying to steer the conversation, how and when do you do this?
Laura and Paul walk you through this dilemma.... read more
July 31 2019
We’re joined on this blog post by Philip Coffey, an Executive Career and Life Coach based in Dublin.
Philip is a senior HR professional with over 14 years’ private, public, multinational and HR consultancy experience. He is very passionate about the value of implementing Coaching, Mentoring, Career Development and Employee Engagement programmes in organisations. In fact, he was the winner of the 2018 HR Champion Leadership Award for the successful delivery of a Mentoring & Career Development Programme in Trinity College Dublin. He was also a keynote speaker for at the European Mentoring and Coaching Council International Mentoring Day event.
As an Executive Career and Life Coach, Philip enjoys helping people navigate life and career obstacles so they can realise their true potential. He has developed and delivered Personal Branding, CV, LinkedIn & Interview Skills Programmes for individuals and organisations.
Philip has joined us to talk all things corporate coaching & mentoring.
... read more
July 25 2019
Pete Townsend is a fascinating guy. An influential leader with an extensive career in asset management, asset servicing and advisory, he regularly delivers insight as a keynote speaker, moderator, MC, and podcaster. We spoke with Pete about his background, how he helps tech businesses via Norio Ventures, and about the future of the funds industry in Ireland.... read more
July 11 2019
Ever wondered about the impact of your social media activity on your career?
Are there things you should do?
Are there things you shouldn't do?
Today on the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast, Laura and Paul walk you through the social media minefield.... read more
July 04 2019
Ever wondered whether you should apply to a job directly or via a recruitment firm?
Sure, we lean a particular way on this but, today, Laura and Paul will give you their honest opinions and give you some tips to consider either way.... read more
June 26 2019
We talked with Vessy Tasheva of Vessy.com about how we can make the Irish financial services industry a more diverse and inclusive place to work.... read more
June 13 2019
If you've applied for a job or been asked in for an interview in the last few years, the chances are good that your potential employer will take a look at your LinkedIn profile. Here's why and how to optimise your LinkedIn profile.... read more
June 05 2019
Paul Smyth from Top Tier Recruitment gave the opening address at the FuSIoN event with an exploration of the concept of 'safety' and how it applies to financial services companies in Ireland seeking to improve their diversity & inclusion.... read more
May 29 2019
We talked with Sarah Johnston of Briefcasecoach.com about how she helps high performers land amazing jobs thanks to her services as an interview coach, executive resume writer, LinkedIn Branding expert, and Career Coach.... read more
May 14 2019
Many businesses use behavioural interviews to assess the skills, knowledge, and values of potential new employees. Here's how to answer behavioural interview questions in the financial services and Fintech industry.... read more
May 07 2019
The Brexit saga continues. Today, we look at how Brexit impacts upon the Irish jobs market and how you should react.... read more
May 02 2019
In this helpful episode of the 'Your Pursuit Of Happiness' podcast, Laura & Paul help you manage your job search so you can get the career you want.... read more
April 23 2019
Today, Paul talks with Claire Savage (COO) and Lorraine Lyons (Senior Business Development) from Irish financial services success story, AQMetrics, to learn a little about the company's story and to discuss new opportunities opening up at the rapidly-growing Fintech.... read more
April 16 2019
In this episode of the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast, Laura & Paul share their career development tips and advice on how to achieve the career you want and deserve.... read more
April 14 2019
In this helpful episode of the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast, Laura & Paul help you answer some of the most difficult questions you're likely to be asked in your next job interviews.... read more
April 11 2019
In the recent episode of the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast, Laura quizzed Paul on the rise of ManCo's in Ireland.... read more
April 10 2019
Landed a new job in Dublin? Congratulations! Now wondering how to find a place to live in Dublin (or Ireland)? This will help...... read more
April 08 2019
In the recent episode of the Your Pursuit Of Happiness podcast, Laura & Paul discussed what's involved in moving from the corporate world to a startup. Have a listen to the episode and then let's take a look at some of the key questions . . .... read more
April 02 2019
Today's we're looking at how to understand your workplace culture and its impact on your company's EVP (Employer Value Proposition).
... read more
March 14 2019
Interviews have stages and structures that rarely change. Regardless of the level or type of role you are interviewing for, you are likely to be asked a question that resembles:... read more
March 12 2019
Being called for an interview means that the potential employer feels that you have the skills required. Give yourself the best chance of success by understanding how to use an employer job spec ('job specification') to prepare for the interview.... read more
February 13 2019
Enterprise Ireland’s 2019 'Appetite for Disruption' was a fascinating event. I had the pleasure of speaking with and hearing from, many entrepreneurs, business leaders, advisors and influencers within the world of FinTech and financial services. Here's a quick summary of the event . . .
... read more
February 08 2019
Every interview will go through your CV / experience at some point and in some way.
One of the surprising stumbling blocks that we would see is a lack of prep around the actual CV.
Knowing your CV well might seem like a given but sometimes, can be the very thing that trips you up.
Here are some CV preparation tips to give you the best chance of success in your next interview.... read more
January 03 2019
Ready for a big new year? Here are some of the hot topics in FinTech & Financial Services for you to consider.... read more
November 19 2018
Many people looking for a Fintech role in Ireland believe they are better off waiting until January to hunt for a new job. Some feel that looking prior to Christmas is a waste of time or, in a lot of cases, just put it off due to the time of year... read more
February 03 2018
We all understand the importance of fitness, not only for slimming done or improving the appearance of our bodies, but from a mental health perspective. When our bodies and minds are fit, we are less prone to medical... read more
January 31 2018
I will begin with saying, what a fantastic event I attended yesterday with special thanks to Eoin Fitzgerald of Enterprise Ireland who organised such an impressive event. I was exposed to a roomful of the who’s who of Fintech not only in Ireland but on an international basis. There were more than 100 top people from all over the world including places like Mumbai, Sydney, Toronto, Chicago, New York etc. In attendan... read more
December 06 2017
We’ve all been to an interview that we felt could have gone better, or maybe we weren’t on top form that day. It can be frustrating, as a face to face interview is your first chance to impress the interviewer. The individual interviewing, be it a recruiter or HR, will...... read more
October 31 2017
2018 is quickly approaching, and I’m sure many of us have yet to keep to our promise of joining a gym, taking up Pilates, or simply keeping fit for 2017! As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, the urge to “get up and go” diminishes a little more every day....... read more
October 17 2017
Ireland’s unemployment rate has fallen to 6.1 per cent, according to the Central Statistics Office. The last time Ireland saw a rate of unemployment at this level was in June 2008, prerecession. The Department of Finance has estimated that unemployment rates will fall...... read more
October 14 2017
€10K prize draw at this week’s FinTech 20 event! Top Tier Recruitment are delighted to be sponsoring this week’s FinTech 20 event, organised by Irish Tech News in UCD. Tickets are sold out and we are excited about participating in this great event. Paul Smyth will be mod...
... read more
October 04 2017
In recent years we have seen a large number of international companies expand to Poland, offering a great environment for expats to think about working there. With a wide range of things to see and do, a growing economy, and a large international community, Krakow coul...... read more
October 04 2017
Demand for Contract/Daily Rate Roles
There has been a notable increase in the amount of contract/daily rate roles on offer in the Technology industry. We catch up with Kasia Wisniewska, Senior Consultant, to find out a little but more about these types of jobs.
What do y...... read more
August 25 2017
Great video by Business and Finance highlighting the strength of the FinTech industry in Ireland featuring our very own Laura Smyth. ... read more
June 09 2017
We were delighted to be the recruitment partner to last night’s Fintech Ireland event in NCI in the IFSC. We really enjoyed meeting many of the country’s growing and established firms across the Fintech ecosystem and look forward to working with many of them going forw...... read more
June 06 2017
RPA is becoming more and more in demand. We work with Financial Services and Fintech clients exclusively and while the skill set is in high demand within these industries, the candidate pool in Dublin is quite light. The IDA recently hosted a fantastic event in The Mar...... read more
May 24 2017
The aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown and the associated doom and gloom led to mass emigration from Ireland. In the four years following the crash 300,000 left Irish shores, 4 out of 10 were aged 18-24. In this time, half of adults aged between 25 and 34 conside...... read more
May 09 2017
When trying to secure your Dream Job, think outside the box and be a little more proactive rather than re-actively waiting for a new role to be released as it might be too late at that stage!... read more
April 12 2017
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February 27 2017
As the market becomes more saturated with jobs, we now see more and more recruitment consultancies opening and existing ones have a robust recruitment drive, but how do you choose the best one to work for?... read more
February 23 2017
After surviving a traumatic and turbulent economic ride, here we are a few years on seeing a diminishing unemployment rate. It is no surprise the thousands of jobs being created per month is attracting many Irish abroad back to the Emerald Isle. Moving back can be very...... read more
February 05 2017
Understanding why an employee leaves is absolutely vital for a leader to do in preventing shock resignations. Do people leave for money or are their other reasons? Read this blog to understand different motivations contributing to their decision... read more
January 04 2017
Are you Ready for your New Career Resolution 2017?
November and December are traditionally quieter months for job hunters but January gets busier allowing the new job season to start.
Decision makers have come back from holidays recharged and looking for new talent for...... read more
November 28 2016
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