Happy worker at dream job
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The tips and tricks that will help you land your dream job

20 Jan 2017

This week, we’re all about helping you find your absolute dream job. From LinkedIn tweaks to freelancing advice, we have all the tips to help you in your search.

You’ll see a lot of opinion pieces talking about how millennials (in particular) focus too much on finding that dream job, following their passion or – worse – their bliss. But it’s hard to underestimate the effect on your mental state of being in a job that you genuinely love.

That’s an idea that Stephen Walsh, director of technology consulting at PwC, fully subscribes to. In the midst of describing how he reached this point in his career, Walsh reminded us that our jobs take up a huge amount of our waking lives – why not be able to enjoy them?

If you’re determined to land that dream job, the work may start with LinkedIn. We looked at how you can tweak your profile to really sell yourself, and how you can use the network to further your chances in other ways.

But all of that is moot if you’re looking for work at an inauspicious time. This week, we learned the best – and worst – times to go job hunting.

All good advice to consider before applying for any job, and perhaps advice you could put to the test if you’re interested in working with Fidelity International or InsideSales.

This week, we took a look at what Fidelity International looks for from its employees, and what working at the company is actually like.

We also learned about InsideSales, an artificial intelligence firm that’s just announced plans to open a new Irish office, bringing 120 jobs to the island.

But, if your path is heading in a less traditional direction, there are other development avenues you could pursue. We spoke to Brian Upton, veteran designer of PlayStation title Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture and of the first Rainbow Six game, who offered some advice for making freelance design your dream job.

Finally, we encouraged employers to ask themselves a simple question: ‘Why am I haemorrhaging staff?’. We also reminded them that there are ways to stop the exodus.

As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below. And, to see what else we were talking about this week, check out Careers on Siliconrepublic.com.

1. ‘Your career is time-consuming – make sure you enjoy it’

Do you dream of working in technology consultancy? Do you know how to make that dream a reality? Stephen Walsh, director of technology consulting at PwC, has some pointers.

2. How to use LinkedIn to find your dream job

When you’re looking for your dream job, or even just your next job, LinkedIn can be one of the best tools at your disposal – but only if you know how best to use it.

3. When is the best time to apply for a new job?

Are you planning to look for a new job this year? This guide to the best (and worst) times to apply might make all the difference.

4. Fidelity International seeking passionate and innovative employees

Knowing what an employer wants from candidates can make it easier to determine if you’re interested in a particular job. We talked to Fidelity International to find out what they’re looking for.

5. AI firm InsideSales to open 120-strong Irish office

US artificial intelligence (AI) company InsideSales.com has closed a successful $50m funding round, with immediate plans to open an Irish office and fill up to 120 jobs.

6. Going freelance? Game designer Brian Upton has some advice

A veteran of the video game design industry, Brian Upton decided to go it alone in the risky world of freelance. Now he plans to offer advice to fledgling game developers in Galway on 23 January.

7. Why am I losing my best employees?

Companies that have a high turnover of staff don’t just lose out financially – it also doesn’t paint a good picture of their internal cultures. However, it’s more than just money that forces the best employees to look elsewhere.

Looking for jobs in tech or science? Check out our Employer Profiles for information on companies hiring right now and sign up for our Career Republic e-zine for a weekly digest of sci-tech careers news and advice.

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Kirsty Tobin
By Kirsty Tobin

Kirsty Tobin served as careers editor of Silicon Republic from 2015 up to August 2017. When she was younger, she had a dream where she started and won a fight with a T-Rex, so she’s pretty sure she kicked butt at this, too. Passions include eating all the cake, watching more TV than is healthy and sassy comebacks.

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