Free business event for employers in the North East - Taking care of business

After previous successful events, Revenue is participating in another free one-stop-shop event for SMEs, “Taking Care of Business”. If you own or manage a small business, or are thinking of starting your own business, you should visit www.takingcareofbusiness.ie to register as places are limited.

This is an initiative organized by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.

The events have been designed to help small and start-up businesses understand and benefit from the services provided by a range of State Bodies.

Attendees will:

• Meet with representatives from a number of State Offices & Agencies
• Get information & advice on running your business
• Find out ways to save your business money
• Receive support to help you in your business

This half-day event will take place on Thursday, 8th October in the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

To find out more and to register, please visit www.takingcareofbusiness.ie

Posted byAudrey MooneyinEvents

New Fathers to receive Paternity Benefit

It has been revealed today that the State will commence paying out two weeks’ worth of paternity benefit from June next year. The measure is a central plank of the Coalition's childcare strategy due to be announced as part of next month's Budget.

There will also be a special focus on reducing the cost of pre-school and after-school care services, especially for families who have children with special needs. The childcare package will be treated in a similar fashion in the Budget to the reform of the Universal Social Charge (USC).

Meanwhile, Children's Minister James Reilly said reducing the cost of pre-school and crèche facilities for families, especially those with children with special needs, will also be kicked started in 2016. However, he did not specify the form in which benefits will be paid to families.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Dr Reilly said the package would aim to end "poor quality childcare" that can have a "detrimental effect on children".

Specific measures aimed at reducing the burden on parents will be brought in incrementally over the life-span of the next Government. But sources say there are considerable negotiations still required before an overall package is agreed. However, agreement has been reached on the issue of paternity benefit.

Posted byJennie HusseyinParental Leave

5 ways to avoid a bad hire

1. Know exactly what you are looking for in a candidate

Before making a hire, you should have a clear idea of what you want from your new employee. Profile to make sure that you get a true reflection of the interviewee, they should be well prepared and confident. If they are nervous you may not see what they can bring to your organisation. Therefore, make sure that all applicants know what to expect. Will there be 1 interview or 2? Will there be an assessment or a presentation? If the applicants are prepared they will feel more relaxed and at ease. Profile your ideal candidate so you can then target your search more effectively. This can be done by looking at your best employees and what makes them successful. When it comes to interviewing candidates have specific questions prepared that prove they are the correct person for the job.

2. Don’t rush the hiring process

Don't rush the process. Take the time to find a candidate with the right skill set and experience level. If you are eager to fill a vacancy, it’s easy to rush the hiring process. However quick fixes rarely work out and it you are in any way doubtful of a candidate trust your gut and do not hire them. Recruitment must be focused on the long-term benefits for your company. A bad hiring decision means you are likely to fill a position twice before finding the correct person.

3. Widen your search criteria

Think outside the box when seeking job applicants. Don’t just rely on job boards. While they have their value, it’s worth extending your search beyond these. Social media gives companies a low-cost way to publicize jobs to thousands or millions of people. Instead of blasting out job ads on your company’s main Twitter feed, Facebook page or LinkedIn profile, set up a separate page that is dedicated to career seekers. You’ll get better returns, and avoid spamming your followers with irrelevant information.
On Facebook, for example, companies can create a separate “jobs” tab on the main company page. This strategy allows you to target open positions only at candidates who are actively looking for a new job. LinkedIn, on the other hand, can help you generate targeted leads by utilizing current employees as brand ambassadors. Ask employees to promote job positions on their own pages to extend your reach to candidates in the same industry or with the same skill set.

4. Give a comprehensive job description and company profile

A clear and comprehensive job description is key to attracting candidates who fit well with the role you’re working to fill. Before embarking on this process, you will need to have developed a clear sense of the role, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position you wish to fill. Once your team has clarified these dimensions, you can begin to craft the job description.

5. The most experienced may not be the best fit for your company

While you want to employ someone who can hit the ground running, the candidate with the most experience isn’t automatically a better hire than someone more junior. Those falling short on experience are often seeking a new challenge and are enthusiastic to prove themselves. Bear this in mind and that it may be worth your while to hire on potential rather than experience.

Posted byCaoimhe ByrneinPayrollSocial Media