CV writing tips

Given the current economic climate it is securing a job is hard then ever before so it is important to make sure you put your best foot forward when applying for a new position. Below are some tips from the vantage recruiters on how to put that job winning cv together:


1.Cover Letter
Always include a cover letter with your cv. Your cover letter should cover 4 points Where you saw the advertisement, why you are interested in the job and particular company, why the company should consider you for the job, and which the parts of your CV demonstrate your suitability for the job.

2.Content
Content is without doubt he most critical aspect of CV writing. Make sure that when you are composing your CV you consider the employer who is reading it. Talk about your success and achievements on projects, duties and responsibilities in your in current/past role. Give examples where possible

3.Positioning of Content
As with most publications important/relevant information always makes front page. Most employers will probably have made a decision on whether to call for interview by the end of the first page.

4.3C’SClear, Clean and Concise
Your CV maybe one of many that the employer has to sieve through so remember to keep yours easy on the reader’s eye. Visual appearance is not your number 1 importance but remember to keep it “Clean, clear and concise” It is important to remember you have approximately 30 seconds to make an impression so make it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for. Use clear headings, bullet points, uniformity of font type and size effectively.

5.Consistency
You need to choose consistency over creativity when writing your CV. This will show the reader you are an organised logic person and have followed a distinct thought process which will leave a positive impression with the reader. Remember all sections should resemble each other in terms of formatting, to ensure that information can be located easily.

6.Keep Information Relevant
Keep the length and Tip 1 in mind when composing your CV. Remember the employer or reader. Try and avoid repeating information. Be careful not to use jargon and avoid slang.

7.Sentences Short
CV’s must contain short statements. You don’t have to use complete sentences or paragraphs.

8.Bullet Points
Incorporate bullet points into your formatting, bullet points make it easy for the reader to find information.

9.Use Plain English
Keep your language simple and try to use plain English.

10.Use of Action Verbs
Include action verbs when describing your duties/responsibilities as they convey activity. Action verbs normally end in “ed” for example – Created, Managed, Delivered, Coordinated, Sourced, Distributed, Designed, Supervised and Generated.

For further information log onto our website www.vantage.ie or email me aileen.cummins@vantage.ie

Top Ten Jobs for March 2010

Top Ten Jobs for March 2010

Contract Positions

Java/J2EE Developer, 3 Months+, Dublin South
We URGENTLY require experienced Java/J2EE Developer for a contract role based in Dublin South. Ideally you will have: Previous experience in Java/J2EE Development Framework, Experience ideally on large enterprise systems development across the project 'Life Cycle', Financial Services experience while not essential would be a plus, Ajax, Struts, JSP, Industry strength RDB - (Oracle preferred but SQL*Server or DB2/2 is fine), In addition exposure to Web Services primarily Websphere is highly desirable.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Oracle eBusiness Apps Developer, 6 Months, Dublin
We require an Oracle Applications Developer to provide development, support and maintenance for new and existing applications and systems specifically those based on Oracle eBusiness Architecture, for their large global multinational client based in Dublin. Ideally you will have: A strong technical knowledge of Oracle eBusiness applications/technology and must be able to work independently, Strong proven Oracle PL/SQL experience, Oracle Forms with Oracle Applications, Discoverer 10g with Oracle Applications, Oracle Reports. A highly competitive package accompanies this role and is an excellent opportunity to work in a "cutting-edge" technology sector.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Java Technical Lead, 3 Months, Dublin
We are currently looking for an experienced senior Java Developer for 3month contract based on our client site in Dublin. The role: Responsible for technical governance of software deliveries from the development teams, Hands-on resolution of technical issues is part of this job and so strong problem solving skills are required, Experience of supporting large production systems would be highly regarded.
For more information on this Java Technical Lead role, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Project Manager Credit Card, Dublin City Centre
We are looking for a Project Manager, who comes from a credit card background or who has ran projects in a cards environment, for our Financial services client. You will need to be well versed in the payment systems industry. Successful candidates should have strong management, leadership, organizational and communication skills as you will have sole responsibility for driving the project and liaising with third party vendors. The role will involve directing and monitoring project activity within a given functional area; the identification, organisation and execution of project goals, schedule, budget etc; the identification and analysis of customer needs and the realisation of their specifications.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Embedded C/C++ Developer Linux, 6 Months, Dublin
We are looking for an embedded C/C++ developer with strong Linux to work on one of our client sites in Dublin. Your experience will include: Strong C/C++ development experience in a Linux environment, A good understanding of Linux kernel internals, Experience in network programming, Experience in multithreaded and asynchronous programming, Good team player. In return you will be offered the chance to work with sophisticated and leading technology on embedded platforms as well as receive competitive daily rates.
For more information on this Embedded C/C++ role, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Linux Software Engineer, 6 Months, South Dublin
We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Linux Software Engineer for our client based in South Dublin. As an ideal candidate you will have: Proven development experience with Embedded Linux Kernel and Device Drivers, Development experience with Asterisk/open WRT, Experience of working in an embedded software development environment, Proven ability to quickly diagnose and resolve networking problems, Proven telecoms protocols knowledge and expertise, Proven strong C programming skills and a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, Proven Linux/UNIX development skills (ideally in an embedded environment) including networking, scripting and socket programming, etc. This is a 6-month contract position with an immediate start and an excellent salary.
For more information on this Linux Software Engineer contract, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Permanent Positions

IT Manager SAP, Dublin North
We have been asked by the client to appoint an IT Manager to manage the organizations IT Support and Development teams. For this role it is essential that you come with experience of SAP R/3 as you will be managing a number of IT staff who are responsible for SAP projects. Ideally you will have: Relevant experience in SAP R/S, Relevant experience in IT infrastructure, Relevant experience in Database and Web development. You will be a motivated team player with strong communication skills. A strong understanding of database development and administration experience will be highly regarded.
For more information on this job please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

PERL Developer/Systems Administrator, Dublin South
Our Client who is an Online Gaming industry leader, requires a PERL Developer with strong systems administration background to join to their internal team. Ideally you will have: Strong experience as a PERL developer, Previous experience with UNIX, Extensive e-mail platform - mail delivery system experience, Good ETL tools experience, Any experience with Large E-commerce Systems or online gaming is advantageous, Good Networking skills like, Cisco IOS, Checkpoint Firewall would be a bonus.
For more information on this PERL Developer/Systems Administrator role please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Senior Applications Consultant, Dublin
We are currently looking for a Senior Applications Consultant. This is a permanent position within a market leading company based in Dublin City Centre. You will have the following experience: Knowledge of programming languages, several business applications, advanced technology, and current trends in the computer industry, Bachelors Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Business or Engineering), Strong experience in application designs and programming techniques, Excellent experience with project feasibility and project leadership, Experience with technical programming languages, Experience working with Oracle, .Net, PL/SQL and data warehousing. This is a permanent position with an immediate start and an excellent salary.
For more information on this job please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Business Intelligence Consultant (OBIEE), South Dublin
We require an experienced Business Intelligence consultant for a permanent role with a large multinational based in Dublin South. As an ideal candidate you will have: Excellent Business Objects development experience, The ability to identify and analyse complex problems, and produce robust models, The ability to broker the development of appropriate solutions through translation of business requirements, Ability to work as part of a team including Business Users and other Technical personnel, Designing and developing reporting/BI solutions to meet business needs using OBIEE, Mentoring junior team members with a view to transitioning responsibility, etc. There is a generous salary package to accompany this role and excellent experience to be gained in working for this Leading-Edge-Technology Industry Leader.
For more information on this Business Intelligence role please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Top Ten IT Positions for February 2010

Contract Positions

Java/J2EE Developer, 3 Months+, Dublin South
We URGENTLY require experienced Java/J2EE Developer for a contract role based in Dublin South. Ideally you will have: Previous experience in Java/J2EE Development Framework, Experience ideally on large enterprise systems development across the project 'Life Cycle', Financial Services experience while not essential would be a plus, Ajax, Struts, JSP, Industry strength RDB - (Oracle preferred but SQL*Server or DB2/2 is fine), In addition exposure to Web Services primarily Websphere is highly desirable.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Project Coordinator, 6 Months, Dublin
We are urgently seeking an experienced project coordinator with knowledge of the lending processes within a banking or legal environment to work on site at our financial services client in Dublin city centre. Your role will involve: Document preparation and management, Process validation, Issue Management, 3rd party liaison, Project reporting. Ideally you will have previous experience as a junior business analyst/project coordinator within the financial services or legal sector. Your strong knowledge of the loan administration process will be highly regarded.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

QA Manager - Financials, 9 Months, Dublin City Centre
We are looking for a QA Manager to work onsite with our multinational client in Dublin City Centre. You will be managing and coordinating testing of software and system related changes to our clients mission critical applications. You will have: A strong track record as a QA Manager, Experience in a Mutual Funds environment would be ideal but Financials experience will be needed, A Solid understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle, Analytical abilities and experience, Team Player. This role will be open to candidates seeking a daily rate or a fixed term salary.
For more information on this QA Manager role, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Asterisk Developer, 6 Months, South Dublin
Our market-leading client is currently seeking an Asterisk Developer. As the ideal candidate you will have: Strong Asterisk feature development expertise (Asterisk Dialplan & Applications), Strong Asterisk channel driver expertise, Experience of embedded Linux, debugging embedded systems, openWRT, Databases, Asterisk AMI. The initial contract will be for a 6-month period. Salary will be commensurate with proven experience.
For a full list of requirements please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Software Tester, 12 Months, Portlaoise
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Software Tester to work on their high profile client site in Portlaoise. Your role will involve working as part of a team that are developing online and batch applications. Your role will involve creating test plans, scheduling tests, production of test scripts and technical testing of web services and batch files. Ideally you will have the following skills: Previous experience in the development of test methodologies and infrastructure in a J2EE environment, Previous experience testing web services, creating and updating XML files, Batch file testing, SQL databases. Your strong leadership skills and clear understanding of the software development lifecycle will be highly regarded.
For more information on this Software Tester role, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Linux Software Engineer, 6 Months, South Dublin
We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Linux Software Engineer for our client based in South Dublin. As an ideal candidate you will have: Proven development experience with Embedded Linux Kernel and Device Drivers, Development experience with Asterisk/open WRT, Experience of working in an embedded software development environment, Proven ability to quickly diagnose and resolve networking problems, Proven telecoms protocols knowledge and expertise, Proven strong C programming skills and a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, Proven Linux/UNIX development skills (ideally in an embedded environment) including networking, scripting and socket programming, etc. This is a 6-month contract position with an immediate start and an excellent salary.
For more information on this Linux Software Engineer contract, please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Permanent Positions

Business Intelligence Analyst - Online, Dublin City Centre
We are looking for an experienced BI Analyst to work on one of our client sites in Dublin City. You will be joining a small team of accomplished analysts where you will have a chance to work on exciting projects in the online space. This role will be more Business than Technical. You will ideally be a solid BI Analyst with strong business skills in the online web space. Interviews are currently happening so get in touch ASAP.
For more information on this job please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

VB.Net Software Developer, Dublin South
We are seeking an experienced, creative and motivated Developer to join a talented team in a successful and expanding company. The role of the Analyst Programmer will work with development team to develop new functionality in software products. As an ideal candidate you will have: VB.Net mandatory, Visual Basic 6.0, ASP, ASP.Net, SQL Server and Oracle Experience, Good problem solving skills, Must be willing to travel abroad if and when required, Good client facing & customer service skills. This is a full time permanent position with an immediate start and an excellent salary package on offer for the ideal candidate.
For more information on this job please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

JavaScript Web Developer, Clare
We are currently looking for an experienced and innovative developer for our established client in Co. Clare. As the ideal candidate you will have: Strong Web Application Development experience using PHP, Advanced JavaScript, JQuery, Html & CSS, Strong PHP, MySql, ATAX and Linux, Experience in the following: C# .NET, Apache, Windows Mobile (.NET) a plus, Design experience a plus. This is a perm position with an immediate start and a salary of 35 - 40K.
For more information on this job please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

Senior QA Engineer, Galway, Financials
We are currently recruiting for a Senior QA Engineer on a permanent basis with our high profile client based in Galway. Your role will involve working onsite at this very dynamic organization. Ideally you will have the following skills: In depth performance testing and automation experience, Java and web services application testing experience, Experience with testing tools - ideally, HP/Mercury's QTP and SOAP tools, Experience working on Agile projects.
For more information on this QA Engineer role please click here (new window will open). Or APPLY NOW to cvcentral@vantage.ie.

IT Recruitment looking up in 2010

New Year, New Start, New Contract

2009 was a tough year for the I.T. Industry! Many companies have let go I.T. staff, both contract and permanent, and severely restricted all recruitment. Opportunities have been very limited for even the best and most highly motivated people.

However, it looks as if 2010 will see an upsurge, to judge by the large number of recruitment requests we are getting at Vantage.

We have a number of recruitment campaigns in hand, with immediate opportunities in areas listed below:

.Net and VB Developers

Java Developers

Testers and QA engineers

Business analysts/Consultants

If you are interested, please
* call 01-2952850 or
* check our web site www.vantage.ie or
* e-mail your CV to donal.odanachair@vantage.ie

National Recruitment Federation Awards 2009 - WINNER

On the 2nd of October the National Recruitment Federation held their annual National Recruitment Federation Awards in the Four Seasons, Ballsbridge, Dublin. It is with delight that we announce Vantage Resources Ltd as the recipient of the BEST IN PRACTICE IT AWARD 2009.

Recruitment Consultants (IT) x 2 - Dublin

If you are working in IT recruitment you know of Vantage Resources. Vantage is the leading supplier of IT contract staff in Ireland. That's the only market we operate in - Information Technology - so our market share is growing and growing. Despite the current economic doom and gloom we are currently experiencing a huge upsurge in demand from our customers. We are on 11 Government I.T frameworks more than any other supplier in the country, we have most of the top 50 Irish companies on our customer list. This all adds up to one large opportunity for recruiters to work with a first class team and benefit from our ongoing business drive upwards.

If you are a tenacious, driven Recruitment Consultant with specialist knowledge of the IT sector in Ireland then we would like to talk to you about how you can benefit from your skills and experience by working with us! We have consultants at all levels from people with a desk running 15 contractors to top "super billers" running 50 contractors.

The Company

• Based in South Dublin and established in 1995, Vantage are specialists in supplying contracting staff to a large number of market sectors including Financial Services, Public Sector, Pharmaceutical, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Retail. As part of ongoing expansion, an opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, driven and creative individual to join the team specialising in recruitment for the IT sector.

The Role

• Your responsibilities will include working with the existing team to generate fees and leads to maximise the profitability of your desk. Utilising your sales skills to develop strong relationships with our established client base, your role will be varied and will include:
• Pro-actively developing relationships with your clients through regular contact, face to face meetings and providing a high quality recruitment service
• Identifying and developing new clients
• Direct marketing of candidates
• Providing recruitment solutions to your clients requirements

Ideally you will have

• A proven successful track record in recruitment within the IT sector
• Strong negotiating skills
• Proven background in Business development and Sales
• Third Level Qualification
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work on own initiative.

Benefits of working for Vantage include a competitive base salary; uncapped commission paid monthly; VHI days annual leave and free parking.

Interested candidates should forward their CV to Vantage Resources to naomi.martin@vantage.ie

For IT Recruitment and contract solutions in Ireland -Vantage Resources

For IT Recruitment and contract solutions in Ireland -Vantage Resources: "

Source: O'Toole & Co
Business Advisors & Accountants
Contractors, Consultants & Small Business Specialists.
Phone 01 8013116


Guide to Contracting


Contracting is now common in nearly all business sectors and provides many benefits to the parties involved. The contracting Company gets access to specialist skills on an as needed basis while the Contractor generally gets greater financial reward and independence than the traditional employee structure.

There are three main ways of operating as a contractor namely Fixed Term Contract with an Agency, Umbrella Company & Own Limited Company. Its worth noting that there has been a lot of developments in this area in the UK with the implementation of IR 35 & MSC legislation. We would therefore recommend that you seek professional advice before deciding your preferred structure.


Fixed Term Workers
A fixed term employee is someone who is employed under a contract which contains a specific start and end date or who is employed to carry out a specific task or project or the continuity of whose contract is contingent on a particular event such as the availability of continued funding from an external source.
Under this scenario the individual concerned normally has a Fixed Term Contract with the agency who in turn has a contract with the client.

This type of employee will generally be taxed through the PAYE system with the related administration carried out by the contracting company. Both Employee & Employer PRSI will be paid as per fulltime employee although in general there are not the same fringe benefits as an individual in a permanent role.
For this reason fixed term contracts normally pay a higher rate than permanent roles.

Umbrella Company
This is where you ' the contractor' essentially becomes an employee of the umbrella company run by a third party. You submit time-sheets to the umbrella who will in turn, invoice the end client (or agency) for the work done by you. You will then be paid as a PAYE employee less the umbrella fee.

The full article and further details can be viewed at:
http://www.vantage.ie/candidates/14/guide_to_contracting_.html "