​As the tech team grows to 7 people, we caught up with Senior Principal Consultant Brendan to talk tech, ten year challenges and trends in the market.

How did you get into recruitment?

Through a friend who recommended it when I returned from travelling.

What do you do at MA?

My responsibility is to build out our Software Engineer Practice here where we work as a strategic partner with a number of clients to help them engage and obtain some of the best permanent and contract engineers here in the local market. The team is growing and we are looking to add senior recruiters who are looking to join a very high performing environment.

What did you want to do as a kid growing up?

Be a professional athlete.

#10YearChallenge – Where were you 10 years ago?

A young 20 year old who was coming to terms with having to build a career that didn’t involve being a sports star!

Why did you choose to work at MA?

The ambition that the board has is something that I found matches up to my own.

What does a typical day at work / or work week look like for you?

In the office, planning out with my team what the key objectives and deliverables are for the week. Once this has been agreed upon it’s time to go out and meet clients who we are working closely with and also a number of engineers who we have close relationships with in the local market.

What’s the best way to start the day?

After an early gym session I tend to come in early and get ahead of my tasks that I have set up for the day. By 11am I feel like I’m ahead of the day and from there I can push onto the things that I have been putting on the long finger!

Any tips for people looking for a new job?

Yes, strategically partnering with an experienced recruiter who listens to your needs and wants and who doesn’t just call you when they have a requirement for a client is one of the best things you can do in my opinion. That way when that recruiter is going out and engaging with hiring managers they can proactively speak about your profile and do all the “heavy lifting” for you. This makes the market come to you rather than you come to the market. There are some excellent recruiters in the Irish market who have great market insights that can get you ahead of the rest and the best thing about it is the resource is completely free.

What is your market like at the moment?

Like most industries at present when the country is near full employment, it’s very competitive.

Do you see any trends in your market?

We are seeing a big shift over the past 2 years in people looking to more flexible working arrangements and the gig economy is something that continues to grow year on year. Also being more tax efficient is something people are more clued into and this leads to people looking to day rate contract more.

Favourite thing about working at MA?

I work alongside subject matter experts in their respective industries who really go above and beyond to give the best service they possible can, along with the fact that we are a company that looks to differentiate ourselves and aren’t scared to push the boundaries in search of delivering for the people we work with and on behalf of.

Would you recommend MA to friends?

Yes I would if you want to work with people who want to improve a little bit more everyday along with having great fun and not taking yourself too seriously.

Can you recommend any habits that have helped your professional life?

Whatever in life you do have discipline and you will succeed.

What fad do you wish would come back?

Arsenal winning the PL!!!!

Favourite book to read?

I could name a number but a book that had a big influence on my life is one called “The compound effect” by Darren Hardy.

What’s one thing that’s coming up in 2019 that you’re excited about?

MA Technology growing it’s team and also the Rugby World Cup!

Who inspires you?

David Goggins

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Read

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Put away 10% of what you earn!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The harder you push and work at something the luckier you seem to get!

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with no preparation?

How reading beats being on your phone. All day every day.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

Motivating the unmotivated.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Travel for a sustained period of time alone.

Do you have a favourite failure, that set you up for later success?

Thinking your good at something to quickly realise there is always someone better and working twice as hard.

Are you interested in talking more tech with Brendan?

Get in touch today!

b.hennessy@masonalexander.ie