​We caught up with Associate Director and Head of Banking and Financial Services in Mason Alexander, Eoin Connolly, to discuss his background, the Dublin job market and how Brexit has effected it.

Hi Eoin, first off, how did you get into recruitment?

I was interviewing with a recruitment company for a sales role when they suggested joining the team.

What do you do at MA?

I head up the Banking and Financial Services team which consists of Finlay, who takes care of regulatory and compliance roles, Pierina who works on risk roles and Eva, who is our head researcher!

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I worked in data input in a data centre, it was awful!

#10YearChallenge – Where were you 10 years ago?

Dublin, doing my finals in UCD!

Why did you choose to work at MA?

When I started at Mason Alexander, it was only a year old. I could see a lot of opportunity for growth and, thankfully, I was right!

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

Busy! I balance managing recruitment for myself and the team while ensuring we’re on top of our revenue target for the month and quarter.

What’s the best way to start the day?

With a strong coffee!

What is your market like at the moment?

It is busy and extremely competitive! It is a candidate lead market and banks are really upping their game in order to attract and retain key staff. As a result of Brexit, over 100 international firms have set up offices in Dublin, so the pressure is really on for these banks to hire the right people. Barclays and Bank of America Merrill have been the highest profile banks to choose Dublin as their EU hub and between them they have transferred £200 billion in assets from the UK along with around 250 staff.

Do you see any trends in your market?

The banking market is more candidate driven than it has ever been! It is evident that Brexit has affected candidate behaviour as our research shows that the highest inward talent into Dublin has come from London in the last 12 months.

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Favourite thing about working at MA?

The culture and I get to work with some great people. Mason Alexander recently had our best ever quarter to date and that is down to the hardworking people in here and the work hard play hard culture!

Would you recommend MA to friends/colleagues? Why?

Absolutely. The level of service for both our candidates and clients is always at the forefront – we try our very best to guarantee people a great experience.

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

Be proactive – don’t sit waiting for opportunities or people to come to you to make you successful. Create opportunities. And if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Who inspires you?

Entrepreneurial people who, despite failure, become successful. So, from Nelson Mandela to Michael O’Leary!

What is the best advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to your younger self?

Back yourself and be confident, no matter what.

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

Analysing the Euromillions numbers!

Are you a Banking or Financial Services professional looking for your next move? Contact Eoin today!



e.connolly@masonalexander.ie