Q&A with Software Engineering Consultant Elaine Owens
Software Engineering Consultant Elaine Owens fills us in on the contract market in Dublin, how traditional recruitment has taken a backseat and what it’s really like to work in tech recruitment.
I had heard a lot about recruitment and what it entailed. My cousin worked in recruitment and he let me know exactly what it was like. I really liked how people-orientated it was and knew I had to pursue it!
The worst job I ever had was working in the deli throughout college. I had to pour chicken fat down sinks and it would spit back up on me! I also had to deep clean the machines, floor and ceiling. It was very labour-intensive, I quickly realised it was not for me!!
I am part of the Software Engineering Practice here in MA Tech where I focus on the Software Engineering contract market in particular. I work with a portfolio of clients ranging from large scale technology companies to small scale start-ups. The nature of contract roles vary from shorter to longer-term placements, so you never know what a day will bring!
My day consists of a mix of sourcing for candidates, candidate and client meetings, phone screens and managing job offers. Every day is different which makes the job exciting!
The best way to start the day is with a cup of coffee and a plan for your day so you can keep track and ensure everything gets done! I always have multiple processes on the go so I need to make sure that I’m clear on what I need to do and when I need to do it!
Update your LinkedIn profile and set your profile to open to opportunities, you never know what could come your way. I would also recommend that people be particular about what jobs they apply for, you don’t want to find yourself in a process that you’re not 100% engaged with.
As we are coming to the end of the year, a lot of areas are winding down. Although there are organisations that are continuing with their hiring goals, some are holding off until 2020. 2019 has been really busy for Software Engineering, especially on the contract side. A lot of companies are leaning away from the traditional permanent hiring and moving more towards project-based contract placements.
Yes, I have noticed a trend with particular companies hiring in certain months of the year due to budgets etc. I have also noticed an increase in demand for certain skill sets like Java and AWS.
I love the work culture, the people and especially the flexible working arrangements! I am able to choose what hours I work from and to, so I can plan my days around what suits me. We also have work from home which is great when you’ve got a project to get through.
Getting a good night’s sleep and having a good breakfast is key! Spending time getting to know your teammates and bonding creates a great company culture which makes coming to work so easy!
If you are a Software Engineering professional looking for your next move, contact Elaine today!
e.owens@masonalexander.ie
Mason Alexander is a recruitment company with one clear mission: a relentless focus to deliver optimal outcomes for clients and candidates.
Ireland:
US:
hello@masonalexanderus.com
+1 917-280-5614
Dublin
Smyth House,
6-7 St. Stephens Green, Dublin,
D02 X827
Cork
12 S Mall Street, Cork, T12 RD43
Portugal
50 R. Alexandre Herculano Lisbon,
Lisbon 1250-048
New York City
140 E 44th St
New York, NY 10017, USA
San Francisco
44 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA, 94104
New Paragraph
©2025 Mason Alexander. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Powered with 💜 by Shazamme