Category: News

Clark Recruitment – Our CV, Experience and Track Record

With over 28 years’ experience supporting businesses and careers across Ireland, Clark Recruitment is now proud to be operating from our HQ in Naas, Co. Kildare and our new office in Horgan’s Quay, Cork.

We partner with organisations and work closely with candidates across Leinster, Munster, and beyond—delivering high-quality, relationship-driven recruitment solutions across permanent, temporary, and contract roles.

Our approach combines deep market insight, proven processes, and modern recruitment technology with a personal, transparent service. Whether you are hiring or exploring your next career move, we take the time to understand your goals, culture, and ambitions—ensuring the right fit every time!

Trusted by organisations across Ireland, we focus on delivering the right people efficiently, without compromising on quality.

Take a look at our CV—and see how we can support your hiring or future career journey.

Important Update: Employment Permit Salary Thresholds Increased (Effective 1 March 2026)

Most employers will already be aware, but it’s worth reiterating — salary thresholds for both General Employment Permits (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP) have now increased.

🔍 Key points to note:

All employment permit applications submitted from 1 March 2026 must meet the new salary thresholds.

This also applies to renewals — employers must ensure salaries meet the threshold in place at the time of renewal, not the original application.

Further increases are expected in 2027, so forward planning is essential.

Thresholds are based on a 39-hour working week, meaning employers must ensure compliance with both annual salary and hourly rate requirements.

💼 Updated Salary Thresholds:

General Employment Permit (GEP):

• Increased from €34,000 → €36,605

Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP):

• With relevant degree: €38,000 → €40,904
• Without relevant degree: €64,000 → €68,911

🎓 Graduate Category (Reintroduced):

€34,009 – GEP holders who graduated in the last 12 months from an Irish institution

€36,848 – CSEP holders with a relevant degree linked to a Critical Skills role

This category is a welcome development, particularly for early-career talent. However, employers should carefully assess future affordability, especially at renewal stage where higher thresholds will apply.

⚠️ What this means for employers:

• Review current and upcoming permit applications
• Plan ahead for renewals and 2027 increases
• Ensure both salary and hourly rates are compliant

If you need support navigating these updates or reviewing your workforce planning, feel free to get in touch. Reach out to our Immigration and Work Permit Specialist, Noreen Sweeney in our Naas office on 045 881888 or email noreen@clark.ie

#EmploymentPermits #CriticalSkills #RecruitmentIreland #HRCompliance #WorkPermits #ClarkRecruitment

Clark Recruitment Achieves ISO Certification Once Again

A Message from Our Managing Director, Stephen Farrell O’Callaghan

“Achieving ISO certification once again is something we are incredibly proud of at Clark Recruitment. It reflects not only the strength of our systems, but also the standards we set for ourselves every day as a business.

Quality is not a one-time achievement — it is an ongoing commitment. In a recruitment environment that is constantly evolving, maintaining robust processes, ensuring compliance, and delivering consistency for our clients and candidates is critical.

This certification reinforces our promise to operate with integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every stage of the recruitment journey. It also highlights the dedication of our team, who continuously strive to uphold these standards in everything they do.

At Clark, we believe that high standards drive better outcomes — for our clients, our candidates, and our business as a whole.”

Clark Recruitment Announces Opening of Cork Office at Prestigious Horgan’s Quay

We’re delighted to announce the opening of Clark Recruitment’s new Cork office at the prestigious Horgan’s Quay development in Cork City.

This expansion reflects a considered, long-term growth strategy aligned with the needs of our Cork-based clients and the wider Munster labour market. Cork offers a compelling combination of talent availability, economic momentum, infrastructure, and quality of life—making it an exceptional location for both business growth and talent attraction.

Located in Horgan’s Quay, immediately adjacent to Kent Train Station, our Cork office provides excellent regional and national connectivity. This allows our consultants to engage efficiently with clients and candidates across Cork city, the wider county, and Munster, while also maintaining seamless access to Dublin and other key economic hubs.

For over 25 years, Clark has partnered with organisations to source exceptional talent and deliver practical, commercially focused people solutions. We recruit across Office Support, Accountancy & Finance, Professional Services, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, HR & Operations, and Manufacturing & Engineering, alongside Executive Search, contract and temporary recruitment, workforce planning, and broader people solutions.

Cork’s deep and diverse talent pool aligns strongly with Clark’s multi-disciplinary recruitment offering. With a metropolitan population exceeding 415,000 and more than 40,000 students across its higher-education institutions, the region provides a continuous pipeline of emerging, professional, and specialist talent. This is further strengthened by Cork’s proven track record in attracting and retaining global employers across Pharma, Technology, Engineering, and Professional Services.

The city’s reputation for quality of life—combining a vibrant cultural scene with access to coastal, rural, and urban living—plays a critical role in talent attraction and retention. Significant investment in housing, transport, and regional rail connectivity further broadens the talent catchment, supporting flexible and modern working patterns.

Cork’s recognition as one of Europe’s leading locations for Foreign Direct Investment, alongside its strong research and innovation ecosystem, reinforces its position as a growth-oriented, internationally connected business environment—making it a natural strategic fit for Clark’s continued expansion.

By establishing a presence in Cork, Clark strengthens its ability to:
• Serve existing Cork-based clients with greater proximity and responsiveness
• Partner with new employers across Munster seeking high-quality, relationship-led recruitment support
• Access a broader, highly skilled candidate market
• Align with a region demonstrating sustained economic growth, innovation, and international investment

We’re proud to become part of Cork’s vibrant business community and look forward to supporting organisations across Munster as they continue to build sustainable, high-performing teams.

📍 Horgan’s Quay, Cork

Clark launch Salary Guide for 2026 – Download your copy today!

We’re excited to unveil our Salary Guide 2026, your go-to benchmark for Ireland’s evolving job market — packed with fresh data, market-wide insights and sector-by-sector salary trends.

Whether you’re reviewing pay-structures, preparing hiring budgets, or considering your next career move — this guide is for you.

🌐 Download it now and stay ahead of the curve: Salary Guide 2026

Need tailored insights for your industry or help with hiring strategy? Our team is here to help — just reach out.

#ClarkRecruitment #SalaryGuide2026 #HiringInsights #RecruitmentIreland #JobMarket #EmployerBenchmarking

Why Strong Interviews Start With Curiosity — Not Interrogation

By Stephen Farrell-O’Callaghan & Sarah Mortimer.

In every hiring process, there’s a moment where you get a real glimpse of the person behind the CV. It rarely comes from rapid-fire questions or a rigid script. It comes from curiosity — the kind that creates space for candidates to speak openly, reflect honestly and show you how they truly think.

When we interview at Clark, we begin by inviting candidates to share their genuine story. Not the rehearsed version — the real one. When you listen deeply, certain patterns reveal themselves: how they respond under pressure, how they work with others, how they learn, and how they bounce back. These moments are far more predictive of future performance than any list of achievements.

Below is the streamlined, mindset-first approach we use — one that consistently elevates hiring decisions.

1. Allow Candidates to Reveal Their Natural Defaults

The strongest insights often come from instinctive, unrehearsed responses. We use questions that encourage reflection rather than performance, such as:

• “What recent decision would you approach differently today — and why?”

• “When you feel pressure rising, what’s the first action you tend to take?”

We’re listening for honesty, ownership, and self-awareness — qualities that often separate good candidates from great ones.

2. Explore How They Operate When the Path Isn’t Clear

Mindset becomes visible fastest when structure is missing.

A simple scenario can reveal everything:
“You’ve just joined a project and nothing is documented. What do you do first?”

Their response will show whether they freeze, seek clarity, prioritise effectively, or move proactively toward solutions.

3. Pay Attention to How They Talk About Others

A person’s values surface most clearly when they describe conflict or frustration.

We ask:
“Tell us about a disagreement you handled well — what made it work?”

Strong candidates focus on behaviours and outcomes, not blame or personal criticism. It shows maturity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative mindset.

4. Understand Their Appetite for Learning

A growth mindset is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success.

We often ask:
“What skill are you actively developing right now, and why is it important to you?”

This reveals whether learning is self-driven, meaningful, and connected to their future goals — or simply a box-ticking exercise.

5. Introduce a Moment of Gentle Challenge

One subtle way to observe adaptability is by offering light, real-time feedback.

For example:
“Would you mind taking me through that again with a little more structure?”

Their reaction — not the revised answer — is the real insight. Do they adjust quickly? Become defensive? Freeze? That single moment often tells you more than any prepared example.

A Question Every Organisation Should Consider

If mindset is the strongest predictor of performance, why is the mindset interview so often the last step — or missing entirely?

It’s a gap we see repeatedly — and one that costs organisations the chance to understand how someone will truly show up in the role.

A Final Reminder

At Clark, we support clients by providing independent, objective interview experts who bring structure, neutrality and expertise to your interview process. Sometimes the most valuable perspective is the one from outside your organisation — free from internal bias and assumptions.

A mindset-first approach doesn’t just make interviews better.
It makes hiring decisions smarter.

For more info our our services and offerings call us on 045 881888, email hello@clark.ie or visit www.clark.ie

Jobseekers Toolkit – request your copy now!

Are you ready to elevate your job search?
At Clark, we’re delighted to launch our brand-new Job Seekers Toolkit – a comprehensive guide designed to help you secure new job opportunities and stand out in today’s competitive market.

Inside, you’ll find expert advice and practical resources covering:
✅ How to create a standout CV
✅ Searching and applying for roles effectively
✅ LinkedIn tips to strengthen your professional brand
✅ Interview preparation and success strategies
✅ How to showcase your skills confidently
✅ Guidance on disclosure and reasonable accommodations
✅ Sample CV templates to get you started

Whether you’re starting your career journey, changing direction, or returning to work, this toolkit is packed with insights, tips, and templates to support you every step of the way.

📩 Request your free copy
Email hello@clark.ie to receive your complimentary Job Seekers Toolkit and begin your journey to success today.

Clark Announced as Finalists at the County Kildare Chamber Business Awards 2025!

We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news — Clark Recruitment Ltd has been shortlisted as finalists in not one, but three prestigious award categories at the upcoming County Kildare Chamber Business Awards 2025!

Our nominations include:
🌟 Máire Griffith – Best Networker
🌟 Noreen Sweeney – Best Employee of the Year (kindly sponsored by Executive Solutions)
🌟 Clark Recruitment – Small Business of the Year (kindly sponsored by T&I Fitouts)

This incredible recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our exceptional team. At Clark, we pride ourselves on fostering strong relationships, delivering excellence for our clients and candidates, and contributing positively to our community.

We couldn’t be prouder of Máire and Noreen for their well-deserved individual nominations — both embody the professionalism, warmth, and integrity that define the Clark brand.

As finalists, we look forward to joining fellow businesses and celebrating local excellence at the Awards Night on Friday, 14th November at The Killashee Hotel.

Congratulations to all the nominees — and thank you to the County Kildare Chamber for recognising and supporting outstanding businesses across our region.

Here’s to continued success, growth, and collaboration — and to what promises to be a wonderful evening of celebration!

— Stephen Farrell O’Callaghan
Managing Director, Clark Recruitment Ltd

Survey Findings – Key Insights 2025

Survey Findings – Key Insights 2025

At Clark, we’re committed to keeping close to the market so we can support employers with real-time insights. Our recent Employer Survey gathered feedback from a wide range of industries — including education, not-for-profit, pharma, telecoms, professional services, aviation, manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, construction, healthcare, automotive, IT & cybersecurity, retail, food & beverage, and medical devices.

As we move through 2025 and into the final quarter of the year, companies are seeing the following trends:

• Growth Confidence – Most organisations are more confident or steady in growth compared to last year.

• Workforce Plans – The majority expect to expand or maintain their workforce, focusing on customer-facing and tech roles.

• External Pressures – Economic conditions, technology changes, talent availability, and regulation are the top concerns.

• Talent Challenges – Attracting skilled candidates and retaining staff amid salary pressures and limited progression are key challenges.

• Skills in Demand – Cybersecurity, AI, customer service, trade skills, and interpersonal skills will be critical.

• Addressing Skills Gaps – Firms plan to upskill staff, hire from other industries, and recruit internationally.

• AI Impact – Seen as a productivity benefit, impacting customer-facing, production, and e-commerce roles.

• Culture & Morale – Leadership development, engagement, and innovation are top 2025 and early 2026 priorities; morale is moderate–high.

• Employment Market – Employers want changes in visa rules, wage expectations, and resilience against offshoring.

At Clark, we’re here to partner with businesses to navigate these challenges — from attracting and retaining top talent to creating workforce strategies that enable long-term growth.

If you’d like to discuss these findings and what they could mean for your business, get in touch with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions – Employers!

At Clark, we partner with organisations of every size to provide tailored recruitment solutions. Whether you need one specialist hire or a full-scale recruitment project, our team combines market expertise, advanced technology, and a people-first approach to deliver results. Below are some of the most common questions we receive from employers.

Recruitment Services

What types of roles does Clark recruit for?
We recruit across a wide range of functions including Office Support, Accountancy & Finance, Professional Services, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, HR & Operations, Manufacturing & Engineering, Technology, and Construction.

What if I have a high-volume recruitment project?
We can scale our services to meet demand, including contact centre staffing, project-based recruitment, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).

How quickly can Clark provide temporary staff?
We can provide vetted and compliant temporary staff within 24 hours, ensuring business continuity for your organisation.

Candidate Experience

How does Clark ensure a positive candidate experience?
We use automated scheduling, reminders, personalised updates, and feedback mechanisms to ensure candidates are engaged, informed, and supported throughout the process.

How does Clark reduce interview no-shows?
Our automated reminders, flexible scheduling system, and personal phone contact make it easy for candidates to manage their interviews, significantly reducing no-shows.

Will candidates receive feedback after interviews?
Yes. We provide candidates with constructive feedback to enhance their experience and maintain your employer brand. We ask for descriptive feedback where possible.

How does Clark gather feedback on the recruitment process?
We ask candidates to review their journey with us, which helps us continually improve and ensure your organisation is represented in the best way possible.

Compliance & Process

What’s included in your recruitment fee?
Our service includes advertising, CV screening, competency-based interviews, compliance checks, and tailored shortlists. We can also provide psychometric profiling where required.

Do you offer replacement guarantees if a hire doesn’t work out?
Yes. For permanent placements, we provide replacement coverage, offering peace of mind on your investment.

How do you ensure compliance with employment law?
We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited and follow robust policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with Irish employment legislation and best practice.

Do you manage payroll for temporary staff?
Yes. We provide a secure online timesheet portal with a dedicated payroll contact to ensure staff are paid accurately and on time.

Technology & Support

What recruitment technology do you use?
We use Bullhorn ATS, automated scheduling tools, and communication systems to deliver a seamless, efficient process.

Can Clark help with international candidates and work permits?
Yes. Our immigration and work permit specialists can advise and manage work permit solutions where required.

What makes Clark different from other recruitment agencies?
We combine local expertise with national reach, supported by innovative recruitment technology. Our unique services include Recruitment Audits and the IMX Organisational Health Check, ensuring we deliver not just hires, but long-term value to your business.

How do I start working with Clark?
Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a consultation to discuss your requirements and design a tailored recruitment solution.