Hands up if you’d appreciate a salary increase right now. It’d be a help, right? 

Amid the ongoing energy and cost of living crisis, almost everyone is feeling the pinch of household inflation. Despite this, 83 per cent of knowledge workers recently surveyed say they are willing to earn less, if it means enjoying work more.

Alongside a continuously improving awareness and consideration of mental health and wellbeing, for the vast majority, personal satisfaction that comes from a healthy relationship with work trumps better compensation. 

Changing expectations

The survey included over 15,000 workers across Europe, specifically the UK, France, Germany and Spain, and also the US, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, India and Indonesia. 

The pandemic, when traditional working models were upended, had the biggest effect on our relationships with work, with 57 per cent of knowledge workers saying that post-pandemic has been a pivotal time in redefining their relationship with work. 

In Germany, just 41 per cent of respondents agreed with this statement, while in emerging markets there was greater agreement with the sentiment, including a high of 73 per cent in Indonesia. 

On a global level, 58 per cent of knowledge workers say their expectation of the quality of their relationship with work has increased in recent years. This falls to 53 per cent for the European participants surveyed.

Expectations of how workers are treated by their workplace have also increased in the past two to three years. For Europeans, 51 per cent agreed expectations were higher, compared to the global average of 57 per cent. 

Younger workers want more 

Gen Z and Millennials are demanding more of their workplaces. As trends such as quiet quitting and lazy girl jobs continue to emerge, it’s perhaps unsurprising that 65 per cent of Gen Z and 65 per cent of Millennial workers say their expectations of their own relationship with work has increased since the pandemic, compared to just 51 per cent of Gen X and 43 per cent of Boomers. 

These figures are very similar when looking at the percentage of knowledge workers who say their expectation of how they’re treated by work and their workplace has also increased: 65 per cent of Gen Z, 63 per cent of Millennials, 52 per cent of Gen X and 44 per cent of Boomers.

Salary sacrifices 

How much salary workers are willing to trade in for better working terms is significant. 

Of those surveyed, workers would give 13per cent of their salary to work where they want, 13 per cent to work when they want, and 11 per cent for above-average employee engagement. Again, percentages were higher in Gen Z and Millennials than Gen X and Boomers.

Looking for a role in an organisaton with flexibility and strong employee engagement? Check out the Silicon Canals Job Board, which features thousands of job openings across Europe, including these three below. 

Front-end UI/UX Engineer, Western Union, Madrid

American multinational Western Union is hiring a Front-end UI/UX Engineer for its Madrid office. In this role, you’ll be developing innovative and efficient technology driving front-end channels, including the digital bank mobile app and digital wallet, and collaborating with Product, Design, Business and Marketing teams to ensure products are delivered successfully, on time and under budget.

A strong emphasis on customer journey, product quality, performance tuning and troubleshooting is required, as the organisation integrates new technologies into its digital ecosystem continuously. A minimum of three years experience is ideal, as is a degree in computer science or related fields. Apply for this job here.

Requirements Engineer (all genders), PŸUR, Berlin

PŸUR is a high-speed internet provider that’s part of Tele Columbus AG, one of the leading fibre optic network operators in Germany, serving more than three million households. The entire Tele Columbus Group is fully powered by renewable energy, and is currently seeking a Requirements Engineer for their Berlin base.

The role involves QA and working to modernise the IT landscape, as well validation of technical requirements for various teams in the business. The organisation offers career support, daycare allowance, company pension, travel allowance, flexitime, home office options, mobile work models, and even a company bike or e-bike. See more about this role here. 

QA Engineer, Jobbio, Dublin 

As Jobbio rapidly scales its publishing network, it is hiring an experienced QA Engineer and Build Test Engineer with at least three years commercial experience in technical test roles in modern web applications, frameworks and APIs.

The successful candidate will build and run automated test scripts, raise issues in tracking tools, devise schedules, create deployment scripts in AWS, and sign off software with the engineering team, collaborate with the product team on product requirements and verify server deployments and environments.

The job description highlights how Jobbio fosters an environment where employees are recognised for their contributions, appreciated and challenged. Check out this exciting role here.

Find your next role today on the Silicon Canals Job Board

In the halcyon days, Big Tech companies were viewed as a safe bet thanks to the above-average remuneration and bountiful benefits packages they offered, not to mention the unlimited snacks, on-site massages––and in Meta’s case, free dry cleaning.

But with mass layoffs sweeping through the industry in 2023, lavish perks drying up and experts frequently warning that AI could replace human workers, tech employees across the globe have been forced to face up to the stark reality that a career in Big Tech isn’t as stable, or as lucrative, as it once was. 

The paradoxical silver lining is that tech workers needn’t worry about future job prospects as the tech industry needs more and not less skilled workers; a study by the Korn Ferry Institute found that if the talent deficit of 14.3 million workers isn’t addressed by 2030, Europe will have lost out on a potential €1.323 trillion in unrealised annual revenue.

The other encouraging aspect to note is that these opportunities aren’t within traditional tech companies either. 

At a recent roundtable event held at Indeed’s London headquarters, a spokesperson from Glassdoor highlighted that tech candidates should look to non-tech companies recruiting for tech roles, as salaries are often more competitive to entice the best talent. 

And although a job with a supermarket chain might not sound as glamorous on paper as a position with one of the Big Tech behemoths, the numbers stack up.

Additional data estimates that 2023 has seen a 35% increase in tech recruitment in non-tech industries and salaries in these roles have seen a 15% increase compared to comparative salaries in tech companies.

So whether you opt to focus your search within financial institutions adopting the latest advances in fintech, or want to apply your skills and expertise in a traditional retail business that needs specialised software for stocktaking purposes, opportunities abound.

Below we’re detailing just three examples of tech roles in non-tech companies but you can find many more on the Silicon Canals Job Board. 

Software Architect (f/m/d) Java, Bechtle GmbH & Co.KG Bonn/Cologne, Cologne

As a Software Architect at Bechtle, you will design and develop software and provide technical project management as well as the architecture for medium and large projects. In this role you will also analyse problems and create technical solutions while also supporting the acquisition and preparation of offers. Candidates should have professional experience in the implementation of modern web architectures with Java/JavaScript (e.g. Angular, Spring, JEE, Hibernate/JPA) and an understanding of the current concepts of software development such as Scrum, Docker and CI/CD. See more information here. 

QA Engineer, Jobbio, Dublin

Jobbio is seeking an experienced QA and Build Test Engineer who has at least three years’ of commercial experience in technical test roles in modern web applications, frameworks and APIs to join its team. In this role you will work on different layers of infrastructure, build and run automated test scripts, raise issues and reports in tracking tools and work with the engineering team to plan test schedules, review test results and sign off software releases. Check out the full job description here. 

Java / Full Stack Developer (part-time possible, all genders), Accenture, Bern

As a Java / Full Stack Developer at Accenture, you will engineer modern high-quality applications in fields such as banking, insurance, pharma, railway, retail, resources, and more. This includes the implementation and design of backends that are built for speed, extendibility, reliability, and scalability. Furthermore, you’ll work with designers and product managers to build frontends offering an amazing UX including the design and implementation of continuous integration and deployment. View additional details here. 

Featuring thousands of tech jobs across various industries, start your job search today via the Silicon Canals Job Board

Despite the onslaught of tech layoffs in the latter part of 2022 and throughout 2023, the job market remains in good health.

For those looking for a new job, hiring remains competitive and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. 

In fact, according to recent research compiled by Indeed, there has been a 20% increase in job seekers to its site.

Indeed’s data also highlights that job seekers are prepared to move countries for the right role, particularly in the field of software development. 

1. Luxembourg 

For a small nation, the Grand Duchy has been boasting big numbers when it comes to foreign talent looking for a role there. Indeed’s data has found that 74% of all Luxembourg job searches in 2021 came from job seekers living outside of the country. 

The reasons for Luxembourg’s popularity are manifold: nestled between France, Germany and Belgium, over 50% of Luxembourg’s workforce is made up of cross-border commuters who can avail of all the benefits of working there without relocating permanently. 

Additionally, Luxembourg has a triple-A country rating and is historically economically stable so continues to attract tech start-ups looking for a European base and as a result, provides attractive career opportunities.

2. UK

Indeed has found that searches for jobs in the UK from abroad are higher than those searching for EU roles. 

Interestingly, job search volume for UK-based tech roles has consistently risen since 2017, indicating that Brexit hasn’t had as negative an impact on attracting top tech talent as previously predicted.

3. Germany

Despite its economy being in recession for the last three quarters of 2023, job seekers are still looking to German companies for their next opportunity.

This is something the German government is keen to encourage to address its skills gap of technical workers and in March, cleared the reformation of its Skilled Immigration Act, which will make it easier for non-EU nationals to move there for work.

4. Ireland

Thanks to Ireland’s low corporate tax rate at 12.5% and accessible talent pool, tech companies including Amazon, Meta, Google and Netflix have chosen to base their European headquarters in Dublin’s Silicon Docks. 

Away from Big Tech, the start-up scene is also thriving and as a result, Ireland is now the third most attractive country for jobseekers and among the top 15 globally—Indeed estimates that 11.1% of job searches in Ireland came from outside the country. 

5. Switzerland 

Despite its excellent healthcare system and high standard of living, including higher wages, Switzerland continues to face a skill shortage. 

As a consequence, immigration is on the rise and IT professionals are spoilt for choice when it comes to tech jobs. However, for those from non-EU countries, access to job opportunities are restricted and work permits for those based outside of Switzerland or the EU/EFTA area are limited by quotas. 

Looking for your next opportunity in tech? The Silicon Canals Job Board features thousands of job openings across the continent, including the three below. 

Senior) Software Engineer – Endur m/f/t, RWE Supply & Trading GmbH, London

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will design and implement secure infrastructure for RWE’s AWS-centric cloud application portfolio and digital/data platform. You will provide hands-on support to teams in the fields of application security architecture, Identity and Access Management and IT Security control design and their implementation, and participate in the ongoing migration of its application portfolio from a shared AWS account to an AWS multi-account setup by securing infrastructure components and supporting application teams in the migration. See the full job description here. 

Frontend Engineer (Fully Remote), Jobbio, Dublin

Jobbio is rapidly scaling its publishing network across the globe and as such is looking for a Frontend Engineer to help power its job boards that provide talent acquisition solutions to hiring managers in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the US and Canada. In this role as a JavaScript developer, proficient in React.js, you will focus on developing user interface components and implementing them following well-known React.js workflows. View additional details here. 

Engineering Manager (m/f/d), Thermondo GmbH, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Thermondo is hiring an Engineering Manager who will be responsible for hiring, managing, and developing a group of talented software engineers currently working with technologies such as microservices, Python, Kotlin, and Cloud Platform. You will be both a technical leader and a people manager so coaching and training your team members and building an amazing engineering organisation at Thermondo is an essential part of this role. Get more information here. 

Find your next role today via the Silicon Canals Job Board

It has happened to everyone at one time or another. You evaluate your options, work through the interview process and accept a new role, only to realise that your new position may not be all you hoped. 

It could be something about the environment, the initial job description, the team, even the commute; once that feeling that you’re in the wrong place hits, it can be hard to shake. 

The cause could be anxiety over your own abilities, or a curve in gelling with the team. Maybe your commute is more arduous than you anticipated.  

In any case, if you hate your new job and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t panic; it’s not the end of the world. But it is vital that you think carefully before jumping ship at that early stage in your tenure. 

Here’s how to go about weighing up your options before taking the next step…

Find what isn’t working

It’s normal to feel anxiety in any new environment, but it’s important to remember that those feelings will subside with time. If the role feels markedly different to the original job description, then the first thing you should do is list the elements you feel aren’t working. The challenges may feel more manageable. 

Evaluate whether things are likely to change 

By now you will have a better idea of what you’re up against. Those feelings of anxiety could be temporary; you may find yourself feeling more confident about how you’ll fit in, or you may be able to see past a particular project. If you deduce, honestly, that things aren’t likely to feel different in three or six months, then maybe it’s time to look at your options. 

Speak to your line manager

Regardless of your experience so far, it’s important to remember that the company chose you. Replacing talent is one of the most challenging aspects of any business, so there’s a good chance they’ll fight to keep you. Take your concerns (worded diplomatically, of course) to your superior. If there’s something that can be done, they will surely be willing to work with you, rather than lose you. 

Focus on the good things

Since you’ve been focusing on what’s wrong with this role, now it’s time to look at what’s right. Are your career prospects looking up? Working hours, benefits and other elements could end up being a worthy price to pay for the discomfort, especially if you’ve already deduced that the challenges are somewhat temporary. 

Form a timeline 

If your mind isn’t made up yet, the next step is to form a smart timeline. Commit to giving the role a chance with all of your concerns in mind; talk to others about it and work at building relationships with your coworkers. If you reach the end of your defined period and you’re still not convinced, you can be confident in your next move. 

Understand what you’re considering

You may be chasing a feeling of relief to leave a job that’s not working out, but remember: any prospective employer is likely to ask why you’re leaving your current position so soon. They may well understand your reasons for leaving, but regular job-hopping may call into question your reliability and dedication to any role. 

Don’t rush things

For that reason, the most important thing is to not make any rash decisions. You should always trust your instinct, but allow your instinct to be informed by rational, lateral thinking. 

Take the time to come to strong conclusions and the road ahead, no matter where it leads, will become clear. And if your time to move on has come, head over to the Silicon Canals Job Board to find your perfect placement.

Operations and IT Coordinator – Infrastructure Team (Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt), EBA CLEARING, Paris

Pan-European payments infrastructure specialist EBA CLEARING is seeking an Operations and IT Coordinator to join its team in Paris. As part of a special internal unit, you will be responsible for managing and monitoring the company’s diverse IT ecosystem safely and securely. Competitive salary and benefits go hand in hand with a progressive outlook at this company. 

(Junior) C++ Software Developer (all genders) for Industry X, Accenture, Gaimersheim

In Gaimersheim, Germany, global professional services giant Accenture has multiple roles open, including an opportunity for a Junior C++ Developer to join its Industry X division. With this unique opportunity, you will work with key clients in the automotive industry, providing software solutions that will power the vehicles of tomorrow. 

Lead Software Engineer, Experis Ireland, Dublin

Leading workforce solutions provider Experis is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join its dynamic clients team in Dublin. In this remote/hybrid agile role, you will work on exciting projects that challenge the boundaries of technology and innovation. Key skills include PHP and MySQL, Object-Oriented Programming. Strong salary and benefits define this role, so if you might be the right person, get in touch today. 

Start your job search today via the Silicon Canals Job Board

Europe is in the throes of a tech skills shortage crisis, with an estimated 1 million workers missing from the industry, and four out of ten adults lacking basic digital skills.

However, Europe’s challenge may offer rewards for ambitious candidates whose credentials can fill the void.

With 77% of EU organisations struggling to find employees with the necessary training, there has never been a better time to explore opportunities in the market for those with covetable skill sets.

In demand skills

Despite layoffs across the tech sector, Europe’s AI industry is on track for a steady CAGR of 25% by 2026. The forecasted growth comes from research from the International Data Corporation, and will be extremely encouraging for workers in the field of AI for career advancement and development.

IDC Senior Research Manager, Martin Nuska says that “Europe faces a potential recession, while the labour market is marked by contradictory forces—a shortage of skilled workers in certain tech areas on one hand, while on the other even the biggest tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are laying off tens of thousands of workers. 

“We expect the AI market to continue performing strongly nevertheless, because of the technology’s potential for long-term cost optimisation and as a possible solution to the skills gap.”

Software development and cloud computing careers, in particular, hold a host of opportunities across many sectors as most companies depend on this technology for ecommerce, payroll, and data storage, for example.

Python and JavaScript are still the top two programming languages in demand for 2023. 

Cybersecurity is an exciting, complex area that will see workers in demand for the foreseeable future. 

It is an ever-evolving field with highly sought-after individuals required to combat attacks and exploits. Notably, problem-solving and critical thinking are vital strengths required for prospective careers in cybersecurity, and those attracted to the space further prove the importance of soft skills in tech. 

Deploying resource to opportunity

The tech talent gap shows no signs of ease yet. Last month kicked off the EU Commission’s 2023 Year of Skills initiative. The aim is to address the widening skills shortage in the EU, offering upskilling and training in areas of concern.

“We need much more focus in our investment on professional education and upskilling,” says President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. 

“We need better cooperation with companies because they know best what they need. And we need to match these needs with people’s aspirations. But we also have to attract the right skills to our continent, skills that help companies and strengthen Europe’s growth.’’ 

In short, those looking to upskill in key areas of need or already in possession of a much sought-after skill set will be in demand for their services immediately. 

Gender gap 

The shortage of ICT specialists and other technology experts combined with the lack of digital experts, particularly in SMEs, will be paramount in addressing the gap in tech skills.

The staggering need for more women to enter the sector is evident with just 22% holding positions in tech according to research by McKinsey. Recruiting women will be pivotal in securing growth and competitive advantage in the industry. 

Remarkably, if Europe doubled its female workforce to about 45%, or an estimated 3.9 million additional women by 2027, not only would it close this talent gap, but this would yield a GDP increase up to €600 billion, McKinsey found. 

Huge opportunities and clear demand for females in particular to enter the tech sector are evident, and the rewards could be extremely fruitful for those determined to progress in areas of growth. 

If you’re thinking about your next role or curious about how your expertise could translate into the near future, there are some excellent positions on the Silicon Canals Job Board. Here’s a taster of what you can expect to find…

Senior Cybersecurity Response Engineer, Workday, Dublin 

Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance, HR, and planning. Founded in 2005, Workday delivers financial management, human capital management, and analytics applications designed for the world’s largest companies, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Its Dublin office is hiring a Senior Cybersecurity Response Engineer, who will be a problem solver with a taste for complex challenges who can devise practical, innovative, and effective solutions using the most appropriate languages, tools, and hardware. 

(Senior) DevOps Big Data & Analytics (m/w/d) in Teilzeit, REWE digital, Frankfurt am Main

In this (Senior) DevOps Big Data & Analytics role, you’ll enable the efficient provision of cloud components and automate processes along the entire data science and development cycle. Plus, you’ll structure automation along the complete data science, ETL and software development process and scale machine learning models. 

To apply you’ll need a degree in (business) computer science or a comparable qualification, plus

several years of experience in the field of cloud DevOps and IaC, sound knowledge of the Google Cloud environment and ideally, you’ll have experience in advanced analytics projects (e.g. Python, R).

Python Developer, Berlin 

An exciting role has come up in a Berlin-based start-up recruiting for a talented Python Developer to work as part of a cross-functional team on their server platform and help to innovate the system. 

You will need an excellent knowledge of Python, JavaScript and DevOps, experience with test-driven development and an ability to discuss solutions as part of a team.

For more career inspiration or to find your next role, explore the Silicon Canals Job Board today

Once upon a time, white collar workers toiled in offices, to which they commuted five days a week to put in their 9-5. Many spent hours each day commuting, often not returning home until late in the evening, after a day spent depleting their bank accounts buying take-out coffees and overpriced lunch salads. 

That long-ago time was 2019. Even in the space of a few short, pandemic-filled years, not only has work changed, but crucially, our attitude to it has taken a dramatic u-turn.

The almost overnight shift to a remote working mode in early 2020 was music to the ears of those who had long wanted it, but who faced ingrained institutional resistance. Pre-Covid, it was difficult to make a case for remote or hybrid working. Managers were convinced that being out of sight would mean employees would slack off, and productivity would fall.

The opposite is true. A 2022 report from Slack’s Future Forum think tank surveyed 10,000 global white-collar workers and found that people with full schedule flexibility showed 29% higher productivity scores than workers with no flexibility at all.

Additionally, remote and hybrid workers report 4% higher productivity than their fully in-office counterparts.

It’s all grist for the mill for those who want to remain working remotely or with a flexible schedule that suits them. After all, the time and cost savings workers experienced during the pandemic are not something many want to roll back on.

That’s highlighted by a Deloitte study which found that 52% of tech talent prefers a remote-first working model, and 46% said they would leave their current role if their employer stopped offering the flexibility to work remotely. 

Changing figures

In 2019, approximately 5.5% of workers in the EU usually worked from home, according to Eurostat data. Then the pandemic hit, and that share increased to 12.3% in 2020, jumping again to 13.5% in 2021.

In 2022, as societies re-opened and lockdowns eased, the picture started to look a little different. Many business leaders in the US began to implement return to office policies (RTO) and speak openly about their desire to have workers back at their desks.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon announced that, “I certainly would expect a lot of Goldman Sachs employees back in full by the end of the year.” Twitter boss Elon Musk has been equally as emphatic, saying remote workers “pretend to work” and are “phoning it in.” 

Disney’s CEO Bob Iger’s reasons for wanting staff back in the office are to do with collaboration. “Nothing can replace the ability to connect, observe, and create with peers that comes from being physically together,” he has said.

The trend looks a bit different in Europe, where just 11% of business leaders expect their employees to return to the office full-time, according to a study from Owl Labs.

In fact, 89% of European companies plan on having a hybrid workforce post-pandemic. Ninety-two percent are also exploring progressive workplace policies including “core working” hours and 4-day work weeks.

Additionally, many countries are looking at new ways to make it easier to work remotely, such as the UK. A 26-week qualifying period is being abolished, making it an immediate right when starting a new job.

Explore your options

If your employer is implementing a RTO policy you’re not on board with, you have options. The Silicon Canals Job Board contains thousands of tech roles across Europe, with hybrid and remote ways of working. Check out three of those below.

SAP developers may be interested in this Lead SAP Developer for Industry X job at Accenture in Düsseldorf. You’ll have a flexible working model, and take responsibility for the entire technical and functional solution architecture in SAP EWM systems as well as the guidance and coordination of the development team plus lateral leadership of team members. You will also take responsibility for quality assurance, such as reviewing specifications, concepts, code, etc. To apply, you’ll need several years of project experience in SAP and extensive knowledge in SAP EWM; knowledge of SAP ABAP development is desirable.

A fully remote Frontend Engineer role is on offer at Jobbio. You’ll be a JavaScript developer, proficient with React.js, and will work on developing and implementing user interface components. You will also be responsible for profiling and improving front-end performance and documenting the front-end codebase. Previous working experience as a React.js developer is required, and you will have in-depth knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and front-end languages too.

A Senior Software Architect (m/f/d) role is available at msg DAVID GmbH in Braunschweig. A 100% agile role, you’ll perform analysis of system requirements in close coordination with customers and your project team, design system architectures and support their implementation. You’ll also identify, analyse and evaluate new technologies for practical use in projects. To be considered, you’ll need several years of professional experience in software development and architecture, preferably in the Java environment, and you’ll have already worked with cloud technologies

For thousands more job opportunities across the European tech sector, search the Silicon Canals Job Board today

New year, new talent, right? That’s our version of the saying anyway. As we enter 2021 with enthusiasm and excitement, it may be time to make some changes. No, we’re not talking about resolutions like joining a gym or training for a marathon – we’re talking about talent!

Ultimately we want to see as many people in jobs they love, and of course, we want companies to hire the best of the best.

To celebrate the new year, we’re offering 20% off all our hiring packages for January and February. A pretty good deal, if we say so ourselves.

So, why are we doing this now, as opposed to any other time of year? Well, we did a bit of research (look at us, all scientific), and made some pretty interesting discoveries.

It turns out that Q1 sees on average 18% more job seeker traffic compared to the rest of the year, so this may be your best chance to hire some of the best talents in the market. PLUS, recent research suggests that almost 70% of workers are open to new opportunities at the start of a new year.

We have a number of packages available, so whether you are looking to make that one great hire, hire for multiple roles or showcase your employer brand across our site, we have the perfect option for you (we promise).

And it couldn’t be easier to avail of our special New Year deal. All you have to do is enter the promo code ‘SC20’; at checkout, or, if you fancy a chat, get in touch with us directly and we’ll discuss the best options to suit your needs.

Happy New Year folks – we’re excited to see what 2021 has in store!

Looking forward to working at a tech startup? Be sure to keep a close eye on Silicon Canals jobs for even more exciting opportunities.

Venture capital firms or funds invest in early-stage companies in exchange for equity, or an ownership stake. Venture capitalists take on the risk of financing risky startups in the hopes that some of the firms they support will become successful. It’s an extremely exciting thing to be a part of, but it also takes a specific kind of person. Like almost all jobs and industries, VC isn’t for everyone. Have a read of the following skills to see if you’ve got what it takes…

Networking

Remember, a lot of the time, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know. This couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to the Venture Capital sector. A Venture Capitalist needs to be able to strategically network, and use said network to open doors for their firm and portfolio companies. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient or EQ) is defined as the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Strong emotional intelligence allows venture capitalists to evaluate the states of their portfolio companies. It helps them to read between the lines and identify the values and motivations of their founding teams. Plus, it empowers them to develop strong levels of trust and effectively act as advisors.

Be a brand

According to venture capital powerhouse 8VC, one of the most important skills a venture capitalist can have is the ability to be a brand creator. The most successful VCs are vigilant about constantly building and nurturing a brand and a community that welcomes new and existing portfolio companies.

Risk Taker

This really comes with the territory folks. By definition, a venture capitalist is a private equity investor that provides capital to companies exhibiting high growth potential in exchange for an equity stake. The keyword here is ‘potential’ – not every investment will work out, so there’s always a risk. If the idea of possibly losing money unsettles you greatly, then you may want to consider a different path. 

Conviction

In the VC business, the word ‘maybe’ just doesn’t come into play! There are two choices in this world; you either pass on a deal or invest in one. Finding a balance between gut-based decisions and methodical/data-oriented decisions is at the core of what a Venture Capitalist does daily. This is especially important if you are the lead investor on a round, because if you can’t make a decision quick, another fund may beat you to it.

By Rebecca O’Keeffe, Content Creator, Jobbio.

Take note of the above, and you & you’ll get your dream role in no time! Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on Silicon Canals’ Jobs, for loads of exciting opportunities.

Image credit: Pixabay

First of all, good for you starting the hunt for a new and exciting job! 

We know looking for roles can be stressful, especially when you are trying to do it in secret, so your boss doesn’t find out. While it’s not illegal or against any company policy to move on – it doesn’t look great if you get caught. Your boss will be aware that you are not entirely happy in your job, and it could lead to a trying time in your place of work. Thankfully, there are things you can do when looking for a job that could prevent your boss from finding out…

Don’t discuss it with your colleagues

Even if it’s someone in work that you really trust! When you’re looking for a new job, it’s always best to keep it close to the vest. Don’t let anyone within your office know that you are looking or interviewing. These secrets have a habit of not staying secret for too long, and it could be risky! 

Arrange interviews around your workday

This is as important now as it was when we were all in the office, you need to be smart about your interview times. Make sure you schedule these interviews around your working hours, think early morning, lunchtimes, and in the evenings. Most hiring managers will be accommodating when it comes to time management! 

Keep your LinkedIn private

Listen, this is actually pretty important. Social media, and the Internet in general, is a wild place where things can spread like wildfire. If you’re making changes and updating your page, make sure the “Notify Your Network” setting is turned off. Also, be sure to turn on “Let recruiters know you’re open to opportunities” in your privacy settings, this means recruiters will see you, but others won’t. 

Be smart with your references 

Okay this sort of goes without saying guys, but don’t list your current boss as a reference, for obvious reasons. Use former bosses or colleagues instead!

Think about where you apply

The tech industry can sometimes be very small, so you need to be mindful of where you apply. Your boss may have close friends in other companies, so word could spread. Do your research, and if you know of any close connections, tread carefully!  

Use your own tech

If you are looking for a new job, do so using your own tech. Don’t use your work computer or work phone, just in case your company tracks your search history or call history. Likewise, if you get to the interview process, use your own devices to engage here. If you don’t have your own laptop or phone, ask a friend or family member if you can use theirs. Better safe than sorry! 

By Rebecca O’Keeffe, Content Creator, Jobbio.

Take note of the above, and you & you’ll get your dream role in no time! Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on Silicon Canals’ Jobs, for loads of exciting opportunities.

Image credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

Well, you have decided to apply for one of the most exciting industries in the world right now – and I don’t blame you! The Fintech space is booming at the moment. In fact, the global fintech market is predicted to grow at a rate of almost 25% annually over the next couple of years, making it one of the most promising industries to be involved in right now (check out all the great vacancies at FinTech Futures Jobs).

The rate of growth also makes fintech quite a competitive market for jobseekers. So, what will put you ahead of the crowd, and help you land a role in the European Fintech sector?

Cybersecurity knowledge 

Given the fact that fintech businesses deal with large amounts of data including confidential and sensitive data pertaining to the customers and transactions, cybersecurity professionals are one of the most in-demand priorities for the industry. Cybersecurity is a necessity for any fintech firm, as the security breaches have the potential to spoil the reputation and credibility of the firm beyond repair.

Coding skills 

Coding skills are highly sought after in this industry. Common coding languages that every coder, developer, and software engineer should be fluent in include JavaScript, Python, SQL, C++, and C#. As fintech companies start to roll out digital innovations, the demand for talented coders will only grow.

Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI)

AI knowledge helps fintech firms in the optimisation and analysis of data-based solutions. It helps companies by providing better customer engagement, ultimately finding what’s right for your customers. These benefits can help to provide consumer insights that are useful to establish market trends. Any knowledge of AI will be a major bonus

Analytical skills

Analytical skills are important because they allow you to find solutions to common problems and make decisions about what actions to take next. Understanding problems and analysing the situation for viable solutions will help you in any tech company, particularly in the finance sector.

Multitasking

There is A LOT going on behind the doors of any fintech company, so multitasking will be super important. Many fintechs are still in their early days, so they are looking for people with skill-sets that cover multiple areas. While you may be hired for a specific role, the chances are you will end up wearing multiple hats.

By Rebecca O’Keeffe, Content Creator, Jobbio.

Take note of the above, and you & you’ll get your dream role in no time! Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on Silicon Canals’ Jobs, for loads of exciting opportunities.

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