8 Easy Steps to Nailing Your Contract IT Project Management Interview

​If you’re stepping into an interview for a contract IT Project Management role, chances are the client has tried to fill the position themselves and come up short. That’s where you come in, and wo...

Tips for Finding Hidden Job Opportunities: Utilising Job Boards Effectively

​Job boards can be a goldmine or a black hole—depending on how you use them. Most job seekers scroll, click, apply, and hope for the best. But that’s the lazy approach. If you want to uncover the b...

​Understanding the Cost of a Bad Hire (and How to Avoid One)

Hiring the wrong person isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a financial and operational nightmare. A bad hire can drain productivity, tank team morale, and cost your company thousands. And yet, busine...

Preparing for Behavioural Interview Questions: How to Structure Your Responses

Behavioural interview questions can sometimes feel like an interrogation. Instead of a casual chat about your skills, you’re suddenly expected to relive your past experiences in excruciating detail...

​How to Attract Passive Job Seekers

Most companies spend their time chasing active job seekers—people scrolling job boards, tweaking CVs, and applying left, right, and centre. But what about the passive job seekers? The ones who are ...

Redundancy Is Tough, But So Are You.

​To those navigating redundancy in the IT sector in Belfast – what some might perceive as failure or a setback is often the best thing that ever happened to us. Redundancy can leave you feeling bli...

The Best Way to Showcase Your Professional Portfolio

​Serious about your career? You might need a professional portfolio. Whether you're a designer, writer, engineer, or marketing specialist, a strong portfolio is your golden ticket to standing out f...

"Best job ever!" - One Year At VANRATH

Senior Recruitment Consultants, Suzanne Lowry and Leanne Garrett, joined VANRATH a year ago — so we decided to catch up with them to see how they’ve found the first year with us. ​Ever get that si...

Experience vs. Potential: Which Hire is Right for You?

​Ah, the age-old hiring dilemma: do you go for the seasoned professional who’s been there, done that, and got the LinkedIn endorsements to prove it? Or do you take a chance on the fresh-faced candi...

This Is How Your Social Media Can Affect Your Job Search

​Your social media is being watched — and we don't mean by those third-party data companies tracking your every like to sell you personalised ads for something you mentioned once in conversation. T...

Do Internships Really Matter?

​When it comes to career progression, experience is everything. But what if you’re just starting out or trying to break into a new field? Enter internships and volunteer work—two underrated yet pow...

5 Hiring Mistakes That Ruin Your Job Interviews

​Job interviews can be a minefield. It's not just about candidates trying to prove themselves to you; they’re also evaluating you, just as much as you’re evaluating them. And yet, so many companies...

The Demand for Data Talent in NI and The Skills Companies are Looking For

The demand for data professionals in Northern Ireland has surged in recent years, with companies across various industries investing heavily in data-driven decision-making. As businesses look to ha...

Chartered Accountants' Event Addresses the Skill Shortage in Northern Ireland

At VANRATH, we love being part of the buzz that drives Northern Ireland’s professional community, so sponsoring this year’s Chartered Accountants event for the third time was an absolute pleasure. ...

Why You Should Care About a Diverse Workforce

Diversity in the workplace isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Companies that embrace diversity are fostering innovation, improving employee satisfaction, and ultimately boosting their bott...

Secrets to Staying Motivated While Managing Job Search Stress

​Job searching can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—one minute, you’re pumped about a promising lead, the next, you’re questioning your entire career. Rejection emails, ghosting, and waiting fo...

Time to Talk Day 2025

​Let's Get Comfortable Talking About Mental HealthTalking about mental health isn’t always easy. Many of us put on a brave face, avoid the conversation, or worry about burdening others, but a simpl...

Uncover the Truth About Any Company - How To Research Potential Employers

Job hunting isn’t just about convincing a company to hire you, it’s also about making sure the company is right for you. The last thing you want is to accept an offer, only to realise three months ...

Negotiating Job Offers: Tips for Getting What You Deserve

​Congrats, you've landed the job! But before you start practising your ‘new job’ LinkedIn post, let’s talk about the art of negotiation. Because if you just say “yes” to an offer that maybe wasn't ...

Effective Follow-Up After Interviews: Dos and Don'ts

​So, you've nailed the interview (or at least, you think you did.) Now what? Do you sit by the phone, refreshing your inbox like a lovesick teenager? Do you send a 500-word email on why you're the ...