DubStarts technology jobs fair

DubStarts are back with another technology jobs fair on Tuesday March 25^th in the Powerscourt Centre.

I attended the previous two fairs in the powerscourt and the button factory in temple bar and was impressed that this plucky young start-up had managed to attract such innovative, diverse and interesting start-ups to their event.

While it seems like a no brainer that technology companies are big in Ireland, the real take away from the events was the number that are actually actively hiring. At the first event last year there were somewhere in the region of 30 start-up packed into the button factory and I don’t think anyone was prepared for the level of attendance from the public.

As I arrived at the event, although several hours before it was due to open, a large line had already formed around the button factory which was already causing conjestion in the templebar streets. As I spoke to several of the people in the queue it became very clear why the DubStarts event was so popular already.

Many people commented that while they had been to jobs fairs before, it was a welcome change not only to have seen on the website beforehand who was employing, but also the specific roles they were looking for, which meant it was easier to tailor the approach. Also, being that many of the companies were small or new to Ireland, you had to opportunity to really speak to the decision makers, the founders and the people you would be directly working with. This as a change to larger fairs where you speak primarily to a HR person, or designated enthusiastic spokesperson for the business.

It was clear however on entering that the venue was not what was needed for such a large crowd. Thankfully for their next event, the DubStarts team moved to the more spacious and brighter powerscourt centre. This afforded people more space to move around and a more detached bar area for those looking for the social aspect.

I’ve since spoken to a few people who managed to get roles from the event, but I can’t help wondering what the success rate is, given that there were several thousand people through the doors of the powerscourt that evening and although there were more hiring and more positions this time around, there will probably be a lot of people leaving disappointed. You also have to give props to the people at the stands who are inundated with CV’s and cards.

Again this time round they have already announced an impressive array of Tech businesses eager to find the right person, and once again I predict a huge turn out from students, reskilled people or just general lookie-loos at this impressive and highly social event.

The fair takes place in The Powerscourt Centre, 5.30pm-9pm, Tuesday,  March 25th.