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Barbara McKiernan, Managing Director of VANRATH talks to Women in Business NI

  • Publish Date: Posted almost 3 years ago
  • Author:by VANRATH

VANRATH's Managing Director, Barbara McKiernan, recently caught up with Women in Business NI. In her member profile, Barbara talks about her role and life at VANRATH, as well as sharing her advice for fellow women in business and our plans for 2022!

  1. Tell us about VANRATH and your role within

VANRATH is Northern Ireland’s market leading strategic recruitment partner responsible for pairing the best local talent with leading local businesses. We have over 35 consultants specialising in IT, Accountancy, HR, Engineering, Construction and Public Sector and we are celebrating our 21st birthday this year.

As Managing Director, I am responsible for the overall management of the business, with my main aim being to build and develop the most successful team of experienced recruitment specialists in Northern Ireland. I am passionate about embedding a culture of excellence – with both our consultants and our services. I am always keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining us.

  1. Describe yourself in 3 words.

Honest, Loyal and Down to Earth

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  1. What is the 1 skill that helps you the most in your role?

A good judge of character – In my role you meet a lot of different people and different characters, being able to read people and understand not only their skills/experience but also personality and culture fit in a short space of time helps to place the right candidates in a role where they will enjoy the culture as well as the responsibilities. We have recently been on a massive internal recruitment drive to grow our team in VR and have hired some absolutely fantastic people. It’s great when you meet someone that you know is going to fit within your business, add value from day one and you can tell that they will also love it!

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  1. Do you have any advice for your fellow Women in Business?

Trust your gut, know what you want and don’t be scared to go after it.

I believe that everyone should have goals (life goals, career goals, personal goals) You need a plan, belief that you can achieve your aspirations and be prepared to work hard to reach them. Life however rarely goes to plan you have to adjust, enjoy the rough with the smooth, realise life is short and live in the moment.

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  1. Are there any exciting plans on the way for VANRATH?

VANRATH are currently going through a really exciting period of growth! As well as hiring new recruitment consultants to grow our team, we are also implementing a new business system and working hard on the culture within our company to ensure we are at the very top of our game.

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  1. What’s your favourite break time snack?

There are far too many snacks in VR at all times. We have sweetie jars, snack jars, free breakfasts, coffee mornings and birthday cakes ALL the time – it’s very distracting. I don’t complain as much when the Beer and wine fridge is stocked with Prosecco on a Friday – I think that is my favourite ‘snack’ if it classifies as one?

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  1. How can your fellow WIB members keep up to date with you and the team at VANRATH?

The best way to keep up to date with everything VANRATH is to follow our company LinkedIn page - You will hear lots of interesting info about our clients, general news about the local economy, market updates, as well as of course new opportunities and some funny and inspirational content to keep you entertained.