​Ryan Costello’s path to Ironman 2021

Theresa McCracken • Feb 26, 2021

Recruit I.T. Talent Consultant Ryan Costello is only a week away from taking on his biggest fitness challenge yet – racing in the 2021 Taupo Ironman on March 6th and raising funds for Cure Kids while he is at it.


Ryan – who has been with Recruit I.T. for two years – is a relative newcomer to multi-sport events, first attempting a sprint triathlon when he returned from his OE two and a half years ago.


“When I got back from travelling, I was reasonably unfit, but I had always played lots of sports previously, so I thought I would give a sprint triathlon a go. After the sprint triathlon, I wanted to try a full one, but I wasn’t prepared or ready whatsoever!


“I struggled with the run, had no swimming technique and didn’t know anything about nutrition,” said Ryan.


Despite his less-than-ideal introduction to the sport, Ryan kept at it, taking on bigger running events, including some half-marathons and a full marathon, but it was last year’s Covid-19 lockdown that proved a pivotal point in terms of Ryan deciding to tackle a full Ironman event.


“During the lockdown, I found it good for training as I had lots of time to go for runs, plus I got thinking about how the borders are closed, and I can’t travel, so it is a good year to get really fit and work towards a big fitness goal.”


Brett Bothma, Director of Recruit I.T.’s sister company Tech 5, had previously competed in Ironman events and provided some additional inspiration for Ryan to take the plunge and sign up.


“Brett had spoken to me quite a bit about it, and at first, I didn’t really know what the event was, and I had to look into it.


“In the end, the decision was a bit spontaneous, and I thought why not cross it off my bucket list – I didn’t realise at the time how full on it would be,” said Ryan.


Ryan signed up for the event in July last year, and since then, Brett has remained a key person in providing support, preparing an in-depth training plan for Ryan in the lead up to the Ironman event.


“Brett made me a plan that gradually built up on the endurance side of things; he tracks me on my Garmin app and gives feedback; and provides heaps of really valuable advice and guidance around nutrition.”


With Brett’s help, Ryan has gradually built up his training, initially focusing on running, then slowly adding in longer cycles, and getting some coaching for his weakest discipline – the swim.


“Once I committed to the Ironman, I signed up at AUT Millennium pool and started trying to learn to swim correctly, and it’s taken a mixture of swimming training and coaching to get me from the basics to a better technique.


“It’s taken lots of research online, watching YouTube, and practicing what the coach taught me - I’ve still got a lot of improvements to make,” said Ryan.


Ryan said improving his swimming technique has been just one area of focus, with significant changes to his training and general lifestyle also required as part of his preparation.


“I used to do all my training after work, but last year I started adding in training before work to try it out and started to like it. Now, all my training is before work, and I estimate the time it will take and set my wake-up time based on that.”


“It sets me up for the day, and once I am done, I know my training is out of the way, and I feel energized and ready to get on with work,” he said.


Ryan’s training schedule is extensive and generally consists of a cycle and a run on Tuesdays and Thursdays; a long run on Wednesdays; a swim, cycle and run on Saturdays; a long cycle and run on Sundays – and on his ‘rest days’ Mondays and Fridays – an early 5.30am swimming session.


To accommodate the intense training schedule, Ryan said he has had to make changes to his sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle in general.

“I knew from the start that I would need to be up early to fit all my training in, but I probably didn’t realise my days would be starting as early as 3.30 or 4.30am on some days.


“I’ve found my circadian rhythm has adjusted, and I can survive well off a bit less sleep.”


“I have to be eating well, eating a little less and earlier at night, ensuring I have good rituals in place to help with sleep, and of course lots of exercise makes it easy to fall asleep as well,” he said.


Ryan said that while fitting his training in around work takes a lot of personal organisation, he also does not think he would have had the support to tackle such a big task if he was working elsewhere.


“Our flexible work policy is excellent, allowing me to work from home and cut out travel, making it easy for me to work from home on a particular day if I want to fit in a long run – my managers and team are really supportive of that.


“The company helped me get a Cure Kids and Recruit I.T. branded tri suit that I’ll be able to wear during the event to show who I am supporting.”


Ryan said some of his team will be travelling to Taupo to support him for the event and have helped him with his fundraising.


“This has been a big mental challenge, and it’s great that the team ask me about my training, and I can talk to them about it – they have been incredibly supportive.


“Knowing that they will be down there supporting me is fantastic, and they have helped me in fundraising for Cure Kids, which has been one of my biggest motivating factors.”


Ryan said he previously didn’t know a lot about Cure Kids – who fund child health research to help improve, extend, and save the lives of Kiwi kids living with serious illnesses and conditions – but looked into them when he found out Recruit I.T. and Tech 5 were sponsors.


“When I heard Brett had competed in Ironman to raise money for them before and saw all the significant fundraising initiatives they run to help kids, I thought it would be great to raise funds for them myself.


“I’ve always had a passion for kids, so being able to create awareness for them was something I was keen to be a part of – they’ve given me Cure Kids singlets to wear when I run, which provides me with extra motivation.


“Knowing I am backing them helps motivate me – it’s cool knowing I’m creating awareness and also hopefully raising some funds to help kids in need.”


Ryan has a week to go until the big race and still has a way to go to meet his fundraising target, so please check out his fundraising page and get behind him with a donation here - https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/iron-man-2021-for-cure-kids

Re-entering the Job Market: A Guide for Experienced IT and Technology Candidates in New Zealand

27 Mar, 2024
Entering the job market after many years can be a daunting task, especially in the fast-paced world of IT and Technology. With advancements happening at breakneck speed, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed when suddenly thrown into starting your job search journey anew. However, there are simple steps you can take to get you started, ease the transition, and help you in landing your new dream job. At Recruit I.T., we've seen many experienced candidates successfully navigate this path, and we're here to share some valuable advice with you. 1. Revamp Your CV Your CV is your ticket to securing interviews, so it is crucial to ensure it’s up-to-date and tailored to the roles you are applying for. If yours is still in typewritten format and doesn’t include what you’ve been up to for the last 10 years, now is the time to get it updated. Ensure it includes your most recent and relevant roles, delete your high school work experience, and highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements prominently, focusing on how they align with the requirements of the positions you're targeting. If you are unsure where to start, collaborating with a specialised recruiter like Recruit I.T. can provide valuable insights and guidance in crafting a compelling resume. 2. Leverage Your Network Don't underestimate the power of networking, especially in the tight-knit IT and Technology community in New Zealand. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, clients, and industry connections to let them know you're actively seeking opportunities. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences to expand your network further. Many job opportunities are filled through referrals, so make sure to stay connected and keep your network informed about your job search. 3. Explore Both General and Specialised Job Boards You may have found your first job via a newspaper classified, but times have changed! While general online job boards like Seek and Trade Me, as well as LinkedIn Jobs are a good starting point, consider exploring specialised job boards focused specifically on IT and Technology roles, and register with a relevant recruitment agency like Recruit I.T. as specialised platforms like our website job board cater to this niche market, offering a curated selection of job openings tailored to your expertise. By targeting your search on these platforms, you increase your chances of finding roles that align with your skills and career goals. 4. Prepare for Interviews Brush up on your interview skills to ensure you make a strong impression during the selection process. Research the company and the role thoroughly, familiarising yourself with STAR and behavioural-based interview techniques (there is lots of info online!), practising common interview questions, and preparing examples that highlight your abilities and experiences. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the latest industry trends and developments to demonstrate your awareness and relevance in the field. It also won’t hurt to review and brush up on your verbal and numerical reasoning skills – once again, there are lots of free resources online to help you practise these types of tests/exercises. 5. Update Your Skills The IT and Technology landscape evolves rapidly, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. Whilst you’ve developed your abilities on the job, do take the time to update your skills and knowledge with formal certifications and training to remain competitive in the market. Consider enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications relevant to your field. Not only does this demonstrate your commitment to growth, but it also enhances your attractiveness to potential employers. 6. Be Flexible and Open-Minded The job market can be unpredictable, so it's essential to remain flexible and open-minded throughout your job search. Be willing to consider different roles, industries, or a short-term contract opportunity that may not align precisely with your previous experience. Embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth, as they can lead to unexpected career advancements and personal fulfilment. 7. Seek Guidance from Experts Navigating the job market alone can be overwhelming, especially after being out of the game for some time. In many cases, if your position has been made redundant, your organisation may provide outplacement services to offer help with CV crafting, interview prep, job search, practise testing and in some instances will also provide free access to training platforms. Consider seeking guidance from experienced specialised recruiters like our Recruit I.T. consultants. Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the IT and Technology industries, along with extensive networks and resources to support your job search journey. From resume optimisation to interview preparation, we can provide valuable assistance every step of the way. Utilise all the free and skilled help you can access! 8. Embrace Your Experience and Life Skills It's easy to feel apprehensive about re-entering the job market after a long tenure with a single company or a prolonged absence, but remember to embrace the wealth of experience and life skills you've accumulated over the years. Your past successes, whether in your career or personal life, have equipped you with valuable insights, problem-solving abilities, and resilience that will be sought-after and appreciated by employers. While you may not have a recent job application or job hunt history, your track-record speaks volumes about your capabilities and adaptability. Have confidence in your abilities, and don't underestimate the value you bring to the table. Highlight your accomplishments and transferable skills during interviews, showcasing how they make you an asset to any organisation. By owning your experience and life skills, you can instill trust and credibility in potential employers, setting yourself apart from other candidates in the competitive job market. Embarking on a job search journey after many years can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By revamping your resume, leveraging your network, exploring job boards, preparing for interviews, updating your skills, remaining flexible, seeking guidance from experts, and remaining confident in your experience and skills, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive New Zealand job market. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right support and resources, you will find your next opportunity. Our team are always happy to shout the coffee and provide some expert friendly and constructive advice to help you get started on your job hunt, so reach out anytime!

March 2024 I.T. & Digital Market Update

By Kaleb Leeming • 11 Mar, 2024
Field at Present: From a Director’s Perspective Generally, we have seen a slow start to the year, continuing the trend we saw in the latter half of 2023. Despite feedback from the market that suggested a stronger bounce back, we have yet to see this in the market at present. There are pockets of activity - primarily back-fills to existing hires. As we gear towards the backend of the government’s 100-day plan, we should see the firming up of new projects and programmes, which will likely require capability to deliver these pieces of work. Unfortunately, we are still seeing organisations across a range of industries forced into making rounds of redundancies and other operational cuts or changes to help them operate more leanly during challenging times, and we’ve even seen this in the recruitment industry itself.

The True Cost of a Contractor

By Kaleb Leeming • 14 Feb, 2024
With the dynamic business landscape, many companies are embracing flexibility and adaptability as they navigate the ever-changing market. As someone who has worked in the technology and recruitment sector for a while, I’ve come across a common misconception that I’d like to address: the perception that contractors are significantly more expensive than permanent employees. I'd like to give light to the true cost of hiring a contractor and explore why it might be more budget-friendly than you think. Let’s start by acknowledging the elephant in the room – the hourly rate. It’s no secret that contractors often come with an hourly rate that seems higher than what you’d pay a permanent employee. But here’s the thing: an employee salary is just the tip of the iceberg. When you hire an employee, there’s a whole set of additional costs and overheads that can significantly impact on your bottom line. Let’s break them down: 1. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) When you employ a permanent employee, you’re obliged to contribute to ACC levies. These can add up and represent a substantial ongoing cost to your business. Contractors, on the other hand, handle their own ACC payments, freeing you from this financial burden. As I write this it sits at approx. $0.63 per $100 of payroll. Example being, a $100K Salary = $630 per annum. 2. Kiwisaver Permanent employees are entitled to Kiwisaver contributions from their employers. While it’s a great benefit for them, it’s an added cost for your business. Contractors manage their own retirement savings, releasing you from this expense. At the minimum contribution of 3% that is $3,000 based on a salary of $100,000 per annum. 3. Training and Development Investing in the professional growth of your employees is essential. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. Contractors typically bring their existing skills and experience to the table, minimising the need for extensive initial training and ongoing development programs. Various benchmarks have this between 1% - 5% of an individual’s salary. Based on a $100,000 per annum this could be between $1,000 - $5,000 per annum. 4. Fringe Benefit Tax Providing certain benefits to your employees can trigger fringe benefit tax liabilities. Contractors are not subject to this tax, which means you can offer perks without worrying about additional financial implications. 5. Benefits Permanent employees often receive benefits such as health insurance, paid annual leave, and more. While these are important for staff retention, they can substantially increase your personnel expenses. On the other hand, contractors manage their own benefits and extras, giving you more predictability in your budget. 6. Insurance A business is responsible for looking after professional indemnity and public liability insurance which cover their permanent employees. On the flip side, contractors typically have their own insurance coverage, reducing your insurance-related costs. 7. Overheads Beyond the salary, permanent employees come with a host of overheads like office space, equipment, and administrative support. Contractors usually operate independently, sparing you from these additional expenses. 8. Productivity It is not as simple as multiplying a contractor’s rate by the number of hours in a week, and then extrapolating that out for the year. They only get paid for the hours they work, which doesn’t include any annual leave, sick leave, or public holidays. You only pay them based on what the hours they actually worked. So, what’s the bottom line? Hiring contractors can be a cost-effective choice when you consider the bigger picture. While the hourly rate may seem higher, it’s essential to factor in the myriad of savings associated with not having to manage all the costs and overheads that come with permanent employees. Don’t get me wrong – permanent employees are valuable assets to any organisation. They bring stability, commitment, IP retention, and a sense of belonging to your team. But the key is understanding the differences between contractors and permanent employees and leveraging them to your advantage. Think of hiring contractors as a strategic move that provides the flexibility to scale your workforce up or down as needed, without long-term financial commitments. It’s not about one being better than the other; it’s about making informed choices that align with your business objectives. So, the next time you consider bringing in a contractor, remember the true cost isn’t just about the hourly rate- it’s about the holistic value they bring to your organisation.
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