This is a subscriber-only article
Laura Roddy & Mary Phelan
ABP Food Group is recruiting to fill 141 roles at the Agri Careers Fair. This should come as no surprise given ABP employs 10,000 people and has 46 manufacturing plants in Ireland, the UK, Denmark, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, France and Spain. It is the largest beef processor in Ireland and the UK and also operates substantial renewable, pet food and protein divisions.
The meat giant will be filling positions across the company, from boners and trimmers to general operatives, qualified professionals and graduates. In terms of the graduates, ABP is looking in the areas of health and safety, IT, engineering, production, quality assurance, accounting, human resources and R&D.
Seamus Banim, group communications director with ABP Food Group, says the company is looking for people who have a general interest in the business and a willingness to learn. “Adaptability would be another word that would come to mind because no two days are ever the same in a fast-paced environment and we are interested in people who are open to change and innovation. One of our traits as a company would be [employing] people with that outlook.”
Is ABP interested in people with a farming background? “Absolutely,” says Seamus. “I would say even people who are interested in farming and have an interest in agriculture and from a farming background – but also that might not necessarily come from a farming background. It’s about having an interest … there are opportunities for everyone in ABP.”
On whether it’s difficult to fill jobs in meat processing plants, Seamus acknowledges that unemployment in Ireland is currently at 7%, “so the jobs market is a lot more balanced than it would have been two or three years ago and that will bring a lot more pressure generally. It is what it is but we would maintain there is an opportunity for anybody with ABP.”
If you want to make an impression at the Agri Careers Fair, Seamus’s advice is to have a look at the ABP website before you come on the day, to get an idea of what’s available. Then, on the day itself, candidates will have the opportunity to talk to employees from different parts of the business – and to those who are possibly already in the role you’re interested in. This can give you a head start if you make it to interview stage. Seamus also advises attendees to bring their CVs.
Interview and CV advice
What tips does Seamus have if you do get an interview?
“The majority of people who come for jobs are well prepared and well versed in the company, but sometimes we see people who might not have done their homework and don’t know about the business or the industry,” says Seamus.
“We would expect that you know about the industry and are familiar where ABP is within that industry.”
When it comes to your CV, Seamus says you need to know what to say about what you have written on your CV. “When you are questioned in a particular area, you need to be able to talk about it,” notes Seamus.
He says confidence is also very important. “Everybody has something to offer – bring that confidence with you. Candidates shouldn’t be cautious of selling themselves. Sometimes people can be a bit behind the wall with their achievements – be the person with the chest out and sell yourself to us.”
While the majority of the 141 jobs are in Ireland, ABP is interested in candidates who have the flexibility and ability to work and travel abroad.
Come along to the Agri Careers Fair
Agri Careers 2017 will take place on Thursday 30 March 2017 at the RDS Main Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Brought to you by Irish Farmers Journal and open eir. Click here for more information.
SHARING OPTIONS: