Jobyssey

Ireland has become an immigration magnet within the EU and beyond, but it can still be a non-trivial affair to find your first job here. To be sure you’ll be able to get suitable work in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, you’ll want to do the following:

Research, Research, Research:

1. Know your work status- Visit www.entemp.ie to get more information about work permits in Ireland. Citizens of most EU countries are permitted to work in Ireland without a permit; those coming from other nations generally require employer sponsorship for a work permit. For experienced workers in software and other high demand fields, it is relatively straighforward to get a permit; other industries require proof that it is not possible to hire an Irish resident to fill the role. It’s critical to be absolutely clear on what sort of permit you would need and what the current processing times are before applying for any jobs.
2. Know your move date- have a definite date in mind when you will be moving to Dublin. Some things to check before you pick a date: notice period at current employer, immigration requirements, bringing your family or pets into Ireland, cash needed to set yourself up in Ireland.
3. Know your interview availability- A willingness to travel to Ireland at your own expense for interviews is a plus. Again, be prepared with all the relevant details: time zone difference for phone interviews, notice you would need to travel to Ireland, and so on. (Having all this information is important because it makes it as easy for potential employers to work with you as with a local candidate, and it builds confidence that you are serious about the move and have done a lot of research).
4. Fantastic English- It is extremely difficult to find a professional job if your English is less than fluent. If you don’t speak fluidly in English, it’s best to take time off “for travel” and immerse yourself in spoken English, both through formal instruction and constant use of English outside of class (find a non-professional job in the meantime if need be). If you initially apply for jobs with weak spoken or written English, you may find it harder to be considered later (even if your English is much improved), because recruiters and hiring managers may remember you as not having the necessary language skills. Don’t fall into the trap of hanging out only with other speakers of your native tongue- regular spoken practice is critical to developing great spoken English. There is some slack cut for extremely specialized fields, but it is still more difficult to find work if you’re struggling with the language.
5. Know the qualifications required- Some skills, certifications or proficiencies are more important here than in other countries. Carefully review job ads for your desired position for several weeks, and ensure that you are meeting at least 80% of the criteria for the position. Remember that as an “unknown quantity” you will be held to a very high standard in the application process, and that certain required skills may be more important than they seem.
6. Know your industry- be aware of where the jobs are in Ireland that match up with your background. Talk to someone who works in the industry to find which companies are hiring, where they’re located, and how competitive the openings are. Don’t know anyone? See the comment about networking below.
7. Know about Dublin’s geography- Compared to many other cities, it can be difficult to travel far for work in Dublin due to congestion and a less-than-extensive public transit system. Depending on your field, many of the jobs may be in City Centre or the business parks on the outskirts of south Dublin, but accomodation is cheaper in north Dublin. See this map for information on Dublin bus routes, as well as dublinbus.ie, dart.ie, luas.ie.

Applying for a job:

1. Irish-ize your CV- familiarize yourself with the usual format of CV’s in Ireland.
   • Be sure to clearly state your work status and availability at the top of your CV.
   • Don’t include a photo.
   • If your past employers aren’t well-known in Ireland, briefly explain what they do and give their URL.
   • If your education system is different, be sure to clearly explain your degrees and marks.
   • Have someone check your CV (if you can find someone who has seen more Irish CV’s than their own that’s best).

   Click on “CV” in the tag cloud to see more information about writing an Ireland-friendly CV, and some examples.

2. Send work samples- Employers may consider you an unknown if they are unfamiliar with your past employers, education, etc. Send samples of your best work along with your CV to establish your level of expertise.
3. Think about how someone would check your references- letters of reference aren’t a bad idea, but employers may want to speak to someone before hiring you. Try to identify 2 people familiar with your work who could give a reference over the phone in English for you.

If at first you don’t succeed…

1. Don’t spam your CV- ask for advice instead- If you’ve applied for several jobs you thought were suitable and haven’t heard back, don’t lash your CV out to every job opening you see- this kind of “CV spam” gives the impression you’re unemployable, and it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, prepare a nicely worded note explaining you are new to Ireland and seeking advice- feedback on your CV and thoughts on the employment climate here. Send it (along with your CV) to a couple of hiring managers or recruiters. People are generally more willing to give out advice than respond to job applications they feel are unqualified. Try to get an introduction to someone through an acquaintance if you can, or approach someone who is a champion or spokesperson for your field, such as the head of a particular users group, etc.
2. Be flexible with salary and seniority- Starting over in a new country can mean taking a step back to prove yourself, especially if you are coming from a different background. Be open to less senior roles- once you get your foot in the door and have established some work history in Ireland you will find it much, much easier to move into other positions.
3. Consider contract work- It is much easier to get hired as a contractor than as a permanent employee. Be sure your work permit allows non-permanent work, and try to get something of at least 3 months in duration.
4. Get out and network! Go to job fairs and users groups to meet people in your industry.
5. Don’t get discouraged or angry- it just takes time, but if you are open to suggestions and work hard you will find a suitable position. Palpable frustration at job interviews is a major dealbreaker.