An ex job-seeker’s guide to: how to find a job in Ireland
One of the most important things to try to accomplish before you emigrate is to find a job in Ireland. At a minimum you should have some idea of where you will begin your search once you arrive here.
From my experience of living abroad finding a job in Ireland is much like it is in the United States, and I'm guessing it is similar in other countries too.
There are a few key places to begin your search, all of which are worth your time exploring. You just never know where that amazing opportunity you're looking for will arise from.
Just some of the many ways to find a job in Ireland
Recruiters
Recruiting agencies play a major role in the 21st job-seeker world. My first introduction to recruiters was many years ago while in America. I didn't quite like the idea of them initially. I mean, why should I do the work and they get paid? But I see it very differently now. A good recruiter will find you a good job. If a recruiter can do that for you, then it seems fair they receive a slice of the pie. It's easy to find recruiters in Ireland. Just do a quick Google search, but be sure to find one that specializes in your area of expertise. Some have connections in IT, others in nursing, others in construction (you get the idea). There are also companies like Zartis.com who specialize in finding technology jobs. They will ask you to submit your profile information and will try to match you with an employer. Kind of like a dating site, but for careers : )
Go direct to hiring companies
Probably still one of the best ways to go about finding a job is to go straight to the company you're trying to get employment with (you'll notice that some won't even work with third parties at all). Try their online job postings section, or try to dig out a phone number if one is available. If you're wondering how to find these companies just do a quick Google search. Example searches: "software companies in Dublin", "pharmaceutical companies in Ireland" etc. In fact there are websites like makeitinireland.com that list many of these for you. Currently (Sept 2014) they are displaying the names of almost 250 technology companies on their tech map.
Job aggregation websites
Back in the early 2000's I can remember spending many hours browsing and tweaking my search conditions on the likes of Monster.com and HotJobs.com (seems like these 2 have merged now). These types of websites can be a great resource to make use of. Most will have an advanced search feature, allowing you to weed out the stuff you don't want to see, and they also have very handy features such as CV upload and email alerts. These alerts are a convenient way to get up to date information on the newest jobs in your field, as well as the names of agencies and companies who are currently hiring. There are many players in this game e.g. irishjobs.ie, monster.ie, indeed.com, jobs.ie & others.
Job Fairs
Job fairs are another great way to get your name and Resume out there to employers. Unfortunately many of the job fairs that I've seen over the years in Ireland have been to help people to move away from Ireland. However, there are job fairs for jobs within the country. Keep track of JobsExpo, careerzoo and gradireland (for graduates) for job fair info.
Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc etc...I could go on, but I won't. Social media has played a massive role in 21st century lives, and my guess is that's not going to change any time soon. For job searching, a special emphasis should be placed on LinkedIn. LinkedIn gives you a wonderful opportunity to connect with other job-seekers, employers and interest groups. Sign up if you haven't already, and keep your profile information up-to-date. You just never know who might find it.
Colleges
Most Irish colleges will have some sort of job fair at some point during the year. I'm not sure of the protocol of attending these if you're not a registered college attendee, but it might be worth your while checking in to that, and seeing if there are opportunities there that you could avail of.
Are you a graphic designer?
There are wonderful websites out there which cater to the world of graphic design. People and businesses are always looking for talented artists who can create a logo for them, touch up photos, design their stationary, create a t-shirt design, illustrate a book or magazine etc. You'd be surprised at the number of businesses looking for this kind of talent, and you can do it as a freelancer from anywhere in the world. Depending on your level of expertise and the availability of work that you are qualified to do, you could make a decent living from this, or at the very least it might be a very nice second source of income.
For opportunities, try 99Designs.com, Elance.com and DesignCrowd.com.
Job Boards
There are plenty of online boards out there that you can trawl through for something that is suitable to your needs. The job board approach is similar to the old-fashioned way of browsing the notice board at your local shopping center 20 years ago. You may not find many high paying jobs using this method (after all they are probably not paying advertising or recruiting fees), but it might have something that you are looking for.
Friends/family
It's not what you know, but you know. (I wish I knew more people 🙂 ) In Ireland friends and family can still play a big part in helping you get a job (less so now though than in previous years). Personal references (especially in certain fields) can be invaluable so if you know someone who you think is 'connected', reach out. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.
Newspapers/Radio
Strangely, newspapers can turn up the odd job or 2 that might be worth checking out. (I say 'strangely' because career info is almost entirely online these days). Also, many radio stations will have a daily or weekly job announcement. If you want to find out more, call up the local radio station and ask them when this information is broadcast.
This website
If someone is interesting in creating a jobs section or group on this website, then please get in touch.
More information worth reviewing
- RecruitIreland have a section for career advice. Topics covered: CVs, cover letters, interview advice, salary advice, salary guideline
- Job Seekers benefit from Welfare.ie
- From spunout.ie (a website for young people by young people) CV preparation tips and cover letter suggestions.
As always your input is sincerely valued. Please add a comment below with other ways to find a job in Ireland that you think are relevant to the audience of this website.
Thanks, and good luck!
5 Comments Already
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Social Welfare Job site
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Intreo_home.aspx
Thanks Tony. Intreo is a new online presence for me. Just checked out their site, and it they give the following detail. “Intreo is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports.
Designed to provide a more streamlined approach, Intreo offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike.”
Its the new department that has taken over the Unemployment/Benefits/Training etc. Is supposed to have made things easier but there are a few conflicts of interest having one point covering several former departments?
It also lists the available jobs/training that used to come under the FAS banner, mainly options for long term unemployed.
I was down in Cobh (Cork) yesterday, and actually spotted their office there. It’s funny how you hear something new, and then all of a sudden it appears. What ever happened to FAS? I saw they are now dissolved, but never saw why.
Absorbed, as was the social assistance section of the HSE so now if there is a problem with benefit payments you have to go to the people you are having the problem with rather than an independent source..
FAS still runs for those already on the scheme but no new posts.. (basically its a way to juggle statistics (to my mind anyway))