Whether it’s to fund your social life or to pay your bills, a job is a great place to start. It often feels like there are no jobs out there but don’t give up – there are still opportunities, but the key is to be prepared and present yourself well to give yourself the best chance of success:
The building blocks to getting that job:
1. Knowing where to look – see section on Where to look for a job lower down this page
2. A Good CV: It is your first chance to showcase yourself. Your CV should be in Plain English and be no more than two pages in length. Make sure all details are up to date, honest and relevant to the job you’re applying for. We can do up your CV for you
3. Cover Letter: It is always important to introduce your CV and yourself in a cover letter. Ensure that the cover letter is specific for each position you apply for, keep it personable, positive and professional –sell yourself with pride.
4. The Interview: You’ve got this far – it is important that you don’t stumble at this stage. Interviews are all about preparation, preparation and more preparation. Don’t assume you’ll answer questions asked without preparation and practice – ask someone to do a mock interview.
5. Networking is key – It can be very difficult to find a job filling in forms online and emailing lots of CVs. Finding a job in Ireland often operates on word of mouth and making connections with people. Go out and meet people, call into places and give out CV’s by hand.
6. Perseverance – ‘Finding a job is hard work’ – Treat finding employment as a job in itself – commitment, dedication and persistence will help you find your ideal job.
Useful Links
Spunout – Have a look at ‘how to make a classy cover letter’ and ‘Tips for nailing that job interview’.
FAS – Information to help with a move to Ireland such as migrant support groups; state bodies; trade and professional associations; higher education; accommodation; salaries; job databases; private recruitment agencies. This is also available in other languages
When you are looking for a job in Ireland, there is a range of information sources and supports to help you in your search. You should check the sources regularly for new vacancies:The main ones are:
- Online: Most employment websites allow you to add your CV where it can be accessed by employers. If you do an online search you will find a range of job websites.
- Newspapers: Classified jobs sections newspapers – list of national, provincial newspapers
- Private Recruitment agencies: There are specialist recruitment agencies if you are looking for a particular type of job. If you do an online search you will find a range of these websites.
- Notices: Jobs are often advertised in shop and restaurant windows, supermarkets and other community noticeboards
- Companies: Check out Companies related to the particular area of work that you are qualified or interested in.
- Networking – Finding a job in Ireland often operates on word of mouth and making connections with people. Go out and meet people. Word of mouth is an excellent way of finding out about job opportunities – ask your friends and see if they know of any vacancies where they work.
- Local Employment Services (LES): The Department of Social Protection has a network of Local Employment Services offices. They provide information and advice for job-seekers as well as a list of job vacancies.