Career Resources Ireland
Everything you need to land your next job in Ireland — CV templates, interview tips, salary guides, employment rights and work permit information.
Irish CV Tips & Template Guide
Writing a strong CV is the first step to getting hired in Ireland. Irish employers receive dozens of applications for every role — your CV needs to stand out. Here are the key things every Irish CV should include: personal details (name, phone, email, LinkedIn), a personal statement, work experience (reverse chronological), education, skills, and references available on request.
✓Keep it to 2 pages max
Irish employers expect concise CVs. Two pages is the standard maximum — focus on your last 10 years of experience.
✓Use a clear, professional format
Use a clean, readable font (Arial, Calibri or Garamond, 11–12pt). Avoid heavy design templates that obscure content for ATS systems.
✓Include a personal statement
Open with 3–4 lines summarising who you are, what you're looking for and what you bring to the table.
✓Tailor your CV to each application
Mirror the key words from the job description. Irish employers and ATS systems scan for relevant keywords.
✓List achievements, not just duties
Use bullet points and quantify your achievements where possible — e.g. 'Increased sales by 23%' or 'Managed a team of 8'.
✓Include your PPS number section carefully
Do not include your PPS number on your CV — this is private personal data. Share it only after a formal job offer.
Irish CV Sections (in order)
- Personal Details (name, phone, email, location — no photo required)
- Personal Profile / Career Objective (3–4 sentences)
- Work Experience (most recent first, with achievements)
- Education & Qualifications
- Skills (IT, languages, professional certifications)
- Interests (optional, keep brief)
- References: Available on Request
How to Write a Cover Letter (Ireland)
A strong cover letter should be concise (max one page), personalised to each employer and role, and demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate.
State the specific role you're applying for, where you found it, and a one-line summary of why you're interested.
Highlight 2–3 specific achievements or skills that match the job requirements. Use the STAR method. Reference the company's values or recent news to show you've done your research.
Express enthusiasm, confirm you've attached your CV, indicate your availability for interview, and thank them for considering your application.
Use 'Yours sincerely' if you know the hiring manager's name, or 'Yours faithfully' if addressing 'Dear Hiring Manager'.
Interview Tips for Jobs in Ireland
Research the company thoroughly
Know the company's history, recent news, products/services and culture. Mentioning specific details shows genuine interest.
Prepare STAR examples
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers to competency-based questions, which are standard in Irish interviews.
Dress professionally
Even for 'casual' company cultures, smart casual or business attire is appropriate for a first interview.
Prepare questions to ask
Always have 3–5 questions ready for the interviewer. Ask about team structure, progression opportunities or the role's challenges.
Confirm interview format in advance
Many Irish companies use video interviews (Zoom/Teams) for first rounds. Confirm the format, time zone and link the day before.
Follow up with a thank-you email
Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview referencing a specific part of the conversation.
Common Irish Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Give me an example of a time you dealt with a difficult situation.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Why are you leaving your current role?
- What salary are you looking for?
Ireland Salary Guide 2025
Average salary ranges by role in Ireland (gross annual, full-time). Salaries vary by experience, employer size and location — Dublin typically pays 10–20% above the national average.
| Role | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | €45,000 | €90,000 |
| Nurse (Staff) | €32,000 | €55,000 |
| Accountant | €38,000 | €70,000 |
| Electrician | €35,000 | €60,000 |
| Marketing Manager | €45,000 | €80,000 |
| Chef (Senior) | €32,000 | €55,000 |
| Customer Service Agent | €28,000 | €38,000 |
| Warehouse Operative | €27,000 | €36,000 |
| HR Manager | €50,000 | €85,000 |
| Financial Analyst | €45,000 | €80,000 |
| Project Manager (IT) | €60,000 | €100,000 |
| Pharmacist | €55,000 | €80,000 |
* Salary ranges are indicative for 2025 and sourced from Irish recruitment market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience and location.
Employment Rights in Ireland
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to at least 4 weeks paid annual leave per year (20 days for a 5-day week). Part-time entitlements are pro-rata.
Public Holidays
Ireland has 12 public holidays per year. Employees are entitled to a paid day off, a paid day off within a month, or an extra day's pay — whichever the employer decides.
Sick Pay
From 2024, employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year under the Sick Leave Act. Many employers provide enhanced sick pay schemes.
Notice Period
You're entitled to statutory minimum notice based on length of service: 1 week (13 weeks–2 years), scaling up to 8 weeks for 15+ years service.
Unfair Dismissal
After 12 months continuous service, employees are protected against unfair dismissal. Complaints go to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
PPS Number
You must obtain a PPS (Personal Public Service) number before starting work in Ireland. Apply at your local DEASP Intreo Centre or online at mywelfare.ie.
Work Permits & Visa Sponsorship Jobs Ireland
Non-EEA citizens need an employment permit to work legally in Ireland. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can work freely. The most common routes are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
For highly skilled non-EEA workers. Requires a salary of at least €38,000 (most roles) or €32,000 for eligible roles on the Critical Skills list. Leads to long-term residency.
General Employment Permit
For roles not on the Critical Skills list with a minimum salary of €30,000. Labour market needs test required (employer must advertise role in Ireland first).
Intra-Company Transfer Permit
Allows multinationals to transfer employees from overseas offices to Irish subsidiaries. No salary minimum but should be market rate.
Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G)
Graduates of Irish universities can apply for a 24-month stay-back permit allowing them to work in Ireland and transition to an employment permit.
Getting Your PPS Number
A PPS number is required to start work, pay tax and access public services in Ireland. Apply in person at your local Intreo Centre (DSP office) with your passport, proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement) and proof of why you need a PPS number (e.g. employment letter). Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Ready to Find Your Next Job in Ireland?
Browse thousands of live vacancies across every sector and location in Ireland on JobsIrish.ie.