Ireland : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Like most countries Ireland has been affected by the global financial crisis of 2008-2010 and this has had an ongoing impact on the job market which remains somewhat depressed. Some of the hardest hit employment sectors are construction, wholesale and retail, industry and agriculture (Forfas, 2010).

Recent figures suggest that things are gradually beginning to improve, and records show that those who have attained a good educational level generally find it easier to secure employment.

Generally Irish employers remain positive about employing EU Nationals and foreign applicants where suitable vacancies exist, provided they speak fluent English.

• Typical problems encountered: some professions require registration with the relevant professional associations and all the necessary qualifications and training to meet Irish standards and conditions (e.g. surgery, nursing, physiotherapy). There is intense competition from other graduates, particularly postgraduates.
• How to improve your chances: undertake postgraduate study. In June 2006, the Irish Government announced a new Strategy for Science,Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 , which aims to double postgraduates with 1,000 PhDs every year by 2013 and a further 315 postgraduates in the humanities and social sciences. This investment of €8.2billion (£7.7billion) will open up five main economic areas for hugely enhanced research and development in agri-food, marine industries, energy, healthcare and the environment (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation for Ireland (DETI)). Obtain practical work experience through a graduate internship or placement scheme. Build your skill set. You need to be able to demonstrate basic competencies such as good computer skills, numeracy, teamwork, communication skills. Offering fluency in another language might also help.
• Language requirements: English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the official languages of Ireland. You will need to be fluent in English to work in Ireland. For some public service appointments, such as some teaching and lecturing posts, some knowledge of Irish is also required. Irish self-study courses are available through Eurotalk Interactive , Routledge Language Learning  and Gaeltalk Online at Learn4Good .

 Where can I work?

• Major industries: high technology areas, particularly in the software industry, engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, transport, storage, communications, the public and social sector, electricity, gas and water.
• Recent growth areas: engineering, IT, the internationally traded services sector, including financial services and e-business, utilities, public and social sector, chemicals, biometrics, waste management and the environmental sector.
• Industries in decline: agriculture, construction, manufacturing and transportation.
• Shortage occupations: engineering, financial services (particularly accountancy), IT, computing, medical, social care and science areas.
• Major companies: Microsoft, IBM, Novell, GlaxoSmithKline, Integra LifeSciences, International Financial Services Centre, Daiwa Securities, Siemens, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Intel and Merrill Lynch.
• Search for more companies: Kompass - a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service, Chambers of Commerce Ireland , and Irish Yellow Pages .
• Major cities: Dublin (capital, largest), Cork, Galway and Mayo.

 What’s it like working in Ireland?

• Average working hours: the average Irish working week is 39 hours. Working hours are governed by EU directives, which stipulate that you’re entitled to a minimum of 11hours continuous rest in every 24 hours and at least one rest period in a working day of more than six hours. You’re also entitled to at least 24 hours continuous rest every week.
• Holidays: you are entitled to a minimum of four weeks holiday and the nine public holidays every year.
• Average graduate starting salary: a number of sources indicate that €29,000 (£25,000) is the current salary average for graduates in Ireland. However, since this figure includes the salaries of the highest earning positions such as investment bankers and engineers, most graduate jobs will start on less than this.
• Tax rates: all EU/EEA and Swiss nationals resident and working in Ireland will pay tax in the same way as Irish nationals. The two bands for personal income tax are 20% and 41%. (Revenue - Irish Tax and Customs).
• Working practices and customs: business dress does not differ from the UK. Mr, Mrs or Ms should be used when greeting people. In conversation, the Irish tend to move on quickly to a first-name basis. It is appropriate to present a business card at introductions. Before a meeting, there is usually preliminary small talk, to establish rapport. Networking over coffee is a popular way to do business.