How To Apply For Language Jobs In Ireland
With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle in cities such as Dublin, plus its famously warm welcome and people, there are many reasons to base yourself in the Emerald Isle if you’re contemplating living abroad. What’s more, it’s worth bearing in mind that Ireland is now the EU’s only English-speaking member nation; plus it has the third-highest rates of pay in the bloc and its economy is growing. Equally, you won’t need a work permit or visa to get a job as a UK or EU citizen.
In a post-Brexit world, relationships with non-English speaking nations are deepening, and Ireland is seeing an influx of international organisations basing their European HQs here.
Increasingly, employers are looking to hire those who have a second and maybe even a third language here, for multilingual vacancies. Figures published in the Irish Times in February 2023 show that the proportion of boys studying a foreign language for the Leaving Certificate fell from 72% to 64% during 2017-21, while for girls the drop was from 87% to 82%. The decline has been put down to teacher shortages and competition from new subjects, among other factors.
On one recruitment website, jobs requiring competency in a foreign language made up nearly 4% of job postings. Of these, more than a quarter (29%) asked for German, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. At the same time, demand for non-European tongues, including Chinese and Japanese, rose 40% between 2018 and 2019. Meanwhile one recruiter says languages like Norwegian, Danish and Finnish are also sought-after. Demand is especially high in sales and customer service roles.
So there are plenty of language jobs on offer in Ireland. If English is not your first language, however, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency level when applying for jobs.
Of course, competition for good jobs in Ireland can be stiff, as it can anywhere else. Here are some tips for maximising your chances. Clearly, the more you research and apply for jobs in advance, the greater the headstart you’ll have.
How can I find work in Ireland?
You’ll find the application process for job roles pretty similar to the way it works in the UK. Irish higher education qualifications are roughly comparable to their UK equivalents, so Irish employers will typically recognise all levels of university degrees (although if you’re not sure, there’s no harm in checking).
Find a job in Ireland online
As ever, the internet is your friend and you can apply for jobs abroad online in Ireland. You’ll find a growing number of job websites tailored to the Irish employment market. Along with vacancies, these feature advice about tailoring your cover letter and CV to opportunities in Ireland, plus interview tips. In fact, as elsewhere, more employers are deciding to advertise this way on recruitment websites such as www.recruitmentdirect.com.
Find jobs in Ireland through recruitment specialists
The best recruitment consultants and job agencies Ireland save candidates time, provide personalised support and guidance and access to inside knowledge and jobs not advertised elsewhere. You can often develop a beneficial working relationship with your agency, and receive helpful feedback after attending interviews.
Networking
Work your own contacts and contacts of contacts, in person and online, as much as you can. One thing to bear in mind is that Irish culture is very warm, friendly and open. So, if you can, try not to come over as too shy or reserved, especially when meeting in person.
Open and recruitment days
Look online for events like this that may be coming up near you. You’ll forge new connections and learn about different organisations and opportunities, potentially even leading to a job offer. Take copies of your CV, remember that you’ll effectively be on show throughout, and treat these occasions like a job interview. Remember the point above about being sociable.
Tips for finding a job in Ireland
Your covering letter
Clearly, you’ll need to stand out, since jobs are competitive, despite the healthy economy. Write a tailored letter geared to both the employer and the position. Mention specific things about the business and why you want to work for them.
The CV
Follow the standard European CV format, writing your contact details and name at the top before going on to cover your educational history and achievements, your career history (starting with your most recent job) and references. Don’t make it longer than two pages.
If you’re applying for a multilingual sales role in Ireland make sure you have a minimum of one years telesales experience; and for multilingual call centre jobs at least six months in customer service.
The interview
This is something you’ll inevitably have to go through before you can be taken on by any employer. Be prepared, be on time, be honest and assertive and ask for feedback if the meeting doesn’t go your way, so you can improve for next time.
For more hints and tips on CVs check out our candidates page.
Recruitment Direct has extensive experiencing hiring for language jobs in Ireland, especially in call centres and sales among other roles. Take a look at our range of current job openings in Ireland. If you would also like information on permits, taxes and finding accommodation in Ireland; we provide all of this in our post on Living & Working In Ireland.