Recruitment
E.U. citizens working in Ireland enjoy the same rights of employment as Irish citizens. It is advisable to begin researching job opportunities well in advance of moving to Ireland because finding work can take time. In virtually all positions a good level of spoken and written English is essential.
As of March 2004, the unemployment rate in Ireland was 4.5%. The unemployment rate for those aged under 25 was higher at 8.2%. Ireland is a small, open, trade-dependant economy, and in 2003 the services sector accounted for 66% of employment, industry for 28% and agriculture for 6%.
Employers advertise vacant positions through a variety of media in Ireland. These include the national Public Employment Service (FÁS), private recruitment agencies and direct employer recruitment via national and local newspapers, radio and web based advertising. Addresses for private recruitment agencies can be found in local telephone directories or through the Internet.
The National Training and Employment Authority, FÁS, is the national Public Employment Service provider and have Employment Services Offices and Training Centres all over the country. To find your local FÁS office, see the links page at the end of the document.
FÁS provides a range of services to help people find work. All FÁS services are open to men and women equally and to all citizens of the European Union. The most important step to availing of FÁS services is to register at your local FÁS Office. FÁS Employment Services Offices will provide career advice and guidance including information on job opportunities as well as temporary employment options. In order to register at your local FÁS Office, you will need to present your Personal Public Service (PPS) number along with a valid passport. All FÁS employment services are free of charge and you can search the FÁS Jobs Ireland Website for vacancies at the web link found at the end of this document. FÁS also provide a National Contact Centre service whereby registered jobseekers can telephone call centre staff to find out further information on jobs they would be suited for. 1850 66 77 66 - 046 973 800
The Personal Public Service Number (PPS No) is a unique personal identifier for transactions between individuals and Government Departments and other agencies. You must have a PPS number in order to gain employment. Please see the web link at the end of the document for further information.
Applications
Application letters
Application letters should be typed and on plain white A4 paper. You should write clearly and you should highlight your personal qualities and your relevant experience. Copies of qualifications, employer testimonials should be included. Most companies will reply to your letter even if you have been unsuccessful. If you have not been contacted within about four weeks, you may wish to telephone the company to make sure your letter was received.
Application forms
When applying for a job, you may be asked to fill in an application form. The use of such forms is widespread, but they tend to follow a similar format. Standard questions may cover education and training, work experience, hobbies and personal interests. Companies in Ireland like to get an idea of what you do outside work as this might provide insight into the qualities you would bring to the job.
You only need to supply a photograph if this is requested on the form. It is critical that your form arrives with the company before the specified closing date. If your form is late, it may not even be considered.
Interviews
If a company is impressed with your application letter or form, they are likely to offer you an interview. You may be interviewed by just one person or by a panel of interviewers. They will ask you questions in an attempt to find out whether you are the person they are looking for.
You may well be asked questions about your motivation, your education and about the company itself. You may also be asked to expand on information given in your application letter or form.
It is crucial that you be thoroughly prepared for the interview. Find out as much as you can about the company, as well as any current issues in its market sector. If you can talk authoritatively about the company you will create a good impression.
You should take with you copies of your CV, qualifications, employer testimonials and any other documents you think you may need.
Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should be one to two pages long and provide an account of you, your work experience and your qualifications. There is no set format, but you should generally include:
- Your personal details
- Your education (including schools, dates and places)
- Your work experience (including dates, most recent job first)
- Your language skills (especially if English is not your first language); and
- Your interests and hobbies.
VIA (Eures)
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