If you have been working abroad for many years, you may feel alternately excited and overwhelmed by the idea of returning home to Ireland and finding work. There’s no doubt that the job market will have changed here if you have been away for any length of time, particularly with all of the shifts that have taken place in the world of employment since the Covid-19 pandemic.
There’s no need to panic, however, because we can help you to navigate your way back into the Irish job market, with our top tips for Irish expats who have decided to make the move back home. Whether you’re returning to be closer to your relatives, to raise a family or for better economic prospects, there are many ways to ease the transition, and we’ll take a look at some of these here.
Returning to your homeland after a period of time living and working elsewhere can be challenging, and preparing yourself in advance can make all the difference to your success. We recommend:
Many expats feel that it will be best to wait until they arrive back in Ireland before they start looking for work, but this is a rookie error that could cost you financially. Employers are now more likely than ever to offer remote application processes, including online interviews, so there is no reason to delay your search for work that will give you the security you need. We are a leading Recruitment Agency in Ireland, and we can help you to get started, connecting you with employers that suit your experience and skillset and helping you to build your profile in the local job market by networking online.
Showing that you understand the Irish job market and have the skills you need to excel here will give you a head start when you are applying for jobs in Ireland, and you should be very clear about your goals here. It can help to talk with our Recruitment Consultants, who will be happy to share their expertise about the best way to write and format your CV for Irish employers. You should be prepared to explain your overseas experience and provide clarity about the companies you have worked for, which may not be familiar to those in the Irish market.
In Ireland, LinkedIn is a popular way to connect with potential employers and colleagues, and you can optimise your chances of a successful application when you update your profile. You should include all the relevant information to show that you are moving back to Ireland and specify your areas of interest. It is helpful to follow companies you are interested in and join groups that connect you with opportunities that you may want to pursue. Be sure to get references from your overseas employers before you make your move back to Ireland.
You’ll save time and stress if you can settle back into the Irish culture more effectively and this is easier when you’ve done your research. It’s important to check out the comparison between salaries and cost of living, and to understand that the employment market in Ireland may have changed since you last lived here. For instance, since the Covid-19 pandemic, there are many more opportunities to work remotely or in a hybrid setup. You can access services that are designed especially for returning Irish expats, which can make the transition easier for you.
You’ll need to embrace a flexible approach and give yourself some grace if your move back to Ireland involves some bumps in the road. You may need to consider different areas of Ireland to find a job that really suits you and you can also bear in mind that many multinational companies are based in Ireland and these may hold new opportunities for you. Take the process step by step and ensure that you are making the most of the resources available to you by connecting with us at CareerWise.
Our professional Recruitment Consultants at CareerWise can connect you with excellent opportunities when you are re-entering the job market in Ireland. We work with talented individuals to build connections with high quality organisations and we can support you throughout the process, including polishing up your CV and honing your interview skills.
We are based in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin and we specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland. Contact our professional team online today or give us a call to talk with a recruitment consultant on +353 (0) 21 206 1900.
Michael worked for over 10 years in the industrial engineering environment before starting in recruitment with BDO in 2006 on their engineering desk. He joined IRC in 2008 as a technical engineering consultant before moving into account management and becoming principle account manager in IRC. Michael has worked with some of the largest engineering companies within the mid west region and has had sole management responsibility for one of the largest temporary staffing accounts with one of the bigger multinationals based in Ireland during his time with IRC.
Michael joined Careerwise in April 2016 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Galway office with a primary focus on the West, North-West and Midland regions. Michael has extensive experience and knowledge in the technical, engineering and commercial sectors.
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Giving rescued horses a brighter and happier futureCareerWise Recruitment. EastGate Village, EastGate, Little Island, Cork.
Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900
Email: info@careerwise.ie
