Job Hunting in a Competitive Market: How to Stand Out in Ireland

Ireland’s diverse economy is full of opportunities to find your dream job, whether you want to work with multinational and large scale businesses or get on board with a start-up company. There are exciting hiring opportunities in many industries, including tech and e-commerce, and many organisations are expanding to create new jobs in several areas.

Working with a recruitment agency can help you to access the best job vacancies for your experience and skillset, and our professional team at CareerWise will help you to brush up your CV and ensure that your applications stand out from the crowd.

Optimising your Job Search in Ireland

Searching for a new job can be time consuming and you will need to invest your energies wisely to get the results you want. Here’s how to make the most of your job search in Ireland:

1. Find Roles That Interest You.
   
   Job hunting can be difficult with so many different websites and apps offering vacancies, and the application processes for each may be different. Talking to a recruitment consultant can help you to identify the most suitable roles for you, and you will also find that developing your own profile on networking sites such as LinkedIn will give you access to opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere. It is important to be discerning about what you are looking for, narrowing down your requirements to find the best fit rather than being tempted to compromise on your goals for a job that isn’t ideal. Being selective will enable you to tailor your applications and secure the role you really want, so ensure that you do plenty of research at this point.

2. Craft Your Application Carefully.
   
   When you apply for a job you really want, it’s vital to make sure that your application stands out for all the right reasons. You should always take the time to tailor your CV to suit the role you are applying for, and be aware of the importance of keywords. Emphasise your previous experience and the skills that relate directly to this position and personalise your cover letter as much as possible to make the most of this first opportunity to catch the eye of the recruiter or potential employer. It is also worth paying attention to your presentation and ensuring that you have proof read your application several times, preferably asking someone else to check it for you as well. Basic errors such as spelling or grammar mistakes will put an end to your hopes of an interview, and excellent presentation is much more likely to lead to success.

3. Build Your Brand.
   
   Knowing who you are and what you want can help you to secure the job of your dreams and build your network to support your career development. Using platforms such as LinkedIn can be very helpful here, and you should make sure that your profile is up to date and reflects your experience and the skills you offer. You should aim for consistency across different platforms and take the opportunity to let your personality shine through wherever you can. An online portfolio can be helpful to give your potential employers more information about the type of person you are and what you can bring to their organisation. It’s also worth mentioning that your social media presence can let you down and undermine your professionalism if you are not careful, so don’t risk it by posting inappropriate or problematic content!

4. Network Effectively.
   
   Networking is important and finding ways to build connections with people in organisations you might want to work for can be very helpful. Take every chance to attend events that are relevant to your industry and to join conferences and networking events where you can meet other professionals. Much of this can be done online, but consider in-person events too as these offer unique opportunities to make an impact. When you get networking right, it can save you a great deal of valuable time and energy, bringing potential employers to you directly and giving you the opportunity to stand out from others in your field.

5. Prepare Yourself For Interviews.
   
   Making it through to the interview stage is a great result, but the hard work doesn’t stop here. If you want to make a good impression at interview, it’s vital to take the time to prepare yourself and asking a friend or relative for honest feedback can be very helpful. Research the company you are applying to, updating yourself on its mission and any recent news, so that you can tailor your responses to demonstrate that you will be a great fit. Present yourself professionally, thinking about eye contact and body language as well as what you say, and don’t forget to prepare questions to ask the interviewer when you are given the chance.

6. Excel In Online Interviews.
   
   Many interviews are now conducted via Zoom or other online platforms and this comes with its own complications. It is important to remember that you should still dress professionally and you will also need to think about the location you choose for your interview to ensure that you are in a calm and quiet space with a suitable background. A busy kitchen, interrupted by children and pets, for instance, will not give your interviewer a great impression of your professionalism or organisational skills!

7. Stay Positive.
   
   It can be stressful going through the process of applying for jobs and it is important to recognise this and give yourself opportunities to step back and take a break. Building your resilience so that you can keep moving forwards in your job search will make all the difference and keep you focused on your goals. Your positivity and enthusiasm will make a great impression on recruiters and interviewers and help to ensure that you stand out from other applicants.

8. Ask For Feedback.
   
   After an interview, you should always follow up by thanking the interviewer for their time and highlighting your interest in the position you have been interviewed for. If you are not successful at this point, you should ask for feedback so that you can learn from the process and make any changes necessary for the next opportunity.

9. Upskill Where You Can.
   
   We know that the job market in Ireland is thriving, but there is always a good deal of competition for attractive job opportunities so anything you can do to set yourself above the competition will be helpful. Upskilling is an essential part of developing your career and doing this strategically will make you more appealing to the organisations you apply to. Take a look at the courses and experiences available to you and consider where you need to focus in order to master the skills your potential employers are looking for.

Talk to CareerWise and Find Your Dream Job

At CareerWise, our recruitment experts can help you to find the job you’ve been dreaming of. We work with organisations and individuals to build connections and we can help you to polish your CV and brush up your interview skills as well as giving you insights into company cultures.

We have many years of experience in the recruitment industry and we can support you throughout your job hunting process. Contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to speak with one of our professional Recruitment Consultants.

Conor Twomey

Contract Recruitment (Director) – Cork/Shannon Offices

Conor is a sales professional with approx. 14 years experience in the Recruitment, Property and Advertising industries.
Conor has a background in engineering recruitment for clients based in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors throughout Ireland.
He holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management and he is also a qualified auctioneer.
Conor joined CareerWise in June 2016 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant.

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