Working in Dublin

In recent years, Dublin has become quite the player in the international economy. Along with its strategic location and easy access to the EU, several other aspects have made Dublin an attractive business destination, including business tax incentives and a friendly commercial environment. As a result, not only have international businesses sprung up all over Dublin, but many of you have followed your employers to postings on the Emerald Isle.

You will generally find a happy and increasingly vibrant work environment, but also surprisingly competitive.

Job market in Dublin

If you are working in construction-related industries, you should think twice before heading to Ireland. Jobs for architects, conveyancers, building contractors, and lawyers working in property law are thin on the ground, and the demand for employment far exceeds supply. Key roles in demand include site engineers and project managers, but a skills shortage persists.

If you are hoping to get work in the state sector, you will also have great difficulty. Since the hiring freeze on state departments like health and education ended in 2015, competition for these jobs has intensified. The public sector struggles to attract and retain talent, especially in specialised roles such as healthcare and IT.

Dublin’s IT sector is particularly strong, and some of the world's most prominent tech companies – such as Microsoft, Google, Dell, and Amazon – have regional headquarters in the city. The financial sector is also a major employer, with high demand for data analytics, digital transformation, and risk management roles.

Most of you working in Dublin are transferred within your company, especially those in the IT sector. You will likely find the city's work ethic and business culture similar to that of many British and American companies.

Finding a job in Dublin

If you are looking to work in Ireland’s capital, you must do your homework. The job market in Dublin is tough, and you will need perseverance and optimism when searching for job prospects.

Before moving to the Emerald Isle, you will need to research and line up a job. The most promising sectors are IT, accounting, and the pharmaceutical industry. Highlighting international experience and skills in demand can make you a more attractive candidate.

If you are moving to Dublin without a job lined up, you can find work through contacts already in the country. Given Ireland's size, finding work in Dublin is much easier with the help of local contacts. If you don't have any contacts, we recommend using online portals and social networks such as LinkedIn, or perusing company websites within a particular industry for vacancies. Attending industry events and proactively reaching out to companies can also yield results.

Useful links

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Jobs.ie
• Irish Jobs

Work culture in Dublin

The Irish can be obsessive when it comes to working. Long hours from Monday to Friday and occasionally on Saturdays are common. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, especially for newcomers.

The Irish consider offices quite informal, but you should be prepared for long meetings and a strict hierarchy. Work attire is generally formal, especially in industries such as finance and engineering. Casual dress codes are more common in the tech and creative sectors.

If you're from a Western background, you will have little trouble adapting to Irish work culture. The environment is typically collaborative and less rigid, making integrating easier.

Useful links

• Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
• Workplace Relations