The Irish economy may not be booming right now, but when it comes to software jobs, there’s no shortage of options out there. In fact, a quick look online shows us that in April of 2023 there are just shy of 9,000 software-related roles available throughout the country.
As one of Europe’s top tech hubs, it’s no surprise that the vast majority of those roles are located in Dublin. However, cities such as Galway, Limerick, and Cork also offer some great opportunities for anyone willing to relocate to somewhere outside the capital.
With all of this in mind, we’ve taken the time to collate a few insights and tips that the team here at Software Placements have gleaned from our decades of experience in the industry. And remember, if you are an experienced professional who knows the Irish jobs market inside out, it’s not a bad idea to refresh your memory or perhaps learn a slightly different approach if you’re planning on making a career change in the near future.
Consider location
Dublin has a thriving software jobs market and it is without a doubt the biggest in the country. With many of the world’s leading tech companies based here and a lively startup scene, there are countless opportunities within the city and on its outskirts.
However, Dublin is not the be all and end all of software jobs in Ireland. The key markets that we mentioned earlier of Galway, Limerick, and Cork are great options for a candidate who may be looking for a slightly more relaxed way of life. There’s also Waterford which is considered a major life sciences tech hub and is home to some of the world’s leading brands in that field.
To put it simply, don’t limit yourself to Dublin.
Check local industry trends and requirements
The truth is that no matter where you are on the planet, the skills required for software jobs in a general sense tend to be quite similar. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all job markets are equal.
Whether you are relocating to Ireland from abroad or you are local and looking for a new challenge, it always pays to be prepared. This means taking a look at the local jobs market and seeing what kind of skills are the most sought after. That could be experience in Frontend technologies like HTML5, CSS, JQuery and Javascript or specific certifications or qualifications. This will allow you to develop your own skill set to match the market and give you a better chance of success.
Build your online network
LinkedIn is there for a reason so make use of it. While we don’t necessarily encourage a free-for-all approach to networking, we do recommend that you start connecting with people or following people that may be relevant to you when it comes time to launch your job search.
And no, we’re not just talking about recruiters. Look for the movers and shakers in the Irish software industry. The people who have a lot to say on social media and who regularly share their insights on the local market. This could be industry specific if you’re looking for a software role in life sciences or it could be someone who speaks a lot about the local startup industry. We would even recommend following pages of companies that are based in Ireland just which is what we talk about in our next tip.
Think about culture
No, we’re not talking about traditional music and St. Patrick’s Day parades no matter how much fun both can be. We’re actually talking about company culture. This is why we recommend following companies on social media that you hope to work with. This is easier said than done of course, as you never know where a job search may take you.
Even so, keeping an eye on the social media activity of other companies and employers can give you a feel for their culture. Does the company appreciate its employees? Does it celebrate their achievements? Does it take work/life balance seriously?
These are the types of things that will tell you if a company is the right environment for you and your career. To be honest, this is something that all job seekers should do for any role particularly if they are already heading towards the interview stage of the hiring process.
Showcase your talents
Whether you build a personal website or showcase your coding projects on GitHub, letting people know about your skills can be a very positive thing for your career. You can also join industry forums particularly those that are focused on the Irish software industry and jobs market.
While showcasing talents in this way may not be for everyone, getting your name out there is certainly a way to get yourself noticed. Even sharing positive results about your work or projects on social media can help you in the long run as it lets those within your network know about your abilities and expertise.
Insider tip
Our final insider tip is to simply contact the team here at Software Placements. We’ve got the experience, the client list, the network, and most importantly, the expertise to help you achieve your goals whether you’re based in Ireland or looking to relocate here. So get in touch today and let’s talk about your career.