The tech interview process has evolved quite a bit in recent years, driven by changes in the job market, technological advances, and the rapid growth of remote work. And as you can imagine, for both employers and candidates, understanding the nuances of the current interview landscape is pretty important.
With this in mind, we’re taking a closer look at the interview process and outlining some valuable insights and tips for landing tech jobs in Ireland in 2025.
The Changing Face of Tech Interviews in Ireland
In 2024, there’s high demand across various sectors for tech jobs in Ireland. This includes software development, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics. It’s no surprise then that this demand has led to a competitive recruitment landscape, where companies must streamline their hiring processes while still assessing the right mix of skills, cultural fit, and technical expertise.
Remote and Hybrid Interviews: The New Normal
Since the pandemic, remote work has become widely accepted, and this shift has naturally influenced the tech interview process. In Ireland, as in much of the world, remote interviews are now commonplace, allowing employers to access a wider pool of talent.
According to recent data, 74% of organisations plan to implement a permanent hybrid or remote work model in 2024, which means that virtual interviews will continue to be a significant part of the hiring process through 2025..
Tip for Employers
Ensure that your interview process is optimised for virtual platforms. Whether using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or specialised recruitment platforms, test the technology beforehand to minimise technical disruptions. Candidates’ experience during the interview will reflect your company’s adaptability and professionalism. So get it right from the start and create that all-important great first impression.
Tip for Candidates
Treat remote interviews with the same level of professionalism as in-person interviews. Test your internet connection, ensure a quiet environment, and practice using the video conferencing platform before the interview. And make sure not to keep pets or children out of the room.
Key Steps for Employers in the Tech Interview Process
1. Define the Skills and Competencies You Need
The tech landscape is massive and ever-expanding, and the specific skills you require may vary significantly from one role to another. In 2024, with the rise of AI, machine learning, and data-driven business models, roles became more specialised and this could become even more pronounced in 2025.
Employers should start the recruitment process by clearly defining both technical and soft skills needed for the role.
A 2023 LinkedIn survey revealed that 89% of hiring managers in the tech sector find it challenging to find candidates with the right balance of technical expertise and soft skills. This means that employers should build competency frameworks to assess candidates holistically.
2. Use Structured Interviews
A structured interview approach ensures consistency and fairness in the hiring process. This method involves asking each candidate the same set of questions and scoring their responses against predefined criteria.
Structured interviews reduce bias, improve candidate comparability, and have been shown to predict job performance more accurately than unstructured interviews. A 2024 survey by Glassdoor found that structured interviews improve hiring accuracy by 50% compared to traditional methods.
3. Incorporate Technical Assessments
In tech roles, a candidate’s ability to solve real-world problems is paramount. Many Irish companies now include coding challenges, case studies, or technical assessments as part of their interview process. Platforms like HackerRank, Codility, and Leetcode are popular for conducting remote technical tests.
You should make sure that technical assessments align with the actual tasks the role requires. Avoid overly theoretical or outdated tests that don’t match day-to-day responsibilities. Also, consider the candidate experience—provide clear instructions and realistic time limits.
4. Evaluate Cultural Fit and Company Values
Hiring for cultural fit is now a priority in Ireland’s tech sector. A candidate may have the technical chops, but if they do not align with your company’s values, the fit may not be right in the long term. Irish companies, particularly startups, often emphasise collaborative environments, innovation, and agility.
It’s a good idea to include interview questions that explore a candidate’s values, work preferences, and team collaboration experiences. Consider using behavioural interview techniques to gain insights into how candidates handle specific challenges.
Key Tips for Tech Candidates in Ireland
1. Tailor Your Application to AI Systems
In 2024, many companies use AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through applications, especially for in-demand tech jobs in Ireland. This means your resume may be filtered by an algorithm before it reaches a human recruiter. And that’s not going to change anytime soon.
Optimise your CV for AI. Use relevant keywords that match the job description, clearly outline your skills, and avoid graphics or unconventional formats that may confuse an ATS.
2. Prepare for Coding and Problem-Solving Challenges
Technical interviews remain an essential part of the hiring process for tech jobs in Ireland. Candidates are often required to complete coding challenges, whiteboard sessions, or take-home assignments.
Practise your coding skills using platforms like HackerRank or Leetcode. Focus on problems that mirror the types of challenges you’ll encounter in the role. Be prepared to discuss your thought process and how you arrived at your solutions, as interviewers are often interested in how you approach problems.
3. Ace the Behavioural Interview
Tech employers in Ireland are now placing a greater emphasis on soft skills, particularly communication and teamwork abilities. Expect questions that explore how you’ve handled specific situations in past roles.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioural interview questions. This method helps you provide clear, concise responses that demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
4. Showcase Your Passion and Continuous Learning
As we mentioned earlier, the tech landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools, languages, and frameworks emerging almost on a daily basis. So it’s no surprise that employers value candidates who are proactive about staying current.
During your interview, demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Highlight any recent certifications, courses, or personal projects that show your passion for tech and self-improvement. For example, mentioning a course on Coursera or Udemy can signal to employers that you’re staying ahead of industry trends.
Salary Expectations and Job Market Trends for Tech Jobs in Ireland
Salaries for tech roles in Ireland remain competitive in 2024 and this trend will continue into 2025. A recent report by IrishJobs.ie found that software developers, cybersecurity professionals, and data analysts can expect salary increases between 5-10% this year, driven by the demand for specialised tech skills. Tech professionals with experience in AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are particularly well-positioned for top-tier roles.
Tip for Candidates
Research salary benchmarks for your role before the interview. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale offer up-to-date salary data for tech jobs in Ireland. This gives you the chance to negotiate with confidence.
Tip for Employers
To attract top talent in a competitive market, offer not only competitive salaries but also comprehensive benefits packages. Flexibility, including remote work options, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs, are becoming crucial incentives for tech talent.
The Future of Tech Interviews in Ireland: What to Expect Beyond in 2025
As technology continues to evolve, the tech interview process will likely see further innovations. We can see a greater reliance on AI for interview scheduling, assessments, and candidate feedback. Virtual reality (VR) interviews may also emerge as a tool to assess candidates’ technical and collaboration skills in immersive environments.
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) will continue to be a priority in Irish tech recruitment. A report by PWC predicts that by 2025, 50% of companies in Ireland will implement D&I-focused AI tools to reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, further shaping the future of tech recruitment.
The tech interview process in 2025 presents opportunities and challenges for both employers and candidates in Ireland. Whether you’re a company looking to streamline your recruitment strategy or a candidate aiming to land one of the many tech jobs in Ireland, being prepared is key. By staying informed on the latest trends, embracing new technologies, and focusing on both technical and soft skills, you can navigate the interview process with confidence.
If you’re looking for new candidates for tech roles in Ireland or you’re a professional looking to take the next step in your career, get in touch with Software Placements today and let’s plan for 2025.