Finding an IT job in Ireland as a non-EU foreign national

dennyk

Hi, folks,

I'm currently a US citizen, and I've been entertaining the notion of moving from the US to Ireland for a while now. I'm currently a Linux systems administrator with about fifteen years of relevant experience in that field, as well as several years of experience with other flavors of Unix and virtualization technologies.

In the past month or so I've started actively looking for jobs in my field in Ireland. I've applied to quite a few positions on various job boards (LinkedIn, Monster, irishjobs.ie, etc.) in the past few weeks (there seem to be quite a few Linux sysadmin/systems engineering openings on the market right now that fit my skill set). I've also spoken to a couple of recruitment agencies about my search. Not much luck in finding anything so far, but of course I've just started, and I know it'll likely take a long time to find a position at a place willing to hire me.

I was wondering, though, if there is a better way to look for jobs in this situation? Obviously, most companies aren't interested in hiring a non-EU foreign national, and many recruiters won't work with me at all, but aside from the occasional job posting that specifically notes that they require eligibility to work in Ireland, there doesn't seem to be a good way to tell who might consider hiring me and who definitely wouldn't. Are there any useful resources out there (web sites, agencies, forums, etc.) that specifically cater to foreigners looking for jobs that might help narrow my search? Or should I just keep sending out applications through the usual sources?

Any other tips, advice, stories, etc. about finding a job in Ireland as a foreigner would be welcome!

Stheno

Unless you have a visa/are eligible to work in Ireland, then no one will hire you.

The one exception is if they can't fill the role from within the EU but I don't see that situation arising here given your skillset tbh

reallyrose

Most of the work permits granted in Ireland each year are for the IT sector - - http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-work-permits-the-story-in-graphs-1.2111415

The trick is, you have to be VERY good or have a very niche skill. Right now, I'm working with two companies who will offer visas, both for Java developers. The odd role comes up where the client will offer sponsorship, mostly for niche, tough to get things.

Linux isn't my wheelhouse but when my colleague gets back from his meeting, I shall ask him what the market is doing to give visas for people who want to hide in the server room.

63Vick

I'm a 28 yr Male Electronics Engineer from India who wishes to work in Ireland for a long time. I'd be interested in jobs relating to my area and otherwise too. I'm desperate here. Kindly post some good information if you have.

kidneyfan

SUGGESTION:
If THE OP's desire to move to Ireland is a long term one wold it be worth is while try to get hired at an American company that has significant operations in Ireland (in the USA) and then move here as an internal transfer?

dennyk wrote: »

Hi, folks,

I'm currently a US citizen, and I've been entertaining the notion of moving from the US to Ireland for a while now. I'm currently a Linux systems administrator with about fifteen years of relevant experience in that field, as well as several years of experience with other flavors of Unix and virtualization technologies.

In the past month or so I've started actively looking for jobs in my field in Ireland. I've applied to quite a few positions on various job boards (LinkedIn, Monster, irishjobs.ie, etc.) in the past few weeks (there seem to be quite a few Linux sysadmin/systems engineering openings on the market right now that fit my skill set). I've also spoken to a couple of recruitment agencies about my search. Not much luck in finding anything so far, but of course I've just started, and I know it'll likely take a long time to find a position at a place willing to hire me.

I was wondering, though, if there is a better way to look for jobs in this situation? Obviously, most companies aren't interested in hiring a non-EU foreign national, and many recruiters won't work with me at all, but aside from the occasional job posting that specifically notes that they require eligibility to work in Ireland, there doesn't seem to be a good way to tell who might consider hiring me and who definitely wouldn't. Are there any useful resources out there (web sites, agencies, forums, etc.) that specifically cater to foreigners looking for jobs that might help narrow my search? Or should I just keep sending out applications through the usual sources?

Any other tips, advice, stories, etc. about finding a job in Ireland as a foreigner would be welcome!

dennyk

Well, great news...after dozens of applications and several interviews with various companies, I've landed a very nice job offer from a company in Limerick! The role sounds interesting and definitely fits my skill set perfectly, and the pay is good for the role and the area. Now all I have to do is wait for my permit application to be processed while I'm doing the million other things I need to do to get ready for an international move.

Daenarys

That was quick! Congratulations. I hope you like Limerick