When it comes to job hunting in Ireland, your CV is your golden ticket. It’s usually the first impression you make with a recruiter or employer, and let’s be real—first impressions matter a lot. Many candidates spend months applying but never get a callback simply because their CV wasn’t tailored properly. Irish recruiters in particular expect a clear, professional, and well-structured CV that matches both international standards and some local preferences.
If you want to make sure your CV stands out, let’s go step by step through some practical tips that actually work in the Irish job market.
Keep it short and sharp
In Ireland, recruiters prefer CVs that are usually two pages maximum. Anything longer than that often feels like too much. If you’re an entry-level candidate or applying for your first job, one page is totally fine. The key is not to overload it with unnecessary details. Think of your CV as a highlight reel—not your entire autobiography.
Contact details matter more than you think
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget small details. Always include:
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Full name
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Irish phone number (if you’re already in Ireland, or an Irish SIM for job hunting)
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Professional email (avoid funny addresses like coolguy123@gmail.com)
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LinkedIn profile link (make sure your LinkedIn is polished)
A postal address is optional nowadays, but if you include it, just city and county is enough (like “Dublin 2” or “Cork City”).
Tailor your CV to the job description
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work anymore. Recruiters can instantly tell if you sent the same CV to ten different companies. Instead, adjust your CV slightly for each role. For example, if the job description asks for “strong communication skills” or “project management experience,” reflect those exact words in your CV (without lying, of course).
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Generic CV Line | Tailored CV Line |
|---|---|
| “Worked with a team on different projects.” | “Collaborated with a cross-functional team of 8 to deliver a €100k client project ahead of schedule.” |
See how the second one feels sharper? It gives numbers, context, and aligns with what employers want.
Use an Irish-style CV format
Most Irish recruiters expect:
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Contact details at the top.
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A short personal profile/summary (3–4 lines max).
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Work experience in reverse chronological order.
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Education.
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Skills and extras (certifications, languages, volunteering).
Avoid putting a photo unless specifically asked (Ireland generally doesn’t require CV photos).
Write a strong personal profile
Your personal profile (sometimes called a summary) is the short paragraph at the top of your CV. It should give recruiters a quick picture of who you are. Keep it punchy, avoid clichés, and focus on your value.
Bad example:
“I am a hardworking, motivated individual looking for a challenging role.”
Better example:
“Results-driven digital marketing graduate with experience running social media campaigns for small businesses in Dublin. Skilled in content creation, analytics, and client communication.”
Show results, not just duties
Recruiters love numbers. Instead of saying:
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“Responsible for managing social media pages.”
Say this:
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“Increased Facebook engagement by 40% in three months through targeted content strategy.”
Achievements tell them you can deliver, not just show up.
Mind the language and spelling
In Ireland, UK English spelling is used, not American English. So, write “organisation” not “organization,” “labour” not “labor,” and “analyse” instead of “analyze.” Small things like this actually make a difference.
Highlight Irish work experience if you have it
If you’ve worked in Ireland before, even in part-time roles, include that. Recruiters often look more positively at candidates who already have some Irish work experience because it shows familiarity with the workplace culture.
Don’t forget volunteering and activities
In Ireland, volunteering is highly valued. If you’ve done community service, charity work, or even university society activities, add them. It shows initiative and teamwork.
Keep formatting clean and simple
Avoid over-designing your CV with fancy graphics or multiple columns unless you’re applying for a creative role like graphic design. Irish recruiters prefer straightforward formatting. Use:
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Clear section headings
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Bullet points for achievements
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A professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman)
Add keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies in Ireland use ATS software to scan CVs. That means your CV might be filtered out before a human even sees it if it doesn’t match keywords from the job posting. Look carefully at the skills mentioned in the job description and reflect them naturally in your CV.
Show transferable skills if you’re changing careers
If you’re moving from one industry to another, highlight transferable skills. For example:
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Communication
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Problem-solving
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Leadership
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IT skills
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Project management
Education section should be precise
Don’t just write the degree title. Add details like:
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Degree: BSc in Computer Science
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Institution: Trinity College Dublin
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Year of graduation: 2022
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Relevant modules: Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing
This way, recruiters can instantly see how your education links to the role.
Keep hobbies short and relevant
If you add hobbies, make them meaningful. Instead of “reading” or “watching movies,” write something like:
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“Member of a local football club (team captain)”
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“Volunteer tech tutor for seniors”
These add personality without being filler.
Table: Quick Dos and Don’ts for Irish CVs
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Keep it 1–2 pages | Send 4-page CVs |
| Use action verbs (led, managed, created) | Use vague words (did, helped) |
| Include Irish number & LinkedIn | Use outdated contact details |
| Tailor CV for each role | Send the same CV everywhere |
| Use UK English spelling | Use American spelling |
Why your CV must match Irish culture
In Ireland, recruiters value honesty, modesty, and clarity. Overselling yourself with exaggerated claims can backfire. On the other hand, being too modest may hide your skills. Strike a balance: confident but humble.
FAQs
1. Do Irish recruiters prefer cover letters with CVs?
Yes, especially for professional roles. A cover letter should complement your CV, not repeat it.
2. Should I put references on my CV?
Not necessary. Simply write “References available on request.”
3. Can I use a Europass CV format?
While Europass is accepted, Irish recruiters often prefer a more traditional two-page CV.
4. Do I need to translate non-English qualifications?
Yes, mention the Irish or international equivalent if possible.
5. How important is LinkedIn in Ireland?
Very important. Most recruiters cross-check your CV with your LinkedIn profile.
Final thoughts
Improving your CV for Irish recruiters doesn’t require magic—just some smart adjustments. Keep it short, show results, tailor it to each role, and pay attention to Irish preferences like UK English spelling and clear formatting. Remember, your CV’s job is not to get you the job itself—it’s to win you the interview. Once you get in the door, your personality and skills can shine.
So, take an evening, rework your CV, and align it with these tips. It could be the difference between silence and that long-awaited call: “We’d like to invite you for an interview.” 🎯
