Getting a job in Ireland is an exciting opportunity. The country is known for its growing economy, friendly people, and diverse work culture. But before you land that dream role, you have to pass one big step — the interview. Many people feel nervous about interviews, and that’s normal. The good news is, if you prepare the right way, you can walk into the room (or join the video call) with confidence.
Below are some very practical, human-centered tips that are specifically useful for Ireland. The tone is simple, the advice is straight to the point, and it includes little things you may not usually hear.
Understand the Irish workplace culture
Irish workplaces are friendly, but they also value professionalism. People often appreciate politeness, good humor, and being approachable. At the same time, managers expect you to be clear and respectful. For example, being too formal is not necessary — but being casual to the point of unprofessional can hurt your chances. A balance is best.
Do your research about the company
Every employer in Ireland wants to know you’ve done your homework. Before you attend the interview, check:
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What industry they are in.
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Who their main competitors are.
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Recent company news (mergers, projects, or achievements).
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The role description in detail.
A simple way is to look at the company’s website, LinkedIn page, or recent news articles. When you mention this research during the interview, it shows genuine interest.
Dress smartly (but not over the top)
Irish companies don’t usually expect extreme formality unless you’re applying for a law firm, banking, or corporate consulting. For most interviews, business casual works best. That could mean:
| For Men | For Women |
|---|---|
| Shirt with collar, blazer or neat sweater, trousers, clean shoes | Blouse or shirt, blazer/cardigan, smart trousers/skirt, neat shoes |
Wearing a full three-piece suit might look out of place unless it’s a very formal company. Keep it tidy, clean, and comfortable.
Be prepared for small talk
Unlike some countries where interviews jump straight to business, in Ireland, many interviews begin with light conversation. You may be asked about your journey to the interview, the weather (a very popular topic here ☔), or how you’re finding Ireland if you’re new. Don’t dismiss this as unimportant — it helps build rapport.
Answer questions with examples
Irish employers like practical answers. Instead of saying, “I’m a good team player,” try giving a short example:
“I worked with three colleagues on a project, and we managed to deliver it two weeks earlier by dividing roles and supporting each other.”
This method, known as STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result), is often recommended. It keeps your answer structured and clear.
Be ready for common interview questions
Here are some examples of what you may face:
| Question | What They Want to Know |
|---|---|
| “Tell me about yourself.” | A short, relevant story of your career journey. |
| “Why do you want to work here?” | That you know the company and see a future there. |
| “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” | Honesty and self-awareness, not perfection. |
| “Where do you see yourself in five years?” | Your ambition and commitment. |
| “Can you give an example of solving a problem at work?” | Real evidence of problem-solving ability. |
Show confidence but stay humble
Irish people don’t usually like overconfidence. Being proud of your achievements is fine, but avoid bragging. A good balance is:
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Speak clearly.
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Sit upright, make eye contact.
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Smile naturally.
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Share achievements, but always credit teamwork when possible.
Understand the importance of time
In Ireland, punctuality is respected. Arriving late can harm your chances quickly. Try to arrive at least 10 minutes early if it’s in person, or log in a few minutes early if it’s an online interview.
Know about salary expectations (but be careful)
Salary questions might come up. Employers may ask, “What are your expectations?” A safe approach is to mention a range based on research instead of one fixed figure. For example:
“I’ve seen that roles like this in Ireland usually pay between €32,000 and €38,000, so I’d expect something in that range depending on the responsibilities.”
Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or IrishJobs.ie often have salary ranges to guide you.
Prepare your own questions
At the end, the interviewer may ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Don’t say “No.” This is your chance to show interest. You could ask things like:
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What does success in this role look like after six months?
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What is the team structure like?
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Are there opportunities for training and growth?
Follow-up after the interview
Sending a short thank-you email within 24 hours makes a strong impression. It doesn’t need to be long. Something like:
“Thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed learning about the role and your company, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”
It shows gratitude and professionalism.
Special tips for non-Irish candidates
If you are a foreigner applying in Ireland, here are a few extra tips:
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Be ready to explain your visa status clearly.
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Show adaptability to Irish culture.
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Avoid overcomplicated English — simple and clear language works best.
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Highlight international experience as a plus, not a barrier.
Quick checklist before the interview
✅ Research the company
✅ Prepare answers with examples
✅ Plan your outfit
✅ Arrive/log in early
✅ Bring copies of your CV (if in person)
✅ Think of 2–3 good questions to ask
✅ Stay calm and smile
FAQs about job interviews in Ireland
Q1: Are Irish interviews very formal?
Not always. It depends on the company. Tech and creative jobs are usually more relaxed, while banking or legal jobs lean formal.
Q2: Can I use humor during the interview?
Yes, light humor is fine and often appreciated. Just keep it professional.
Q3: Do Irish companies prefer local experience?
It helps, but not always. If you have strong international experience, highlight how it connects to the job.
Q4: What if I don’t understand a question?
It’s perfectly okay to ask them to repeat or clarify. That shows you want to give a clear answer.
Q5: Do I shake hands in Ireland?
Yes, handshakes are common in face-to-face interviews. A firm but friendly one works best.
Final thoughts
Interviews in Ireland are not meant to scare you. They’re simply conversations to see if you and the company are a good match. If you prepare well, stay polite, and give clear answers with examples, you’ll leave a strong impression. And remember — even if one interview doesn’t go well, it’s practice for the next one.
So, take a deep breath, smile, and step in with confidence. 🍀
