Expats considering working in Dublin will be happy to hear that the city is the economic centre of Ireland, and the focal point of most its industry. To the surprise of many, Dublin was blazing trails across Europe until it was hit hard by the recession, but many of the businesses that moved there during the boom time still remain.

Business tax incentives, a relatively low wage for skilled workers in Europe, and access to the European Union provided, and still provide, the perfect environment for many American and other international companies to set up divisions and even European headquarters in Dublin; in turn, many expats followed their companies to postings on the Emerald Isle.

Prior to the recession, the IT sector was particularly strong in Dublin and companies such as Microsoft, Google, Dell, Amazon, and Yahoo have all set up regional headquarters within the city. The financial sector also remains a large industry in Dublin, having attracted a good number of expat employees and even locals from other areas of the country. Until recently the construction industry was doing well, but the collapse of a major housing bubble has all but stopped any construction that was taking place.

Most expats working in Dublin are transferred from within their company to the city, and many of these expats tend to be in the IT field. Expats moving to Dublin can expect a similar work ethic and business culture as those of American and British companies.

Working Life
Irish people can be quite obsessed with working; they tend to do long hours from Monday to Friday with the odd Saturday thrown in for good measure. This culture varies from industry to industry but let’s just say that 9 – 5 is a rarity.

Offices are seen by the Irish to be quite informal but if you’re coming from Australia or New Zealand be prepared for suits, long meetings and strict lines between management and staff. Work-wear, especially in industries like finance and engineering, is quite formal. Fridays are often considered a ‘dress-down day’ but this does not mean coming to work in jeans or flip-flops!

‘What do you do?’ is a typical conversation-starter at parties so have this ready as Irish people don’t really get answers like: ‘Enjoy life’ or ‘Settling in and getting to know new people.’ Work is an important and integral part of life in Ireland.

In the past, salaries were not openly discussed, but since the recession everything is up for grabs and people are more willing to compare salaries and benefits. It seems it has also become an easier subject to broach in interviews and reviews.

Finding a Job!
Finding a job in Dublin during 2009 wasn’t the easiest of tasks, and while 2010 looked optimistic the Irish economy continued to struggle. Expats looking to settle in Ireland will have to do their homework as the job market is still tough, and with the recession placing the Celtic Tiger on its back foot, expats will have to show great perseverance and optimism when trawling their Irish job prospects. 

So before you decide to move to the Emerald Isle do your research and line up a job. At the moment the IT sector is a hot area, open to opportunity and expansion. For example Google, Facebook and Microsoft were hiring in Dublin towards the end of 2009 and into 2010.
 

At this stage of the economic downturn and the European recession, working in Dublin might not seem like the most obvious way to maximise future prospects, however arranging a job beforehand and making wise decisions could see the Irish lifestyle being more accessible than ever before.

Be Wary
Those working in any industries remotely connected to house building should think twice before heading to Ireland. Jobs for architects, conveyancers, building contractors and lawyers working in property law are thin on the ground.

Anyone hoping to get work in the State sector will find that it is not possible at the moment. A hiring freeze was placed on all state departments in areas like health, education and in many semi-state bodies as well. These freezes are all part of the wider austerity measures implemented throughout the ailing Irish economy.

Some sectors in the financial world have been decimated while others, such as debt-collection and crisis management, are thriving. 

Getting a Job
Most expats moving to Dublin will first find work through online sources, or through contacts already established in Ireland. Being a small place, it is infinitely easier to get work in Dublin through contacts. Knowing people is key and can get you a job even in the tight markets mentioned above.

Joining groups like the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Meet-up Groups or BNI can all help with informal networking.