Please be aware that this is not another blog to tell you how to write your CV and Cover Letter.

I want to bring a different dimension to get you ready if you want to live and work in Ireland. I am hoping to help both, people that are already here in the early stages, and those thinking of coming in the near future.

Read below and you will be able to start creating your plan, your project.

Take the first step and don’t look back.

 

1-Be mentally prepared

 

This is not a sprint, is a marathon.

My experience working with candidates tells me that we all start full of energy  but the balloon starts to lose air after a while.

Moving to a different country and finding a job It is hard, that is the reality. But I believe helps to be aware of this. It is true, you will face many obstacles, problems and issues.

How do we move away from all this?

My recommendation is to find your own “mantra”. Something you will say to  yourself when the problem comes.

Here is one example:

“I know something like that would happen, let’s see what options I have to sort it out and keep moving forward…”

Frame everything with positive language and keep repeating it to yourself, your brain will be glad to have positive messages coming!!!

 

2-Visualise what you want

 

We need to know what we want, even if we know we cannot get it right now, and even that  it may change in time. Think of your career, your dream job, what is it? what does it look like?

Creating this picture in your head and replaying it often will keep you on track

It will also keep you focused, you know where you are going, your destination.

Let me see if I can explain this better with an example.

I want to introduce you to Luis, he is from Spain, he is an engineer and would love to work in Ireland. Having  international experience as an engineer abroad will open many doors in his career. He is aware that his current English level  is not enough and won’t be able to work as an engineer yet. He needs a plan. First on the list is to get into the jobs market, get a job, any job. He did some bartending some summers ago so he knows he can do that. Working hard, speaking to customers and staff and trying to understand the jobs market will get him close to his objective.

This sounds great, he really is focused and hopefully he will get his happy ending,

But many stories are different, why is that?

We start really focused, we get on with life in Ireland. It is  fun to work in the pub, or the shop, our English is good enough now, we get paid, have a room or apartment and we can go out and do most things.

Finally we feel comfortable, we have found our new comfort zone and forgotten about our initial objective. Please be really aware of this, I have seen it happening many times. Keep your objective in mind always and keep checking if what your are doing is moving closer to it or not.

I don’t want you to think that working in a bar or restaurant is a bad idea. I just want you to follow what you want to do, your dream job.

 

 

3-Get ready for action

 

Nobody is doing this for you.

Help is great, from friends, recruiters or contacts, but do not think that someone is going to do the work for you. You are responsible and in charge of moving forward.

You will have to get out and do things that may be uncomfortable. Sitting behind your laptop looking at job offers won’t get you very far. Work on your networking, meet as many people as you can and tell them what you need.

Get ready to talk to people you don’t know in a language that is not your own. Sell yourself, your abilities and skills, and try to be likeable … all at the same time!!

Ireland attracts top candidates because of the many companies and opportunities that are here. You need to be mentally ready to compete with a great pool of talent. Take some time to think what sets you apart, what do you have that others don’t?

 

4-How do I start? It’s overwhelming, I know.

 

Start from the beginning and follow your plan step by step

Get pen and paper, tablet or spreadsheet

Treat this as a project. We need:

• Dates
• Objectives: short /long term
• Legal requirements
• Accommodation options
• Immediate work: options
• Obstacles
• Finances
• Tracking progress
• Anything you can think of

Let me look at some of these points in more detail.

Finances

Do a bit of preparation and planning on that, you will regret it if you don’t. Ireland is an expensive country. Do your homework and have enough back up money just in case things don’t go to plan.

Here are some ideas:

• Flights -cost
• Accommodation: average cost per option
• Living expenses per month
• How long I have before I need a job?

 

Obstacles

Think about this:

• English level. Do I know what is it really? Please do not rely on exams you have done in your country. Are you able to communicate? Can you understand the Irish accent?
• Who do I know? Connect with groups: online and offline
• Which city is best for me? Do your research, ask questions

 

Tracking progress

 How do I know I am making progress? It may feel slow at the beginning and you think you are not getting anywhere.

Be realistic and think about all you have achieved in a short amount of time and write it down.

Most important of all  “Be kind to yourself”

 

 

Please let me know if this guide has helped, any comments welcome!!