Exchange in Ireland: how to find job openings in 2025?

With the Irish labor market constantly growing and favorable policies for international students, 2025 promises to be a year of opportunities for Brazilian exchange students. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you exactly how to find the best vacancies, prepare your resume, and stand out in the competitive Irish market.

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The Irish job market for international students

Ireland has established itself as one of the most sought after destinations for international students, not only for the quality of education, but also for its excellent job opportunities. The country has a vibrant economy, with established multinational companies in various sectors, from technology to hospitality.

Why Ireland is a great destination:

• Constantly growing economy
• Multicultural and welcoming environment
• Favorable policies for foreign students
• Possibility to improve English in a professional environment
• Competitive salaries compared to other European countries

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Rules for working during your exchange

Before starting your job search, it's critical to understand the rules that apply to international students in Ireland in 2025:

• Time limit: You can work up to 20 hours a week during term time
• School holidays: During official holidays, this limit increases to 40 hours per week if it is high season
• Required documentation: GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) or IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card
• PPS number: Personal Public Service Number, equivalent to the Brazilian CPF, necessary to work legally

These limits are strictly enforced by the Irish authorities. Working beyond what is allowed can result in problems with your visa and even deportation. Therefore, it is essential to respect the established rules.

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Minimum wage and working conditions in 2025

Ireland offers one of the best minimum salaries in Europe, which makes the country even more attractive for international students:

Minimum wage by age group in 2025:

• Over 20 years old: €13.50 per hour (approximately R$ 82.00)
• 19 years old: €12.15 per hour
• 18 years old: €10.80 per hour

By working the maximum allowed (20 hours per week), a student can earn approximately €1,080 monthly (about R$ 6,588), which is generally sufficient to cover housing, food, and transportation costs, depending on the city chosen.

Taxes and contributions

Every worker in Ireland is subject to paying taxes:

• PAYE (Pay As You Earn) - income tax
• USC (Universal Social Charge) - social contribution
• PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) - social insurance

The good news is that students who work part-time generally fall into exemption or low tax brackets, especially if they don't exceed certain annual income limits.

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Best sites for job search in Ireland

Finding work in Ireland has become much easier with specialized online platforms. These are the main sites for your search in 2025:

• IrishJobs.ie: Ireland's largest job site, with thousands of vacancies in different sectors
• Indeed.ie: Brings together vacancies from various sources, with specific filters for part-time jobs
• LinkedIn: In addition to vacancies, it allows networking with Irish professionals and companies
• Glassdoor.ie: Offers vacancies and company reviews made by employees
• Monster.ie: International platform with several opportunities in Dublin and other cities

Aside from these sites, don't underestimate the power of Facebook! There are several specific groups for Brazilians in Ireland where vacancies are often shared, such as “Brazilians in Ireland” and “Jobs for Brazilians in Dublin”.

Useful apps for 2025

Some apps have become essential for those seeking work in Ireland:

• JobsIreland: Official Irish Government app
• Jobbio: Connects candidates directly with recruiters
• Recruit Ireland: Specialized in vacancies for different qualification levels

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How to prepare an efficient resume for the Irish market

A good resume is your gateway to the Irish job market. Unlike Brazil, in Ireland the CV (Curriculum Vitae) follows specific standards:

Ideal structure of the Irish CV:

1. Personal Information: Full name, phone number, email, and link to LinkedIn
2. Professional profile: Brief summary of your skills and objectives (3-4 lines)
3. Education: Academic background, certifications, and relevant courses
4. Professional experience: In reverse chronological order, with description of responsibilities
5. Skills: Technical skills, languages and software you master
6. References: Professional contacts who can attest to your ability

Essential tips:

• Keep the CV with 1-2 pages tops
• Adapt it for each specific vacancy
• Use clear English and avoid literal translations from Portuguese
• Don't include a photo (unless requested)
• Highlight experiences that demonstrate transferable skills
• Be honest about your level of English

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Sectors with the highest demand in 2025

Some sectors offer more opportunities for international students in Ireland:

• Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars frequently hire students for roles such as waiter, barista, and receptionist
• Retail: Stores and supermarkets offer flexible hours
• Customer Service: Especially for speakers of languages other than English
• IT and Technology: Beginner-level technical support
• Deliveries and Logistics: Delivery drivers are in high demand

Ireland is home to large companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, which occasionally offer internships and part-time positions for qualified international students.

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How to stand out in job interviews

Getting an interview is already a great achievement! To make the most of this opportunity:

• Research about the company: Know your values and culture
• Practice your English: Especially technical terms in your area
• Punctuality is essential: Arrive at least 10 minutes early
• Suitable clothing: Even for informal vacancies, introduce yourself professionally
• Prepare questions: Show genuine interest in the position
• Highlight previous experiences: Focus on transferable skills

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Working in a foreign country brings unique challenges that are important to anticipate:

• Language barrier: Even with good English, slang and local expressions can be confusing. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification
• Cultural differences: Irish people value punctuality and direct communication
• High competition: Especially in Dublin, competition is fierce
• Initial rejections: It's normal to receive no for an answer in the first few attempts

Remember: persistence is key. Many Brazilians start out in simple positions and gradually progress to areas related to their training.

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Balancing study and work

One of the biggest challenges for exchange students is to find the balance between academic and professional activities:

• Get organized: Use productivity apps to manage your time
• Communicate: Tell your employers about probationary periods
• Prioritize studies: Remember that your main objective is training
• Take care of your health: Adequate rest is essential to maintain performance

How Be Easy Can Help You

Na Be Easy, we understand that working during your exchange in Ireland is a valuable part of the experience. Therefore, our programme Study and Work in Ireland offers complete support, from preparation in Brazil to your arrival and adaptation on Irish soil.

Our specialized team can help you find the best job opportunities, prepare your resume to Irish standards, and develop the skills needed to stand out in the local market. With Be Easy, you make your dream of studying and working in Ireland a reality, making the most of this transformative experience!

Don't waste time! Contact us and discover how we can help fulfill your exchange dream in Ireland in 2025.

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