How to write a good CV for Ireland

There are several considerations to keep in mind when writing your Irish resume, or curriculum vitae (CV).

Here’s a step-by-step guide to acing your CV and landing that dream job.

What personal details should your CV include

• Start with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Include your nationality so employers know if you have rights to work in Ireland.
• It is not necessary to include any further personal information such as date of birth or a photo. Recruiters and employers do not need to know this.

How to write a personal profile for a resume

• Your personal profile is like the highlights package and should immediately grab an employer’s attention.
• Write a short paragraph (3-4 lines) summarising your key skills, experiences, and career goals.
• Try to tailor this to the specific job you are applying for, ensuring any of your skills that match the key attributes the job description is asking for stand.
• Highlight relevant professional qualities and achievements that could catch an employer’s or recruiter’s eye.

How to include work experience in a resume for Ireland

As a rule of thumb, when compiling a CV you need to put the most important/recent/relevant information first and foremost.

• Detail your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
• Include the job title, name of the company, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
• Focus on specific contributions you made to previous roles.
• Tailor this section to emphasise experiences relevant to the job for which you’re applying.

How to include skills in a job application

• Highlight your key skills and competencies in your CV
• For certain roles you may need to supply some statistical information to support your contribution. Sales and marketing roles typically require proof of ability.
• Be honest about your abilities, and provide examples or evidence where possible.

What education details to include in a CV

• List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
• Include the name of the institution, the dates you attended, and the qualifications you obtained.
• If applicable, mention any relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements.

Additional optional sections in a CV

• You may wish to include additional sections, such as certifications, professional memberships, volunteer experience, or interests/ hobbies, if they are relevant to the job or demonstrate transferable skills.

What details of references should be included in a resume

• Due to GDPR, it is not appropriate to include the name and contact details of references. Rather, it is customary to include the phrase “References available upon request”.
• Most recruiters or employers will check at least one reference, so be prepared to provide the details when asked during the application process.

Additional tips for a great Irish CV

Formatting your CV

• Keep it concise – no more than two pages.
• Keep it clean, professional, and easy to read.
• Use a clear and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a size between 10 and 12 points.
• Use bullet points to improve readability.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors, as attention to detail is important.

Customise your CV for different roles

• Research the company and job requirements to ensure your CV is targeted and tailored to the position.
• Tailor your CV to each job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills for the specific role.
• Do not include photographs or personal details, such as ID or passport numbers or reference contact details
• Avoid fussy layouts with columns and minimise bullet points.

Ready for a career change?

Book a career and relocation consultation:

As recruitment and relocation specialists, NexVentur can assist you in finding the right job plus we’ll help get you there. Our services include:

• Recruitment in Ireland and Australia
• Arranging your visas
• Assisting with professional registrations
• Flights with extra baggage, priority boarding and lounge access
• Setting up your overseas bank account
• Setting up your Australian Tax File Number (TFN) or PPS number
• Money transfer
• Irish mortgages
• Assisting with move logistics
• Relocation advice – all members of our team have relocated at least once in our lives, so we know how it feels and the challenges you face.
• Book a consultation with our team and let’s help you get started on your next adventure.