Ireland is one of the top European countries for multi-lingual job seekers due to the number of Technology companies and multinationals based in Dublin. As a result, an increasing number of employers are looking to recruit those who speak both English and a second, or third language. With this in mind, we explored 5 reasons to live and work in Ireland, for those thinking about making a move.
Multinationals hiring for entry-level positions
Over 1,000 global companies in IT, Social Media, Pharma, and Finance are based in Ireland. And the majority of them are serving the EMEA market. These multinationals all need multi-lingual staff to help them grow across the region. If you speak one or two languages, especially Northern European languages, job opportunities across sales, customer service, and other operations are readily available. It’s a candidate’s market where you can apply for a lot of exciting roles. And those roles are with some impressive brands, Google, HP, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pfizer, and GSK all have HQ’s in Ireland.
Many of them will take on people with little experience as long as they, meet some of their language needs and are a good cultural fit.
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the European Union
Since Brexit, Ireland has come an easy choice for those who want to work in an English-speaking environment. Admittedly, having professional English is a distinct advantage when applying for roles here, however many roles are focused on communicating in a continental European language. And professional English is gained in the work environment. Employers will expect at least a B2 level, but the day-to-day meetings and interactions help many people become fluent speakers in professional English and gain a huge understanding of idiomatic English, which is a distinct advantage when looking for roles in English first companies across the European Union.
Ireland has the 3rd Highest pay in the European Union
According to Statista, in 2020, Ireland’s average annual wage is around 49,000 Euros per year. The country ranks 3rd behind Luxembourg and Netherlands in average European salary.
The caveat, is of course the cost of living, especially in Dublin. Many of the roles available to multi-lingual applicants average 35-40K for someone with little to no experience. While this may be below the national average, many employees; move up, gain experience and negotiate a better rate. An experienced person coming into a role could easily demand up to 60K. This stepping up can be quite quick for career-driven people. For example, a multi-lingual IT salesperson with years’ experience driving growth and reaching targets, could realise a salary of 80K (base + commission).
Also, many employers have adopted a hybrid working model, which will most likely continue into the future. This allows employees to live outside of the expensive city centre and be based in quieter, more affordable suburban or rural environments.
Language skills can lead to faster promotion
One of the issues facing companies serving the EMEA market is the retention of qualified multi-lingual staff. People with more than one language are recognized and valued by their employers. This leads to a quicker promotion path for companies keen to retain key staff members with skills that just can’t be learned on the job. Naturally, they offer attractive plans for their employees including generous incentive schemes, but also career progression opportunities.
Also, companies based here, really care about employees in general. A 2018 HR Practices in Ireland Survey indicated that 54% of Irish companies rank employee engagement as their top priority.
For instance, many employers have promotion accelerator schemes, which guarantee fair and fast promotions. Companies set reasonable and realistic KPIs to reach per quarter or yearly goals. For example, multi-lingual employees Cpl placed global consulting firms in Dublin between five and seven years ago have risen through the ranks to be, team leads, managers, and in one case, a vice president.
Dublin has a vibrant lifestyle
This is the most fun part of the list, lifestyle, and culture. Many people adore the traditional music and dance which is unique to Ireland. The country also offers breath-taking scenery and beautiful countryside peppered with parks, lakes, mountains, beaches, and cliffs.
Many multi-lingual employees find the Irish people to be friendly and welcoming. There will be lots of opportunities to socialize with local people through pubs, sports clubs, and lessons, etc. Many of the ex-pats who live here join clubs and make lifelong friendships.
For those who like a small slice of home, Dublin is very metropolitan, with people from literally every single country that you can think of walking its streets. Over 17% of the city’s population are foreign-born and this is reflected in the wide array of restaurants to be found in the city centre.
Have a look at our multi-lingual roles here. Fáilte go hÉirinn
Sources:
Statista, Average annual wages for selected European countries in 2020, 17th August 2021
CIPD, HR practices in Ireland, 20th February, 2018.