Complete Ireland CV Guide

1. Ireland CV Basics

In Ireland, “CV” is the standard term for a professional document that summarises your career history, skills and relevant achievements. Keep it concise, easy to scan and tailored to the role you are applying for.

Irish CVs generally use Irish/British English conventions. The exact format can vary by profession, so prioritise the vacancy requirements, clear chronology and evidence that is genuinely supported by your experience.

2. Format and Layout

3. Section by Section

Contact details (top of page): Full name (large), phone number, email, city and region, LinkedIn URL (optional), NZ work rights status. No street address. No date of birth. No age.

Professional summary (3–4 sentences): Immediately below contact details. Your professional identity, key strengths relevant to this role, and most impressive credential. Rewrite this for every application.

Key skills: Use a concise list of skills that are genuinely supported by your experience and relevant to the vacancy. Where appropriate, use the employer’s terminology naturally rather than stuffing keywords.

Work experience (reverse chronological): Most recent role first. For each: job title, employer, city, dates (MM/YYYY), and 4–6 achievement-focused bullet points with measurable results.

Education: Qualification, field, institution, year. Academic achievements if notable.

Professional development (optional): Recent certifications, courses, professional memberships. Only include if relevant.

References: Two professional referees (name, title, company, phone, email) or "References available on request."

4. ATS Compatibility

Some Irish employers and recruiters use applicant-tracking or recruitment systems to parse, store, search and filter applications. Capabilities vary, so use a simple structure that works for both software and human readers.

Parser-friendly approach: Prefer a simple single-column layout, standard section headings, selectable text and a common file format requested by the employer. Keep essential evidence out of decorative elements.

5. Irish English Spelling

Irish English generally follows British-origin spelling. Consistent spelling and terminology help the document feel deliberately prepared for the local market.

In Microsoft Word: Review → Language → Set Proofing Language → English (Ireland).

6. CV Length

• New graduate / entry level: 1–2 pages
• 3–7 years experience: 2 pages
• 8–15 years experience: 2–3 pages
• Senior / executive: 3 pages maximum

Every line must earn its place. Cut anything that does not directly support your candidacy for this specific role.

7. What NOT to Include

• Photo unless it is customary or explicitly requested for the role
• Age or date of birth
• Marital status or relationship status
• Salary expectations (discussed at interview or in application forms)
• Headings like "Hobbies and Interests" unless content is genuinely relevant
• Old jobs from 15+ years ago (summarise or omit early career)
• Tables, text boxes, or graphics
• Objective statement ("Seeking a challenging role where...")

8. Cover Letter Basics

Cover-letter expectations vary by employer. When one is requested or useful, keep it concise and use a few supported examples that explain your fit for the specific role.

Length: One page maximum. Tone: Warm and direct. Opening: Never "I am writing to express my interest..." — lead with your strongest point of fit. Spelling: Irish English throughout. Sign-off: Kind regards or Yours sincerely, depending on the salutation.