Jobs Club

The Jobs Club is usually coordinated by a teacher and takes place weekly. It is a social, collaborative environment where you can get practical help with:

  • CV & Cover Letter Workshops: Learning how to adapt your resume to the “Irish Style” (see below).
  • Interview Preparation: Mock interviews and tips on how to answer common questions in English.
  • PPSN Guidance: Support with the paperwork needed to apply for your Personal Public Service Number.
  • Job Searching Techniques: Identifying the best websites and “hidden” job markets (like handing out CVs in person).

 

Formating Your “Irish Style” CV

Employers in Ireland have specific preferences. In the Jobs Club, you will learn to follow these standards:

Feature The Standard in Ireland
Length Strictly 2 pages maximum.
Photo DO NOT include a photo (to prevent bias).
Personal Info Do not include Date of Birth, Gender, Religion, or Marital Status.
Visa Status Highly Recommended: Include a small note: “Stamp 2 Visa holder – eligible to work 20 hrs/week (40 hrs in holidays).”
Format Save as a PDF to ensure the layout doesn’t break when opened.
Order Reverse Chronological (most recent experience first).

 

Essential Job Search Resources

Online Portals

  • Indeed.ie: The most popular site for hospitality and retail roles.
  • Jobs.ie: Excellent for bar, restaurant, and hotel work.
  • LinkedIn: Better for professional internships or office-based part-time work (e.g., admin or customer support).

 

Recruitment Agencies for Students

Some agencies specialize in “temp” (temporary) work for events, catering, and cleaning, which is perfect for student schedules:

  • Excel Recruitment
  • Action Recruitment
  • Broadline Recruiters

 

Where Students Usually Find Work

Most ISI students find their first roles in the following sectors, which offer the flexibility needed for a 15-hour-per-week study schedule:

  • Hospitality: Kitchen porters, waiters, baristas, and glass collectors.
  • Retail: Sales assistants in shops like Penneys (Primark), Dunnes Stores, or Zara.
  • Deliveries: Bike couriers for Deliveroo or Uber Eats.
  • Logistics: Warehouse assistants or stock-room staff.

 

Quick Tips for Success

  • The “Walk-In” Strategy: For local cafes and bars, printing 20 CVs and walking around your neighborhood (outside of busy lunch/dinner hours) is often more effective than applying online.
  • Language Matters: Even if your English is still developing, highlight your native language! Many companies (like Google, TikTok, or multi-lingual call centers) look for students who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, or Japanese for content moderation or support.
  • Trial Shifts: It is common in Ireland for a restaurant to ask you for a 2-hour “trial” (staged) to see your skills. Always confirm if this is paid or unpaid before starting.