October Is a Prime Time to Move Jobs in Ireland — Here’s How to Stand Out
By Anne-Marie Fox — October 2025
Back in June, I shared why summer can be a smart time to job hunt — fewer candidates, less competition, and opportunities that don’t go on holiday.
Now, as autumn arrives, the market is shifting again: hiring is gathering pace, and October is consistently one of the busiest months recruiters experience in Ireland.
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
If you’ve been considering a move, this is a powerful moment to take action, before the year closes and the January flood of job seekers begins.
Why October Is Busy in the Irish Job Market
- Budgets & headcount open up. Many companies finalise their Q4 plans now and want new hires secured ahead of January.
- Post-summer rebound. Decision-makers are back from holidays and keen to close out vacancies that sat idle earlier in the year.
- Recruiters see it first-hand. With more than 25 years’ experience in the Irish recruitment market, I’ve consistently seen October bring a surge in job moves.
- Data backs it up:
- 65,700 new jobs were created in the year to Q2 2025, with employment now at 2.81 million.
- Professional job openings rose 10 % in Q2 compared with Q1 (Morgan McKinley Employment Monitor).
- Employers remain optimistic: the Manpower Q3 2025 Net Employment Outlook is +29, up on last quarter and last year.
- Surveys show Irish workers are mobile; 4 in 10 plan to change roles within the next year and 38 % have already moved recently.
- IrishJobs and Indeed trackers show postings remain well above pre-pandemic levels into autumn.
While January often gets the “new year, new job” buzz, it also brings far heavier competition. Making your move now means you can stand out in a busy but not overcrowded market, and potentially start 2026 in a new role.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
How to Stand Out Right Now — 5 Practical Tips
1. Refresh your CV.
Highlight this year’s achievements and quantify your impact (sales growth, cost savings, leadership wins). Tailor each CV to the role you’re targeting, one strong, focused CV beats many generic ones.
2. Optimise your LinkedIn profile.
- Write a clear, impact-driven headline (beyond your job title).
- Use the “About” section to tell your career story.
- Showcase key skills and projects; request recommendations.
Recruiters search LinkedIn daily; an updated profile can get you noticed before you even apply.
3. Reconnect with your network.
Reach out to ex-colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Many roles are filled through referrals before they’re ever advertised.
4. Talk to a recruiter early.
A recruiter can give you insight into where demand is highest, advise on your CV and interviews, and flag new opportunities before they go public.
5. Be interview-ready.
Prepare your success stories, metrics, and value proposition so you can speak with confidence when opportunities arise.
Market Insights to Keep in Mind
Not every sector is moving at the same pace:
- Tech infrastructure & junior IT roles have slowed slightly compared to their 2021–22 highs.
- Professional services, finance, healthcare, and high-skill technical roles remain in strong demand.
- Contract and temporary hiring is rising, 39 % of employers increased temp placements in Q2.
- Employers are still cautious with salary budgets: many plan 1–3 % rises, yet nearly half of Irish workers would move for just a 10 % pay bump, showing a high level of mobility.
Understanding where the market is most active helps you target your search effectively, and an experienced recruiter can guide you to the right opportunities faster.
Don’t Wait for January
Back in June, I encouraged job seekers to stay proactive during summer. The same is true now: October offers strong hiring momentum in Ireland. Acting now lets you beat the January rush and step into 2026 with clarity and confidence.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Sean Patrick Flanery
Let’s Talk About Your Next Step
Whether you need a CV review, LinkedIn advice, or introductions to live opportunities, I can help you navigate the market and move with confidence.
anne-marie@amfconsulting.ie
+353 87 972 8431
www.amfconsulting.ie