As we move toward the end of 2025, Ireland’s job market continues to shift, and employers are becoming increasingly clear about the skills and mindsets they value most heading into 2026. Whether you’re actively looking for your next role or simply preparing for the year ahead, understanding these priorities can help you position yourself with confidence and clarity.
“In the midst of change, opportunity often appears.”
Unknown
- Skills Shortages Remain Across Several Sectors
Ireland continues to experience notable skills shortages, and they extend far beyond the tech sector. These shortages often lead to faster hiring cycles and strong opportunities for candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience. Sectors currently showing strong and sustained demand include professional services, finance and accounting, healthcare and life sciences, construction and engineering, skilled trades, and cybersecurity, data, and other advanced technology roles. The construction sector is particularly active, supported by national housing targets, infrastructure investment, and long-term development commitments. Roles such as engineering, quantity surveying, project management, health and safety, mechanical and electrical positions, and site management continue to see significant movement. For job seekers, this highlights the importance of clearly presenting your specialist skills and achievements.
- Soft Skills Are Now Non-Negotiable
Across every industry, employers are placing a stronger emphasis on soft skills. Communication, adaptability, solution-focused thinking, collaboration, and professionalism often determine how a candidate performs once they join a team. These qualities regularly become the deciding factor when employers are choosing between candidates with similar technical experience.
“Skills get you in the door. Character keeps you there.”
John Wooden
- Hybrid Working Expectations Have Matured
Employers and employees alike have moved past the remote-versus-office debate. What matters now is whether someone can operate confidently and consistently within a hybrid model. Strong organisation, clear communication, proactive updates, and the ability to build relationships both in person and online all play a part. Professional services and technology roles tend to offer the greatest flexibility, while sectors such as finance, healthcare, and construction naturally require more onsite presence. Being transparent about your working expectations allows both sides to align early in the process.
- Salary Dynamics Are Driving Movement
Salary remains one of the strongest reasons people consider changing jobs. Many employers are planning modest increases in the region of 1–3% going into 2026, yet nearly half of Irish workers would move roles for a 10% increase, with even lower thresholds reported in Dublin. This gap between employer increases and employee expectations is contributing to continued job mobility, especially in competitive markets. Understanding the salary landscape in your sector is essential when planning your next move.
- Mindset Matters More Than Ever
Employers are increasingly assessing mindset alongside experience. The qualities they look for include being solution-focused, open to learning, resilient during change, proactive rather than reactive, and commercially aware. These traits influence how someone handles challenges, collaborates with others, and contributes to business goals. Demonstrating these strengths through real examples and achievements can help you stand out in a crowded field.
“A strong mindset can turn challenges into stepping stones.”
Unknown
- What This Means for Your Job Search
As we head into 2026, the candidates who stand out are those who can clearly demonstrate their technical strengths with measurable achievements, present strong soft skills, communicate their hybrid working preferences, understand salary expectations in their market, and show a positive, solutions-led mindset. This combination signals relevance, readiness, and long-term potential to employers.
Considering a Move in 2026? Let’s Talk
Whether you’re refreshing your CV, improving your LinkedIn profile, or exploring opportunities for the new year, I can help you navigate the Irish market with confidence and focus.
Email: anne-marie@amfconsulting.ie
Phone: +353 87 972 8431
Website: www.amfconsulting.ie