Copyright Chris Scott PhotographyMy father-law has a saying that he learnt from the monks in a Mozambique monastery.
“The body must feel what the mind does not want to learn.”
I’ve come to modify this statement,
“The wallet will feel what the mind won't learn”
This is my dramatic introduction to a post I did not really want to write.
On the surface, it reads negatively, but it may also be the most positive and galvanizing post for anyone wanting the hardcore truth, and receiving it as such.
MOVING TO IRELAND - Things to be aware of!
There are a couple of key boxes you need to check when considering coming over to Ireland.
1. Research and understand the reality of moving country, culture and company
2. Understand the costs involved, emotional, physical, financial, and dare I say spiritual
3. Understand that while some experience fairy tale relocation, others experience the horrors of it all
4. Understand that there is a housing crisis that is continuing to escalate daily, (very few houses for rent, especially in the built up areas) (Side note, while the countyside sounds romantic, it will be terrible for most children, to be cut off from activities)
5. Understand that you have to clean your own toilet, house and wash and iron your clothes.
Once you’ve checked all these boxes and you still feel the pull to take on the challenges and rigours of relocation then level 2 awaits.
Unless you are financially free, you will have to find a job.
The thinking of “I’ll do anything, pack shelves if I have to,” is fundamentally flawed, admirable, but flawed.
Firstly, the salary to pack shelves WILL NOT cover your monthly bills if you have a family.
If you need aftercare for your child/children, you’ll need 4 shelf-packing jobs to afford. Not physically possible.
You cannot simply walk into a bank and get a loan. Your family back home probably won't be able to assist you because of the ZAR to EU exchange rate which I believe is not getting any better.
You are on your own! Pause a moment and think about it. “On your own”
“Nonsense” you might say, that won’t happen to me. I’m a fighter, I’m a go-getter and I have years of experience in different fields.
Here’s a reality check, I’ve seen it happen a number of times to highly capable people. People don’t care about your experience or that you’re a nice person, they care about whether or not you can solve their problem (whether or not they have a problem is another story)
If you land here with limited funds and you start off in a B&B, you will burn through Rands faster than fast.
Remember, you are not entitled to a rental, so if you cannot find a rental, how long will you survive paying B&B premium rates?
I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m saying it is ridiculously difficult and challenging.
Now that you’ve made it through the 1st and 2nd levels of this post, and are still determined that Ireland is the place for you then let’s address a few more key boxes that need to be ticked.
LOOKING FOR WORK
PLEASE NOTE: In case you’re thinking to sneak in and look for work here without a work visa!!!
Only EU, Irish and British and their spouses can come to Ireland and seek work.
Then, before you start blasting every recruiter with your CV, consider the following:
Ireland is one of the easiest countries to enter as a South African from a requirements point of view, so treat it as a golden opportunity because you may only get 1 shot. It makes sense to do it right the first time around because there may not be another….
Companies are not holding their breath waiting for your CV…
Doesn't matter what field you’re in, get your CV sorted.
If your CV does not stir curiosity or interest, you won’t get the response you want.
You don’t necessarily need a professional CV writer to do that. Just make sure you answer the key questions in the employer's mind about your suitability in a clear and concise manner.
SA2Eire offers a free template that you can download today.
For people who have subscribed to SA2eire's website - €10 once-off (No brainer)
What I want to point out is that you don’t have an unlimited amount of opportunities to apply and reapply to a recruiter or specific company, you may as well make your first shot your best shot. ie make it count. If you're gonna cross the dessert, don't buy the cheapest camel...
Let’s assume you make it through to an interview.
I can guarantee you this…
YOU WILL ONLY GET ONE SHOT AT THIS!!!!
Not preparing for an interview is one of the most common mistakes people are making.
You cannot just show up thinking that’s all you have to do.
This can read as a blatant insult to the interviewing recruiter / employer.
Coming across as unprepared, ignorant, unsure and unprofessional will immediately disqualify you from that opportunity.
If a recruiter forwarded your CV on your behalf, they will also lose faith in you and not refer you to other clients that trust them for high-quality candidates. They don’t want to risk losing a client through someone that’s not prepared to take the necessary steps. This is really serious...
What to do:
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Research the company - Products services, competitors, leadership, special projects, culture and values etc. (Remember, you're interviewing the company as musch as they're interviewing you. You don't want to work for an organisation with no appeal to you. You could end up serving a two year sentence with them that drives you bonkers. Research, research, research.
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Know the legalities & processes required regarding them sponsoring you. This is your responsibility, not theirs. If they perceive that you have no idea of the country, culture, company, cost of living, visa requirements etc, how are they supposed to entrust you with a role in their company.
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Your applicable value - Be clear in your mind as to where you fit in and the value that you can represent to the company. People are not mind readers, you would need to articulate your value in a believable manner. This is not selling yourself!!! This is explaining how you can add value.
The answers to all their questions should be short and to the point, not you trying to convince them of your suitability. Less is more.
Statements like, “just give me a chance and I’ll prove to you…..” don’t and won’t work.
Take the time to think about our answers. This requires some preparation. Google potential questions and answers.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Over-Confidence is a big no-no Low-confidence - eish (speak to me about this) Arrogance - definitely no Entitlement attitude - you’re toastThe Irish based on my personal experience are very conservative and don’t like bad attitudes that hint at “a difficult personality”.
Even though you may have more degrees than the recruiter or interviewer, behave with patience, respect, mindfulness and enthusiastic interest, with a genuine willingness to add value to their cause.
If you connect on a level of trust, professionalism and respect, you will certainly gain favour and be successful.
I know this is a lot to take in, but rather this, than finding yourself after the fact wishing you had done things differently. It could be too late.
IN SUMMARY - Get the boxes ticked
Don’t be the person that gets handed a golden opportunity to interview for a perfect role that you lose because of:
No preparation No information No ConsiderationThere is a short road and a long road to ticking all the boxes.
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The long road (Trial and error) - Do it yourself (Risky)
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The short road - Book a session with Vicky and Megan to get the legalities and processes explained, the cost of which is ridiculously low.
Don’t confuse their fee with the value gained, Their session will save you time, headaches, rejection letters, money, emotional distress etc. (you cannot put a rand value to this) A complete no-brainer.
I need to run, CVs to upgrade and all that good stuff. 
Let me part with this invitation,
I can tell you in seconds whether your CV will hold up in recruiter court.
If that will help your cause, send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with no obligation.
I’ll respond as quickly as possible, but I will respond, hunt me down if I don’t.
This whole adventure is daunting but doable, just tick all the boxes and you’ll be fine.
Have a BOOSTED day!
Lyndon
If you and your spouse are South African passport holders
Please consider an eligibility report on your careers before you start
