This leaflet identifies awide range of servicesand supports availableto help you with yourjobseeking

English Language Leaflet

— NewspapersDaily newspapers such as the Evening Herald and TheStar carry job advertisements. The Irish Independent(Thursday), The Irish Times (Friday) and the IrishExaminer (Friday) also have job sections.

Starting WorkPaying Tax

When working in Ireland you will pay tax on your incomefrom employment including your standard wages,bonuses, overtime and some other benefits.

Tax will normally be payable from your first pay-day andwill be deducted by your employer directly from yourwages.

When you start work you should give your employer yourPPS number. Your employer should give you aCertificate of Tax Credits form, called a Form 12A, andtell you which tax office you should send the completedform to.

The tax office will send you, and your employer, aCertificate of Tax Credits*. This certificate will tell you theamount of tax credits due to you.

If your employer does not get a Certificate of Tax Creditsthey must deduct emergency tax from your wages. Thisdeduction will increase every week, but money may berefunded later.

*Tax Credits:You do not pay tax on all of your income. You canearn or receive a certain amount of income beforeyou begin to pay tax.

For further information on tax, contact your local taxoffice, call 1890 306706 website www.revenue.ie

Looking for Work in Ireland

Opening a Bank AccountYou may need to open a bank account to receivepayment of wages from your employer or to enable youto cash cheques. Strict laws govern the opening of bankaccounts.

You will have to supply two documents – one to proveidentity and one to prove address. You cannot use thesame document for both.

You should not be denied a bank account solely on thegrounds that you do not have certain forms ofidentification. Banks will accept other forms of proof.Please contact the Financial Regulator (IFSRA) on1890 777777 or visit their website www.itsyourmoney.iefor assistance.

Note: Persons from non-EU countries may be restrictedin seeking work subject to their status/work permit.

Further Information

The INOUThe Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed(INOU) is the national federation of over 170 localcentres, groups and unemployed people concerned withcombating unemployment.

The INOU provides a phone and e-mail based welfarerights query service in English.

For more information contact the INOU on 01-856 0088by e-mail welfareinfo@inou.ie or visit our websitewww.inou.ie.

Citizens Information Centres – (CIC’s)Citizens Information Centres (see Golden Pages listing)Lo-Call 1890 777 121 www.oasis.gov.ieFree & Confidential Service.

EnglishLanguage

Irish National Organisation

of the Unemployed

March 2006

Working in Ireland

Moving to a new country and looking for work in a placewith a different language, customs and way of life can bedifficult. For the first time jobseeker in Ireland knowinghow to look for work and where to find information, whichofficial agencies you need to contact, and where you canget help with your jobseeking are important.

Through this leaflet we have identified a wide range ofservices and supports available to help you with everyaspect of your jobseeking. We also highlight some otherissues you will need to know when jobseeking.

Important items to bring to IrelandWhen travelling to Ireland to look for work you shouldbring the following items with you:

– Passport or National ID Card

– Birth Certificate

– C.V. (Resumé) in English

– Original and official copies (in English) of any professionalaccreditation.

Your official documents, passport and national ID card,will be necessary to confirm your identity in dealing withstate agencies and opening a bank account.

What you need when you arrivePPS Number– Personal Public Service Number

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a uniqueseven-digit personal reference number that you willneed in dealing with the tax, social insurance and socialwelfare systems.

You will need to provide this PPS number to youremployer when starting work.

– Applying for your PPS NumberYou should complete the PPS Number Application Form(REG 1) available from your Social Welfare Office. Youcan only apply for your PPS number when you are livingin Ireland. You cannot apply for one before you come toIreland.

To prove your identity to obtain a PPS Number youmust have:

– A Current Valid Passport or National Identity Card, and– Evidence of either birth/work/unemployment/residency/tax

liability/education in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland,and

– Evidence of address* in Ireland

Other forms of identification will not be accepted.*includes an official letter/document from a government department, aproperty lease/tenancy agreement or letter from a householder withwhom you are staying. All documents must show your name andaddress.

— Getting your PPS NumberYou will normally receive a letter with your PPS numberwithin 3-5 working days of approval. You can use thisletter as proof of your PPS Number.

Applying for JobsThere are formal and informal methods of applying forjobs. Turning up at a building site or visiting shops areexamples of informal methods. Jobs may require thatyou make an application by sending in a C.V. -Curriculum Vitae (Resumé) and covering letter. Someemployers might want applicants to fill in an applicationform for a job instead of, or in addition to, a C.V.

— CV (Resumé)A Curriculum Vitae or C.V. (or Resumé) is a documentcontaining a summary or listing of your relevant workexperience, qualifications and education. This is to showthat you have the necessary qualities and qualificationsto do the job you are applying for.

— Cover LetterThis explains where you saw the job advertised, why youare applying and why you are suited to the job.

— Application formThese forms can ask very precise and specific questionsto determine if you are the right person for the job. Anemployer may ask you to complete an application forminstead of sending in a C.V.

Note: Having a pre-paid mobile telephone and e-mailaddress can help you with your jobseeking.

Help with C.V.’sThe format for Irish C.V.’s may be different from othercountries. A range of organisations can help you prepareyour C.V. for the Irish job market. They can also assistyou with photocopying, faxing and access to the internet.These services are free and totally confidential.

— Jobs ClubsJobs Clubs can help by preparing your C.V., cover lettersand filling in application forms. Some Jobs Clubs may beable to provide services in languages other than English.

Contact FÁS for details of your local Jobs Club.

— Congress Centres Network, Local Centres for theUnemployed & Resource Centres

These centres can provide assistance with preparationof CV’s and jobseeking.

Please contact the INOU, Citizens Information Centre,Congress Centre or FÁS for more information.

Looking for WorkIt’s probably best to plan your jobseeking activities toget the most from your efforts.

— FÁSFÁS is the state training and employment authority inIreland. All FÁS services are open to all citizens of theEuropean Union. FÁS will provide career advice andguidance including information on job and trainingopportunities. For more information please contact yourlocal FÁS office (www.fas.ie).

— Jobs ClubsJobs Clubs can help you prepare for interviews andidentify job opportunities with access to dailynewspapers, job lists from FÁS and access to theinternet and e-mail (subject to availability). Contact FÁSfor information on Jobs Clubs.

— Employment AgenciesYou will find a full list of employment agencies in theGolden Pages telephone directory, online atwww.goldenpages.ie. Most of these agencies will havewebsites where you can register online – these includewww.jobs.ie, www.monster.ie, www.irishjobs.ie.