Stepping back into the tech world after a gap—whether you’ve been living abroad, raising a family, working in a different field or simply taking time off—can feel daunting. But you don’t have to start from zero. The Irish tech sector is on a strong trajectory, and no matter what your inner doubts may try to tell you, your previous experience always remains valuable. With the right guidance and mindset, there's no reason why you can't compete with tech professionals currently working in the sector.
This guide covers what to know, how to prepare, and what moves to make so you reclaim your place in tech in Ireland without feeling like you’re starting all over again.
1. Understand the Irish Tech Landscape & Demand
Knowing what’s going on in the market helps you see where your skills might fit, and how big the opportunity really is.
- As of 2024/25, IT & data skills are among the hardest to hire for in Ireland. In surveys, over 80% of firms say they are facing skills shortages. RTÉ+1
- The tech job postings, though having “cooled off” somewhat since peaks during and post‑pandemic, remain well above pre‑2020 levels. Indeed Hiring Lab
- In addition, non‑EU work permits in 2024 show robust demand: over 38,000 work permits were issued in total, many in sectors like ICT/tech. The Sun
These indicators mean that returning professionals who refresh their skills have a real chance—not just at entry‑level, but for mid or senior roles as well.
2. Audit & Update Your Skills Strategically
Before you jump in, assess what you already have, what’s current, and what needs updating.
- List your past tech work: languages, frameworks, tools, project types. Even if your last role was several years ago, many skills carry over.
- Compare to current in‑demand skills in Ireland: things like AI/ML, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, DevOps, and data engineering are growing fast. Nucamp+2Nucamp+2
- Choose a “bridge skill” to bring you up to date without overwhelming yourself. For example, if you used to develop backend in Java, you might update with a modern framework or version; or take a cloud certification; or learn how team‑based tools (CI/CD, automated testing) are used now.
- Upskill in bite‑sized ways: online courses, bootcamps, workshops, MOOCs, short certificate programmes. The goal isn’t to become an expert overnight, but to show you are current and committed.
3. Refresh Your Portfolio / Work Evidence
Having tangible proof of what you can do is key—especially if your experience has a gap.
- Personal projects or open source: Even small ones, if they solve real problems or mirror current tech stacks.
- Update old projects: Bring them up to date with modern versions of libraries or frameworks; refactor where necessary; document what you've changed or learned.
- Take‑home challenges / test platforms: Do a few sample coding problems or timed projects to get back in shape and to show recent work.
- Use GitHub, GitLab or other code repos well: clean readmes, commit history, tests. Employers often look at these when gauging how “live” your skills are.
4. Leverage Your Past Experience
You likely have things newer candidates don’t: domain knowledge, communication skills, project leadership, problem solving. Use that.
- Emphasise transferable skills: managing projects, collaborating with stakeholders, understanding business logic, mentoring, etc.
- If you worked abroad, showcase international exposure—working with remote/global teams can be a strength in Ireland’s tech firms.
- Don’t underplay soft skills: adaptability, learning new tools, managing ambiguity—all of these are sought after, especially if companies are hiring people who have had non‑linear careers.
5. Be Smart About How to Apply
Position yourself well so that recruiters and employers see you as a strong returning candidate.
- Update your CV and LinkedIn profile: mention the break, if applicable, but focus on what you’ve done recently (even self‑learning or personal projects).
- Include a short “return to tech” summary or statement showing you’ve kept pace or have a plan for catching up.
- Apply to companies known to sponsor work permits (if non‑EU), and who have flexible hiring practices.
- Use networks—you may know colleagues, friends, or former co‑workers who can refer or update you on hiring practices.
6. Understand Immigration / Permit & Legal Requirements
For non‑EU citizens or people who lived abroad for a long time, immigration & permit rules are critical.
- Be aware of the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit systems—these permit routes are commonly used in tech roles. Many returning professionals may need to secure one.
- If you have already held a permit or have previously worked in Ireland, check if you’re eligible for Stamp 4 or other permissions that let you work without a permit after certain years.
- Keep updated on policy changes—these can happen, and sometimes new roles are added to eligible occupation lists.
7. Network & Reintegrate into the Tech Community
Returning isn’t just about coding; it’s also about being visible, connected, and aware of what’s happening in the industry now.
- Attend meetups, conferences, workshops in Dublin, Cork, Galway etc. They’re also great to hear what stacks companies are using now.
- Join online communities—Slack, Discord, LinkedIn tech groups specific to Ireland.
- Look for mentor programmes—others who have returned or people in senior roles who offer guidance.
8. Bridge the Gap with Internships, Contract Work or Freelancing if Needed
If jumping straight into a full‑time role seems difficult, these can serve as stepping stones.
- Short contracts, part‑time roles or freelance gigs can help update your work experience, get recent references, and build confidence.
- Contract roles also help you re‑familiarise with current workflows, tools, and codebases.
- Some organisations and startups have “returnship” or “return to work” type schemes, which are increasingly common globally; worth researching whether any are available in your sector in Ireland.
9. Address Perceived Gaps & Be Transparent
Being honest about time away and what you’ve done during that period shows strength—not weakness.
- If you had a gap for family, travel or other work, consider writing a short note in your CV or cover letter to explain your break, and what you did to keep skills fresh (learning, personal project, etc.).
- Be ready in interviews to talk about what’s changed in tech since you left—showing awareness of current practices, tools, and approaches.
- Emphasise willingness and ability to learn—many Irish hiring managers value growth mindset perhaps more than minute technical details.
10. Keep Momentum & Maintain Confidence
Returning to tech will involve some friction, and persistence will pay.
- Set small goals: complete a project, apply for X number of jobs per week, attend a meetup monthly.
- Celebrate small wins: finishing a course, receiving positive feedback, securing an interview.
- Stay current: read tech blogs, follow Irish tech news, subscribe to newsletters, and track in‑demand skills.
- Be patient. You may face rejection or slower progress initially; that’s normal. The market is competitive but very open to people who show determination and up‑to‑date skills.
11. Monitor Salary & Role Trends
Knowing what roles are being hired, and what they pay, helps you judge where to aim.
- In 2025, while many tech jobs are growing, some categories like helpdesk/IT operations saw declines in postings compared to pre‑pandemic levels. Indeed Hiring Lab
- But senior roles, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity roles often command premium pay, and employers are willing to pay more to fill these hard‑to‑staff positions. Hays Ireland+1
- Also note: some employers are offering more flexible/hybrid working, which can be a huge help if finding accommodation near work is an issue.
Returning to tech in Ireland after time away is absolutely possible—and with the right steps, you don't have to “start over.” Your past experience is an asset, especially when paired with a clear plan to refresh skills, rebuild momentum, and address the gaps.
So if you're ready to make the move, get in touch with Software Placements today, and we'll do our best to make your return plain sailing.