What Changed in Construction Hiring in Ireland Last Year?

What Changed in Construction Hiring in Ireland Last Year?

The Irish construction industry is no stranger to change but last year marked a noticeable shift in how construction professionals were hired. After years of candidate-led markets, rapid hiring, and inflated expectations, the tone changed.

As recruiters working daily with site engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, site managers, and health & safety professionals across Ireland, we saw these changes firsthand.

This isn’t speculation. It’s what actually happened on the ground.

 

1. Experience Still Matters - But It’s No Longer Enough

Let’s be clear: experience will always matter in construction. Strong technical ability, proven delivery, and solid project exposure are still essential.

What changed last year is that experience alone stopped guaranteeing job offers.

Hiring managers began asking different questions:

• Can this person communicate clearly?
• Will they stay for the duration of the project?
• How do they deal with pressure, delays, and change?

Contractors became more cautious. Instead of hiring quickly, they focused on long-term value rather than short-term gaps.

👉 The takeaway: Being good on site is expected. Being reliable, professional, and easy to work with is what sets candidates apart now.

 

2. Job-Hopping Came Under the Microscope

During the post-COVID boom, frequent moves were often overlooked. Projects were starting fast and talent was scarce.

Last year, that changed.

We saw:

• More scrutiny of CV timelines
• Direct questions about short stints
• Hesitation around candidates moving every 12–18 months

This doesn’t mean changing roles is a red flag but it does mean you need a clear, honest reason for each move.

👉 The takeaway: If you’re moving, be able to explain why and show what you delivered before you left.

 

3. CVs Got Shorter and Sharper

Hiring managers no longer want five pages of responsibilities copied from job descriptions.

The CVs that performed best last year were:

• 2–3 pages max
• Focused on projects, not just duties
• Clear about company, project value, and personal responsibility

A simple format beats a flashy one every time.

👉 The takeaway: Clarity wins. If a hiring manager can’t understand your background in 30 seconds, they’ll move on.

 

4. Interviews Became More Human

Another major shift in construction hiring was the interview process itself.

We saw fewer box-ticking interviews and more conversations centred around:

• Team fit
• Communication style
• Long-term intentions
• How candidates handle challenges on site

It became less about “Can you do the job?” and more about “Can I work with you for the next two years?”

👉 The takeaway: How you come across now matters as much as what’s on your CV.

 

5. Salary Expectations Stabilised

After years of rapid increases, salary expectations levelled out last year.

Strong candidates still commanded strong packages but unrealistic demands became a dealbreaker.

Employers focused more on:

• Overall package
• Project longevity
• Location and commute
• Career progression

👉 The takeaway: Know your value but understand the market you’re in.

 

6. The Best Roles Aren’t Always Advertised

One of the biggest misconceptions in construction recruitment is that the best jobs are online.

They’re not.

Many of the strongest roles last year were filled through:

• Existing relationships
• Quiet conversations
• Recruiters matching the right person to the right project

👉 The takeaway: If you’re only applying to job ads, you’re only seeing part of the market.

 

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Construction Professionals in 2025

Construction hiring in Ireland has matured.

It’s no longer about who can start the fastest it’s about who can deliver consistently, communicate clearly, and commit to a project.

If you’re considering a move this year:

• Be honest about why you’re moving
• Get your CV clear and focused
• Think long-term, not just salary
• Have conversations not just applications

And remember: a good recruiter doesn’t sell you a job they tell you the truth about the market.

If you’re working in construction in Ireland and want honest, straight-talking advice about your next move, reach out. Even if you’re not ready to move yet, the right conversation can make all the difference.