Welcome to Week 4 of our 12-Week Pathway to Jobs Expo Galway Success series, designed to help you prepare for Ireland’s premier recruitment event at the Galmont Hotel on Saturday, 28th September 2025.
This week, we’re focusing on a crucial skill for every jobseeker: how to strategically search for the right job opportunities because finding a role isn’t just about applying everywhere, it’s about applying smartly.
What Makes a Strategic Job Search?
A strategic job search means being intentional. Instead of casting a wide net, you’re identifying roles that truly fit your skills, goals, and values and approaching them with purpose. It’s about quality over quantity.
Step 1: Define What You’re Looking For
Before you hit the job boards, answer the following:
- What kind of roles am I targeting?
- Which industries or sectors suit my background or aspirations?
- What location, salary range, or work arrangement (remote/hybrid/on-site) am I open to?
- What kind of company culture or mission matters to me?
Having clarity on these will prevent wasted time applying for roles that don’t align with your goals.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools (Not Just Google)
There are a variety of platforms and resources that can help you uncover real opportunities:
Job Boards
- Recruit.ie Jobs Board – Your go-to hub for active listings from top Irish employers.
- JobsIreland, IrishJobs.ie, Indeed.ie – Well-known platforms offering thousands of listings.
- Use filters to target by location, salary, job title, or employer.
Company Websites
Identify 10–15 companies you admire. Regularly check their Careers sections. Not all roles are listed on job boards.
- Follow companies of interest
- Set job alerts
- Look at employee profiles to understand company structure
- Reach out for informational chats
Recruitment Agencies
Connect with specialist recruiters in your field. Many employers fill roles exclusively through agencies.
Events like Jobs Expo
This is your direct line to hiring managers. Get ahead by:
- Researching the exhibitor list in advance
- Creating a shortlist of target companies
- Preparing tailored questions and your elevator pitch
Step 3: Focus on Targeted Applications
A tailored application will always stand out. When applying:
- Customise your CV to match the job description
- Write a personalised cover letter explaining why you want the role
- Follow up after applying – show genuine interest
Step 4: Track & Optimise Your Efforts
Use a spreadsheet or tracker app to log:
- Companies applied to
- Status of application
- Follow-up dates
- Notes on contacts made
This keeps you organised and helps identify what’s working.
Pro Tip: Start Conversations, Not Just Applications
Strategic job seekers network. Use LinkedIn to introduce yourself to people in your target companies. Ask questions. Attend meetups or virtual industry events. By building genuine connections, you increase your visibility and potential for referrals.
Jobs Expo Galway is taking place in the Galmont Hotel & Spa on Saturday, 13th September (10am-4pm). This careers fair will be sponsored by Recruit.ie and will feature hundreds of active job opportunities. Jobs Expo is the only careers exhibition of its type to feature FREE ADMISSION.
What can you expect at Jobs Expo Galway?
- Employers actively recruiting for hundreds of jobs at home and abroad
- Specialised areas dedicated to jobs in particular industries
- The Career Clinic offering one-on-one CV, job seeking and career advice from professional career guidance counsellors
- A packed seminar timetable on important and topical issues by a range of industry experts
Career Clinic
The Career Clinic offers the chance for attendees to meet with professional development coaches. They can help candidates with crucial issues such as interview skills, CV presentation and changing career direction.
Agenda Stage
Jobs Expo’s Agenda Stage will host talks on a variety of topics including jobseeking skills such as using social media to land your dream job and interview techniques as well as a CV writing workshop. Other seminars include talks by industry insiders on a variety of career topics.
We look forward to seeing you at Jobs Expo Galway!