The application stage of our recruitment process is designed to help you demonstrate the skills and experiences you have that meet the criteria for the role. It is important to provide accurate information and to detail why you would be suitable for the role you are applying for. It is essential that you read the Competition Information Booklet fully to understand the role requirements, eligibility criteria and application process.
Application Tips
Review the Competition Information Booklet: Before starting your application form, review the Information Booklet to ensure you have read the requirements and duties of the role, including educational requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply for the role.
Read the application form: Read each question on the application form carefully and make sure that you answer all of the questions including any sub-questions. Please also ensure you adhere to any word limits given.
Demonstrate your competence/capability: The application form is designed to ensure you can clearly demonstrate the skills and experiences that you have. It is important to provide accurate information and to detail why you would be suitable for the role you are applying for. The evidence you provide on the application form may be used for shortlisting and/or interview stage.
Take your time: It’s important to take note of the competition closing date and give yourself sufficient time to fill out the application forms.
Check spelling and grammar: Allow time to proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors.
Save your work: Make sure to answer every question in the application form and save a copy of it for your records before submitting it. This document may form the basis of the interview stage where the information provided will be explored further.
Starting your Application
Now that you have read our tips you are ready to get started on your application. When you find a role on publicjobs.ie, you will first need to register an account with publicjobs.ie. Please note, if you already have an account with us, you can login to your account using candidate portal login.
Once you are logged into your account, you can search for the role you wish to apply for and click on the Apply Now button.
Online Application Form:
Click the Online Application Form and the details from your profile registration are automatically populated into the form. Ensure that you save your application form at regular intervals by clicking the Save as Draft button at the end of the page. This will allow you to save your work and come back to it at another time before the competition closing date. Once the form is completed, click Submit button at the end of the page. You will receive a message to the email address you provided confirming receipt of your application within a few hours of submitting your application. It is important that you click the Submit button in order for your application to progress to the next stage. Draft applications will not progress.
Do you need to submit a CV with your Application?
This is only a requirement if the Competition Information Booklet indicates that a CV is necessary, usually only for very senior roles or specific technical positions. After submitting your application, you can attach your CV in the Application Attachment section.
Updating an Application
You can update your application as long as the closing date has not passed. If you need to update your application form:
- Log on to your publicjobs.ie profile and Click on My Applications.
- You will see your application in the My Applications closing date not yet passed section.
- Click on the “Update” link for the Online Application form and make any changes. If your application form has not yet been submitted but has been saved as a draft, you may click on the “Complete My Application” link for the Online Application form
- Click Submit once the changes have been made.
Withdrawing an application
You can withdraw an application before the closing date by logging into your profile and clicking on 'My Applications' and withdrawing the application. For information on Data Protection and the right to erasure .
More Information
For more information on the Application process, please click the FAQ page.