Ireland top skills report 2026: Shape your future career

In Ireland’s evolving job market, the skills you sharpen today will define the opportunities you access tomorrow. Whether you’ve only recently started your career journey or are already a senior leader with decades of experience under your belt, building the right skills is essential to stay competitive and progress.

Drawing on insights from our Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 guide, based on research of over 600 employers and professionals nationwide, we’ve identified the skills organisations are prioritising this year. Explore the top soft and specialist skills below, along with practical ways to strengthen them and demonstrate your value in the workplace.
 

Stand-out findings from our 2026 guide:

• 96% of employers have contended with skills shortages over the last year
• 86% of employers plan to recruit staff in the year ahead
• 47% of employers don’t have access to the right skills to make the best use of AI
• 76% of employers say they’re likely to hire someone without all the required skills, with the intention of upskilling them
• 79% of employers say willingness to learn is more important than existing skillset

For a deeper dive into salaries, hiring trends and sector-specific insights across Ireland’s industries, access the full guide to inform your career decisions in 2026.

Top 5 soft skills for 2026

Soft skills are the mindsets and behaviours that help professionals thrive in their careers. Unlike technical abilities, which can quickly become outdated in today’s fast-paced digital world, soft skills remain relevant and transferable across industries for years to come.

Employers are increasingly prioritising these capabilities because they facilitate problem-solving and effective collaboration in evolving business environments. Developing strong soft skills can help you overcome challenges, add value beyond technical expertise, and stay competitive in the modern workplace.
 

1. Adaptability

In a world of rising costs, talent shortages and economic uncertainty, adaptability is one of the most in-demand skills. Professionals who can pivot quickly, embrace new ways of working, and excel in changing environments are highly valued. In today’s hybrid and AI-driven workplace, employees at all levels must adjust to new tools, workflows, and expectations. For senior leaders especially, adaptability is important for being able to guide teams through change, while contractors benefit from being able to integrate seamlessly into new environments.

How to develop it:

• Seek change intentionally: if the opportunity arises, step outside of your comfort zone by volunteering for projects that steer away from your usual responsibilities
• Practice flexible thinking: whenever you face challenges, get into the habit of considering multiple solutions instead of clinging to the usual approach
• Reflect on lessons learned: after going through a period of change, ask “what did we learn?” and make a note of your insights so you can refer to them in the future
   

2. Growth mindset

Having a growth mindset and eagerness for continuous learning means you’ll be able to adapt as industries and technologies evolve, turning change into opportunity rather than disruption. This adaptability becomes even more valuable as employers continue to invest in training to close talent gaps, making those who actively upskill stand out for their relevance and initiative. In workplaces shaped by digital transformation and shifting market conditions, those with a growth mindset position themselves as innovators who drive progress.

How to develop it:

• Commit to continuous learning by taking online courses to stay ahead of industry trends
• Join workplace mentorship programs to actively upskill and position yourself as a forward-thinking professional
• Commit to sharing one new skill, insight or resource with your team each month to help normalise upskilling as part of your team culture
   

3. Effective communication

Strong communication skills are the foundation of professional success. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting ideas or collaborating on projects, the ability to express yourself clearly and persuasively is essential for career progression. For contractors, being able to effectively communicate is especially important for being able to build trust quickly during short-term assignments.

How to develop it:

• Practise active listening and summarise before responding to ensure clarity
• Build confidence through public speaking or presenting opportunities
• Ahead of an important meeting or presentation, record yourself explaining a concept and review for clarity and tone – practice makes perfect
   

4. Emotional intelligence

In Ireland’s collaborative workplaces, emotional intelligence is a soft skill that many employers look out for – particularly for people-management roles. Empathising with colleagues, recognising and managing your emotions, and navigating conflict constructively helps you integrate into teams and lead effectively.

How to develop it:

• Increase self-awareness by making a conscious effort to spot your common emotional triggers and pausing before reacting
• Role-play scenarios to practise handling conflict or delivering feedback empathetically
• Learn mindfulness techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises to stay grounded in high-pressure situations
   

5. Problem-solving

Employers often look for professionals who can dissect complex challenges, apply critical thinking, and generate creative solutions. With automation and AI taking over routine work, the ability to solve problems effectively sets top talent apart. For leaders, it means steering teams through uncertainty and shaping strategic outcomes, while contractors are often recognised for their capacity to deliver fast, practical answers in demanding situations.

How to develop it:

• Before jumping straight into solving the problem, first make sure you understand the whole challenge, any constraints, and the desired outcome
• Break large challenges into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelm
• Gather diverse perspectives by consulting colleagues from different departments

Top 5 specialist skills for 2026

Specialist skills are tied more closely to specific roles or industries, but many are transferable across sectors and become even more powerful when combined with strong soft skills. According to our Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026, digital and technology skills (50%) are expected to be the most in-demand this year, closely followed by technical trades and industry-specific expertise (48%).
 

1. AI literacy

AI is reshaping workplaces across Ireland, with 34% of employees who took part in our survey now saying they use AI on a regular basis at work, yet demand for AI skills is outpacing supply, with many employers reporting shortages. Professionals who can harness AI tools, streamline workflows, and support digital transformation projects will stand out in a skills-short market. For leaders, demonstrating the ability to integrate AI into operations and guide teams through digital transformation will be a key differentiator, while contractors with proven AI capabilities will be in demand as organisations look to bridge critical skills gaps.

How to develop it:

• Complete a certified course (e.g. Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI) and apply what you have learned to your work
• Select one workflow each month to enhance with AI and track improvements
• Document and share best practices with your team to build collective digital fluency
   

2. Data analysis

Data analysis has become a vital component of decision-making, with organisations across Ireland increasingly relying on insights drawn from complex datasets to guide strategy and improve efficiency. Demand for professionals who can interpret data, identify trends and translate findings into actionable outcomes continues to grow.

How to develop it:

• Practise data analysis in Excel or BI tools, using AI assistants to simplify formulas and extract insights
• Complete a certified course in tools like Excel, SQL, Power BI or Python for data analysis, and apply those skills to real-world datasets
• After gaining a solid grasp of data concepts, create a simple dashboard to track one team metric and record the decisions it informs
   

3. People management

Modern organisations thrive when leaders can inspire, nurture growth, and create a culture where individuals feel valued. These qualities directly influence morale, retention, and overall performance – making people management a vital skill for anyone aiming to step into greater responsibility.

How to develop it:

• Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) for yourself and your team
• Build a habit of regular feedback by holding short weekly check-ins with clear action points
• Use coaching frameworks like GROW (goal, reality, options, will) to build confidence and capability
   

4. Strategic thinking

Strategic thinking is about turning insight into deliberate choices and actions. It enables professionals to recognise patterns, weigh trade-offs, and align resources to achieve results in shifting environments. For senior leaders, it’s a vital capability that shapes organisational direction and is highly valued by executives. Meanwhile, contractors who demonstrate strategic planning skills also strengthen their positioning for complex projects and premium day rates.

How to develop it:

• Ask bigger-picture questions that challenge assumptions and reveal new opportunities
• Draft one-page plans for major tasks, outlining outcomes, risks and measures of success
• Reflect often: At the end of each month or quarter, ask yourself what shifted in the environment and how you adapted
   

5. Digital collaboration

Hybrid working remains widespread in Ireland, making digital collaboration skills essential. From project management platforms to remote communication tools, professionals who can use these technologies to lead, motivate and integrate seamlessly into teams will be best placed to succeed.

How to develop it:

• Experiment with tools: try out new platforms and compare how they support teamwork, rather than sticking to one default
• Set clear expectations on how the team communicates, including which channels, expected response time, etc
• Protect wellbeing by setting boundaries for yourself and others, encouraging work-life balance and reinforcing the importance of fully switching off outside of working hours
   

Showcasing your skills for success

With 79% of employers in Ireland saying an individual’s willingness to learn is more important than their existing skillset, according to our research, you should be making sure your skills stand out when submitting job applications to give yourself the best chance of success. These quick tips can help you do so:

• Highlight skills clearly on your CV: A dedicated section on your CV that showcases both technical expertise and soft skills makes it easy for recruiters to see your strengths at a glance. Position this section prominently so that it catches attention quickly.
• Tailor your application: Customising your CV for every job application demonstrates that you understand the employer’s needs. By mirroring the language used in job adverts and prioritising the skills most in demand, you show attention to detail and a genuine interest in the role.
• Provide evidence of your capabilities: Use examples of achievements, successful projects, or positive client feedback to demonstrate the real-world impact of your abilities – this is far more impactful than just listing your skills, as it builds credibility.
• Show a commitment to upskilling: Employers value candidates who are proactive about growth. Highlight recent training, certifications, or upskilling in areas such as AI, digital tools or leadership. This shows resilience and readiness to adapt to an evolving job market.
   

Invest in your future

By presenting your skills with clarity, proving their value through real-world examples, and showing dedication to ongoing development, you’ll stand out as someone ready to succeed in a competitive environment. Employers are increasingly seeking adaptable professionals who can grow with their organisations, and showcasing your skills effectively is the key to proving you’re ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore the latest jobs in Ireland and take the next step in your career journey.