While national and local newspapers are still commonly used to advertise job vacancies, it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of positions are not widely publicized. Many recruiters welcome speculative applications as well as responses to specific advertised vacancies on either their own recruitment pages or those of web-based agencies.

Application procedures are increasingly becoming web-based, either through the completion of a web-based form or emailing as attachments a cover letter and curriculum vitae (also referred to, though less frequently as a "résumé”). Microsoft Word is the preferred format for submitting files to recruiters in Ireland , though pdf files are also readily accepted. While UK English spelling is normally observed in documents written for Ireland , Irish employers would not normally look unfavorably on the use of American English. However, the job seeker should be consistent by refraining from mixing British ( organise , specialise , centre , defence and cheque ) and American ( organize , specialize , center , defense and check ) spellings. In maintaining consistency, it is helpful to change the Language Setting within the word processing program to English (UK), which will automatically indicate errors of spelling and usage as a document is written.