Stage 1 · Lesson 5 of 6

A tighter UK market and a smaller Irish one

The UK graduate job market has tightened since 2023: fewer graduate vacancies, many more applications per role and, for anyone needing a visa, a short list of employers who hold a (official permission to hire from abroad). for sponsored roles rose in 2024 and 2025, which rules out many junior offers.

Ireland is smaller but hosts the European headquarters of many large tech companies, mostly in Dublin, and its includes many software and roles. Housing in Dublin and London is the biggest cost and the hardest search.

Common trapapplying across the UK to any job that looks right, without checking that the employer can sponsor and that the salary clears the threshold.

A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it

Resources for this stage

Start with· follow one of these

RoadmapFree
Sefism Remote Jobs Roadmap
Sefism
The other way to earn abroad-level pay: compare it honestly before you decide to move
GuideFree
UK Skilled Worker visa (GOV.UK)
UK Home Office (GOV.UK)
The official rules for the main UK work route, so you know early whether your level qualifies

Practise

Numbeo cost of living comparisons
Compare living costs between your city and your destination as a first estimate
levels.fyi
Check pay ranges for your role and level in your target city

Keep handy

Glassdoor
Salaries and employee reviews for employers in your destination
Ireland employment permits (Critical Skills and General)
Ireland's permits and occupation lists, to compare with the UK before you choose

Also worth your time

Work abroad or work remotely from home? (opens in a new tab)Read
The trade-offs between moving and earning from home, answered for engineers like you
Sefism 1:1 MentorshipGo deeper
Talk the decision through with someone who has made it, before anyone commits money