Actively seeking insurance jobs in Ireland has become a far more challenging process than it used to be.
Both emerging and seasoned professionals are now expected to possess a diverse range of skills; skills that not only align with traditional industry practices and expectations, but also lend themselves to the increasing digitalisation of the sector.
Add to this the pressure of shifting customer expectations and growing competition, and you are faced with employers on a desperate search for candidates who will shine in their role and bring tangible value to the hiring company.
Impressing said employers goes hand in hand with understanding the exact skills they are looking for in a candidate.
In this article, we discuss these skills in detail, giving aspiring insurance professionals an expert overview of what’s required to succeed within this competitive and rewarding sector.
The importance of soft skills when seeking insurance jobs in Ireland
In 2025, the term “soft” skills is being taken into question, given their importance to employers. Now deemed as essential skills or leadership superpowers, this set of specific abilities can spell the difference between a good candidate and a great find.
Soft skills hiring managers seek when recruiting for insurance jobs in Ireland
- Communication – translating technical or complex ideas into clear, understandable language for different audiences.
- Emotional intelligence – showcasing empathy and collaboration when managing client relationships, working in teams and handling difficult customer interactions.
- Adaptability – proving your ability to learn, adapt and stay current with trends, particularly in the face of increasing digitalisation.
- Relationship building – networking with people already working in insurance and using LinkedIn or local industry events to gain insights into this evolving industry.
In an interview setting, it’s important to use examples of where you demonstrated these skills in previous professional scenarios.
The benefit of strong technical skills
With a recent study revealing that 75% of insurance firms surveyed have a digital strategy in place, it’s clear that the industry is experiencing a steady pace of digitalisation. This has changed the traditional brief associated with insurance roles, especially those that involve underwriting, claims, and life and pensions, which now demand a solid technical knowledge.
To align with these transformations and to promote success when exploring insurtech positions, candidates will need to showcase:
- An awareness of new technologies like cloud, automation, APIs, and digital platforms.
- Proficiency with data analytics, machine learning/AI tools, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity basics.
- A foundational understanding of cyber risk and compliance for digital tools.
- Coding, platform management and user-experience, which may be required for certain roles.
If you have yet to attain these skills, now is the time to build them through courses and side projects.
An in-depth regulatory knowledge
Understanding relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks, such as EU regulations, solvency rules and data protection, is absolutely vital for insurance professionals in 2025.
It’s also vital to develop an awareness of how any changes might affect underwriting, product design or risk assessment.
This can be achieved by:
- Keeping up to date with Central Bank of Ireland updates, EU directives and industry publications.
- Attending webinars and networking with compliance professionals.
- Completing relevant professional courses or certifications in compliance and risk.
Each of the above actions will help you to understand how regulation impacts day-to-day insurance roles.
The importance of integrity and risk awareness
Considering the importance of regulatory compliance, particularly in financial services, a candidate who portrays integrity and displays a high level of risk awareness will be prioritised for available roles.
This makes a lot of sense; insurance deals with risk and legal contracts, and mistakes can be costly.
To this end, attractive skills include:
- Precision in contract wording, policies and claims and documentation handling.
- An ethical approach to roles with financial, compliance or regulatory exposure.
- Strong risk awareness and a knowledge of the controls and processes to mitigate risks.
Investing time in developing these skills is an investment worth making.
Analytical skills and data literacy
More and more, insurers are using data to drive decisions. Employers will therefore seek out candidates with key capabilities in this area. Desirable attributes include:
- An ease with statistics or financial modelling.
- The ability to interpret data, spot trends, assess risk and forecast accordingly.
- Experience with tools/software used for data manipulation and reporting.
Even if the role you are exploring is less quantitative in nature, being data-savvy has many benefits and positions you as a stronger candidate.
Find top insurance jobs in Ireland with the help of 360 Search
At 360 Search, we specialise in placing candidates into permanent, interim and senior roles in the insurance, finance, life and pensions, risk and compliance sectors.
Through our comprehensive suite of recruitment services, we help your applications stand out and match you to roles aligned with your skills and ambitions.
How we simplify your search for insurance jobs in Ireland
We help you identify what specific skills employers are asking for in your target roles, and advise on where to upskill.
We also review CVs/applications and help you tailor them accordingly, as well as providing tips for interview preparation.
Through regular contact with our network, we gain insights into what different companies are seeking, enabling us to match you to roles where your strengths are most relevant.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you amplify your skills and land your ideal role.
