How To Get A Job In Dubai

1. Identify What You Would Like To Do

Remember the Dubai job market is sophisticated and extremely competitive and you will not sound too convincing to a prospective employer if you are not convinced yourself of your objectives, strengths and weaknesses and that you will be a real asset to his team. Assess your career aspirations and motivations. Come to terms with what it is that you specifically didn’t like about your past or present job. Ask yourself what is it you would like to have in a new job? Reliable psychometric tests can help you evaluate various facets of your professional persona that will help you leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses and hone in on an ideal job and career.

2. Research The Market

Thanks to leading regional jobsites it’s not that difficult to know who is hiring and what roles are in demand. There are other ways to research the market including reading company and industry literature and regional HR surveys that are specific to the recruitment needs of local employers. Research will help you identify what companies, departments and positions to target and will uncover who is hiring in your target segments.

3. Build An Online CV

Based on a recent Bayt.com poll, not only is the Internet the medium of choice for the vast majority of employers seeking potential hires, but 84% will take the time to research candidates online before making a final decision. Your CV and Cover Letter are usually the first interaction you will have with a potential employer so use them to leave a lasting high-impact first impression. Make sure the format, content and flow is professional and appropriate for the role and that you keep them updated at all times.

Regularly updating your online CV will ensure that employers searching for your skills will find you, even if they don’t have vacancies posted. Make sure you include plenty of keywords and details such as industries you are targeting, targeted job roles, career highlights, key skills, etc. as all this will make your CV more searchable and competitive.

4. Create An Online Public Profile

The benefit of this is that it enables employers to find you through search engines like Google. In fact, once your CV is online, creating your online public profile with a personalized URL is an essential one-step process. Your online public profile becomes your online business card and enables you to get your colleagues to endorse your skills.

5. Treat The Job Search As An Actual Job

Set aside a fixed number of hours a day and approach the job search methodically, logically and systematically applying the same discipline, rigor and organizational skills you would apply to a real job. Identify your targets and set a game plan in place that includes companies you will target, activities you will undertake, dates and follow up plans.

6. Widen The Net

The job search is no time to be shy. Talk to friends, family, alumni, peers, family, local business groups, business councils and the career planning team at your college if you are a fresh graduate and make sure your CV is circulating in the right circles. Network actively and aim to broaden your circle of acquaintances on a daily basis. It is true that networking cannot be that easy, especially if you are new to the city. So start by find out from an updated UAE events page if there are any job fairs and industry expos or events happening that you can attend.

Dubai is renowned for its rich and varied calendar of business events and its world-class conferences and exhibitions. This would be an excellent opportunity for you to not only meet employers, but also conduct informational interviews with company representatives. An informational interview can help you expand your network in the new city. You can ask your interviewers which companies would be the best to apply to, get advice on applying there, and ask for names of other contacts for your network.

7. Understand Your Earning Potential

Before you start accepting offers, it’s helpful to know what salary structures and trends are locally and what your peers with similar skills at a similar career level are earning. This is easily done online and also by reading the freshest local and regional salary surveys.

8. Be Patient And Persistent

Remember a good start is a job half done. Perfect your toolkit, research the market thoroughly, network actively, apply rigorously to jobs that interest you and that you are qualified for and be persistent in your pursuit of that ideal opportunity. The process of hiring senior level employees can take up to three months and arriving at a successful hire can take six months or more.