LinkedIn reveals top 5 most applied for jobs in UAE during the pandemic

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a greater need for agility and resilience in businesses has manifested, which has shifted the hiring ecosystem in the UAE and the region.

To address such needs, the top five applied-for jobs in the UAE entail: contact centre agents, compliance managers, partnerships managers, customer service executives, and head of operations, according to professional network LinkedIn.

Despite the fallout of the pandemic sending shock waves across all industries and economies, these roles have seen the highest percentage increase in job applications in the UAE between March and April 2020.

To help people seeking employment, LinkedIn has also analysed the skills needed for each of these roles and the top industries hiring them.

The UAE’s top five roles, skills and industries are:

1. Contact Centre Agent
· Skills needed: Customer satisfaction, teamwork, customer experience
· Industries recruiting: Software and IT services, retail, finance

2. Compliance Manager
· Skills needed: Anti-money laundering, KYC, regulatory compliance
· Industries recruiting: Transportation and logistics, finance, consumer goods

3. Partnerships Manager
· Skills needed: Business development, strategic partnerships, team management
· Industries recruiting: Public administration, software and IT services, healthcare

4. Customer Service Executive
· Skills needed: Customer satisfaction, team management, customer relationship management (CRM)
· Industries recruiting: Transportation and logistics, software and IT services, consumer goods

5. Head of Operations
· Skills needed: Operations management, team management, project planning
· Industries recruiting: Finance, consumer goods, software and IT services

Arda Atalay, head of MENA private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, said: “Over the last two months, there has been an increase in demand from applicants for roles in industries such as software and IT services, transportation and logistics, as well as consumer goods. As a result of the pandemic and changing consumer needs, new opportunities are emerging for job seekers in these industries. With several people continuing to see their employment circumstances change, it’s likely that we’ll see more people applying for these roles. This means standing out has never been more important. Simple steps our members can take, such as updating their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, practicing interview techniques, and gaining new skills will be key to ensuring an edge over other candidates.”

LinkedIn’s interview preparation tools can help candidates prepare for the most likely asked questions in a screening process, given that most interviews are currently being virtually conducted.

Furthermore, the platform’s new AI-powered feedback feature enables LinkedIn members to privately record a practice interview, following which instant feedback is shared to help refine them.