Job search for Project Manager

[MK0208]

Hi i am new to the Forum. I was wondering if anyone knew about how long it takes to get a job as a construction Project Manager in UAE? I was under the assumption that PMs were in high demand. I have listed my info and only had a couple of return conversations with recruiters. Is there any way to apply directly with construction companies? And does anyone have any advice of how to speed up the process. Any advice would be appreciated!

[crazymazy1980]

Originally Posted by MK0208

Hi i am new to the Forum. I was wondering if anyone knew about how long it takes to get a job as a construction Project Manager in UAE? I was under the assumption that PMs were in high demand. I have listed my info and only had a couple of return conversations with recruiters. Is there any way to apply directly with construction companies? And does anyone have any advice of how to speed up the process. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi and welcome to the forum,

Ways to speed things up, hmmm! Firstly you say you have listed your info? It kind of implies you've put your CV on Monster and are just waiting for the offers, hopefully this is not the case and you're proactively targetting recruiters in the field you want to work and calling them/pestering them to discuss what is out there. To your second question, of course there is a way - it's called Google! Get the number of the company from the website and give them a call, then ask to be put through to one of the PMs, talk to them, if you get a good one then they will no doubt help you out on what to put on your CV. If possible try cold calling the HR depts too, if you can strike up a good relation with an employee they may forward your CV internally and keep you posted. Also, I would hope that you do have some experience in construction PM work so maybe you might want to talk to the companies you have worked for and see what they have going on here in the UAE.

Above all the more work you put in the more likely the process will be sped up but that advice is tempered with you having the right qualifications and a good deal of experience working on BIG projects.

HTH

[Maz25]

I've lost count of the number of times myself and other people have posted the details for recruitment companies specialising in construction. Please do a search and company details and contact details should come up.

As crazymazy has said, you need to make the effort here, rather than employers. The tables have turned and Dubai is now an employer's market - more so in construction. With the current situation in the West, there are loads of people flocking here and employers no longer need to chase after anyone or offer high salaries for that matter to get good people.

Where are you based at the mo? All the major construction/ building consultancies and contractors based in UK/Europe would be transferring staff out here because of the global slowdown and would in all probability be looking for new people, so there's your chance to get in touch with them and put your CV forward. I wouldn't go so far as to speak to the PMs in the company - try the HR department instead - my company employs quite a few PMs and to say the least, I'm not sure that they would appreciate people calling them about jobs! They would just refer you to HR in any case!

Again, I agree that your experience needs to be on big projects. Your typical 100m GBP project is actually viewed as rather small here. Ultimately, I would say that at the mo, you would need at least 5 years experience as a bare minimum to even get a look-in; there are so many senior guys moving here that competition is really hard and you would need to bring something extra to the table to even get your foot through the door.

Good luck!

[Bluemooner]

Originally Posted by MK0208

Hi i am new to the Forum. I was wondering if anyone knew about how long it takes to get a job as a construction Project Manager in UAE? I was under the assumption that PMs were in high demand. I have listed my info and only had a couple of return conversations with recruiters. Is there any way to apply directly with construction companies? And does anyone have any advice of how to speed up the process. Any advice would be appreciated!

I'm a PM and from sending out my CV to being offered a job it took about 1 week so there is plenty here, I have taken a position of construction manager as it apears to be harder to get streight in as a PM, it is a position I can reach to but need some time out there first. I am on with BK but the below also got in touch with me after I had acepted my position with BK and they are dealing with a lot of company's in Dubai. No harm in dropping them a line

recruit.for.dubai@googlemail.com

Hope of use

[MK0208]

I am currently in Denver Colorado working as a PM for a medium sized General Contractor I have over 20 years exp. and 8 years as a PM and CM. I really appreciate the response to my inquirey and will keep persueing every lead I can find. Thanks

Originally Posted by crazymazy1980

Hi and welcome to the forum,

Ways to speed things up, hmmm! Firstly you say you have listed your info? It kind of implies you've put your CV on Monster and are just waiting for the offers, hopefully this is not the case and you're proactively targetting recruiters in the field you want to work and calling them/pestering them to discuss what is out there. To your second question, of course there is a way - it's called Google! Get the number of the company from the website and give them a call, then ask to be put through to one of the PMs, talk to them, if you get a good one then they will no doubt help you out on what to put on your CV. If possible try cold calling the HR depts too, if you can strike up a good relation with an employee they may forward your CV internally and keep you posted. Also, I would hope that you do have some experience in construction PM work so maybe you might want to talk to the companies you have worked for and see what they have going on here in the UAE.

Above all the more work you put in the more likely the process will be sped up but that advice is tempered with you having the right qualifications and a good deal of experience working on BIG projects.

HTH