To be or not to be?

[Samzar]

In Dubai i.e.

Hi there expats, loved the forum and gained loads of info here, tho it seems like most of you belong to that Geordie clan, eh!

A little info here, I am an I.T. professional, currently working for IBM Canada as a Security Compliance specialist (precisely Tivoli SCM Subject Matter Expert) and have over 10 years experience in several different IT departments with companies like IBM, Hewlett Packard and Canada's largest healthcare network UHN, as Data Centre Specialist, Technical Specialist etc. etc., kind of specialised in Data Centre management and Security Compliance (specifically Tivoli SCM) with Masters degree in computer science and a Uni level Project Management course in IT & T with loads of hands on I.T. experience.

I was and am thinking about securing a position in Dubai from a couple of years now. I have tried a few million (if not billion already) times over the internet and never ever got a reply back. LOL. I was actually contacted by a couple of agencies like Hays etc. a couple of times, but then they disappeared like they or I died.

I was told by a few people in Dubai that I have to come to Dubai to search a job as the chances to secure a position from Canada is like saturated fats in a health concious food. i.e. close to zero. And I never came across with any recruiting agency recruiting for Dubai here either.

So how far is it true that I have a better chance at finding something better while being physically in Dubai for a Month?

Thank you Elphaba and Armani for already answering this. And hallelujah for all others who will be replying.

A man in need of a Help indeed!

[Samzar]

Hello everyone, can anybody answer my question as I have other questions as well to ask (I can't find the answers in the forums).

Thank you

[Iron Horse]

I can't speak for things IT. But I believe your chances of securing any work increases if you can put a face with the paperwork you've sent and from speaking with people.

Why not look at IBM again, but here? I know it's not always a good thing once you've left, but why not if you really want to be here.

[Samzar]

Appreciate that.

I tried to put a face to paperwork as well as tried to talk to agencies but never got a break. Most of the job sites have my updated resume and I do apply every now n then as opportunity arises.

Yes you are right its not a good idea to leave IBM and then look again in the same company, because IBM is centrally connected and they can even pull the details about how many hair do I have on my ass. But surely, it wont harm to look again and I tried, but didn't come across with anything and can't ask my manager to send me there you know.

So do you still think it worth a try to go to UAE for a month and try it out while physically being there?

Thank you

[Iron Horse]

If time and money aren't an issue, then why not give it a go. The time spent here should give you a good idea of what's happening, so when you sit down with a company either in person or when you're back home you can talk about reality on the ground here with no bs from their end.

[Samzar]

Certainly time wouldn't be any issue and I can manage the money as I have quiet a few friends in Dubai so living is not a problem.

Thanks for the advice tho. However, do you think while based in Dubai, one can hunt jobs in neighbouring states as well?

And what would be the best method to hunt a job there? going directly to agencies and companies or applying online?

[Iron Horse]

If you are coming here, or anywhere for that matter, you should send an e-mail and call the companies you want to visit. Let them know you are going to be here on certain dates and ask to set up a brief meeting. Putting the face and handshake with the resume/cv is a good thing to do. It's the networking all of us have to do.

[Samzar]

Appreciate the advice. It perfectly make sense. And the only fear I have is wasting my time there for not having right contacts and land something I don't want.

Any suggestions about which portal should I try to gather information regarding companies? I am on MonsterGulf, Bayt.com, GulfRecruiter, so far.

But people there kept telling me that once my address and phone number on the resume says I am in Dubai, I have way better shot at meeting companies in person than applying online from abroad.