[dizzyizzy]

Since this is such a recurrent topic, I thought we could have a thread for people to post their suggestions to new forum members looking for job opportunities in Dubai/UAE, especially those who are intending to move from overseas to find jobs in the region.

While there is no 'one size fits all' approach, there are still many things job seekers can do to land a job, and a wealth of advice is available from those of us who have been fortunate enough to find employment in Dubai. So please take a moment to share your tips and suggestions:

• How did you find your job?
  
• Did you get a job first and then moved to Dubai, or the other way around?
  
• What things worked and didn't work for you?
  
• How was the hiring process for you, and how long did it take from the moment you were approached for the first interview, to your first day at work?

Thanks in advance for your contributions.


FOR JOB SEEKERS:

• Just a reminder that this thread is just meant just to be a general guide with suggestions and general advice. As such, please do not use this thread to post job requests nor do ask people to find you a job. No one should expect others to do the legwork for them and such types of requests will be deleted.
  
• Use the search function! You would be surprised at how many times your same question has been asked before.
  
• On that note, please help us to keep this guide organized by not posting your questions here. If after reading this thread, reading the numerous stickies, and doing a search in the forum you still can not find an answer, please open your own separate thread with the details about your profile and type of job you are seeking and hopefully other forum members will be able to give you advice for your specific situation, although the information on this thread and the stickies applies to the majority, unless you are in a very, very specialized field.
  
• For a list of recruiters, check this post: http://www.expatforum.com/expats/du...g-useful-info-about-dubai-uae.html#post345290.
  
• Also visit this link for the top 25 recruitment agencies in the UAE http://dubaiforvisitors.com/2008/01/08/top-25-recruitment-agencies-in-uae/ (thank you nikkisizer)
  
• Is also suggested to use Google and the search function in this forum to find more recruiters.
  
• To get an idea of what kind of salaries and packages people get offered, check this thread: http://www.expatforum.com/expats/du...-offer-package-questions-post-yours-here.html

Thanks in advance for following the above guidelines, and best of luck with your job search.

 

[dizzyizzy]

I personally think that finding jobs in Dubai/UAE is not that different from finding jobs 'back home'. I've been with the same company for the past 4 years, but if I needed to look for jobs today, this is what I would do:

- Add my CV to the websites of all the UAE recruiters (there is a very extensive list at the 'read before you post' sticky and also you can use the search function on the forum to find even more suggestions).
- Make a list of the companies I'd like to work for, check their websites to see if there are any jobs listed on their careers section that I could apply for. If not, I'd still upload my CV or email it to their HR departments.
- Have an updated and comprehensive Linkedin profile.
- Join all the relevant Linkedin groups for my industry. Many recruiters also have Linkedin groups where they post vacancies.
- Network, network, network
- Have a look at the classifieds sections on the newspapers. This approach would not work too much in my case, but it could still work for other types of jobs.
- Do not be afraid to make lots of phonecalls


Advice straight from a Dubai based HR Manager -- MUST READ BEFORE YOU START SENDING YOUR CV TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS:

http://www.expatforum.com/expats/du...-how-get-your-cv-deleted-10-seconds-less.html

 

[dizzyizzy]

Other random bits of advice or just general comments:

- Things can move at snail peace here.
- Most recruiters do not reply to emails. Communication will be done largely on their terms.
- The answer to the old question of 'is it better to look for jobs while in my country, or move to the UAE first and then look for jobs?' is, it depends. It all depends on the industry, the job level, how much competition you'll be facing, if you're moving by yourself or you're bringing your family with you, if you are a fresh graduate/entry level candidate, or you have 10 years of experience, what's your passport and skin color, if you are generally a very luckily individual, etc.
- Things have changed a lot in the past few years, and Dubai is no longer this city with tons of jobs that pay awesome salaries. There is a lot of competition, and some companies have become more stingy when it comes to salary packages, while others have maintained their same hiring and remuneration policies.

 

[Chocoholic]

One really big bit of advice I'd like to chip in with, is before sending your cv randomly to people who may or may not be in a position to hire others, is do some research on the companies/people you're sending them to!

People add me on Linkedin, then I get inundated with cv's - which all get deleted and thrown in the bin A. because I'm not in a position to be able to hire people B. they're applying for positions which our company does not use C. they're so badly written, I wouldn't even give it a second glance!

So for job seekers - do your research!

 

[dizzyizzy]

More:

- Prepare a good CV. Update it regularly. SPELL CHECK IT! If your writing skills are not great, ask a friend to proof read it for you.
- There are companies or individuals who can write your CV for you. Some of them are good, some of them are crap. Do your due diligence before you pay money to anyone for doing this for you. Ask for references.
- Never pay to a recruitment agency to find you jobs. Some of them will ask for an 'admin fee'. Don't pay. Is a scam. Is illegal. Don't do it. It will be money gone down the drain. Serious recruiters don't do this.

 

[dizzyizzy]

One really big bit of advice I'd like to chip in with, is before sending your cv randomly to people who may or may not be in a position to hire others, is do some research on the companies/people you're sending them to!

People add me on Linkedin, then I get inundated with cv's - which all get deleted and thrown in the bin A. because I'm not in a position to be able to hire people B. they're applying for positions which our company does not use C. they're so badly written, I wouldn't even give it a second glance!

So for job seekers - do your research!

To add on that, job seekers (particularly ladies) should be aware of the fact that recently Linkedin seems to be the weirdos' method of choice to pick up girls (or at least, that's what they are trying to do). Beware of random men adding you to their network, and sending you emails out of the blue. Some of them will even say they work for X company and there is a job that matches your profile and ask if you are interested, making it all sound very professional, although many of the times these people a) do not work in the HR department, b) work in a completely different industry than yours, and c) their job role doesn't include hiring candidates (i.e. they are financial analyst, or a customer service rep, etc).

If this happens to you and you are not sure if is a legitimate request or not, just ask them to send you the job description for the role, and the contact details of their HR department so you can approach them should you have questions. This should scare them away and is quite likely you'll never hear from them again

 

[dizzyizzy]

Be very proactive in your job search. If you really want to find a job you'll need to do way more than email your CV to a few recruiters or apply to jobs online, these are only two of the many, many things you should be doing.

Also do not email your CV to the companies' [email protected] inbox. Total waste of time.

 

[Ogri750]

Bear in mind, this place is no different to others. Many recruiters will have a vacancy advertised, doesn't mean there is a vacancy. They do like to build up a database for when vacancies do appear.

Keep a list of who you have sent CV's to.
Read the ads carefully, some companies use multiple agencies, you could end up applying for the same job 5 times.

 

[BedouGirl]

I don't know about the rest of the world these days, but here you need to have a head and shoulders photograph embedded into your CV.

 

[Jynxgirl]

As much as I disagree with the picture on a resume thing, it is how it is... I have been asked to go over a number of individuals resume and what always strikes me right away is they look like they took a pic that they updated from a social website and just stuck it on their resume. Take the time to put on a nice shirt, do some proper grooming, and try to look as nice as you possibly can. Dont have other people in the picture or a whole body picture (unless you are trying to get a job in a porno...). Facial hair for men should look neat and not like you got a bush on your face. Woman who think their hair belongs in their face or they could be mistaken for someone apply for a clown equally should rethink. It may not be right, but how you look matters probly as much as how you look. Isnt probly that different then other places, except that they can toss your resume instead of bothering bringing you in for the beauty contest job interview.

 

[rsinner]

err, am I the only one not using pictures on the resume? Well, never seen a picture on a resume. But I guess it is the nature of the industry I work in. (finance)
Having a picture on the resume is not a universal truth. I would think that in finance or law or even consulting it might not be required.

 

[realtymatching]

The competition for jobs is much more in the Middle East (especially in the UAE), as compared to elsewhere. No method works 100%. You need to be pro-active and 'DO' several things in order to get called for lucrative job interviews.

Some of the 'methods' are:

• Send in your CV and Cover Letter to recruiters in the region.

• Send in your CV and Cover Letter to some of the Top firms in your sector / industry.

• Create an up-to-date & attractive LinkedIn profile, with utmost care.

• Create a good CV & Cover Letter using the important buzz-words; popular formats #acceptable to recruiters / headhunters in the Middle East region#; localization; impeccable English; Not too short & not too long either (ideally between 2-3 pages, etc.

• Contact recruiters on Facebook

• Follow recruiters on Twitter

Hope this helps!

 

[amaryaldosari]

Some Tips for Job Hunting in DUbai

To get a job in Dubai, what you need to have is at-least 1-2years of experience and a good portfolio - specially if you talk journalism/writing etc.

You get paid according to your DNA i.e Nationality. Westerners get paid more than their counterparts.

Most companies do not have hiring system. Friends/ Relatives of employees are more favoured. That does not mean you dont stand to earn a chance to get a job in Dubai. Suggest you fly to Dubai, explore the place, apply for jobs while you are in Dubai. Employers like to hire candidates who are available immediately for an Interview.

As regards to job websites are concerned, please do not sign up for websites or companies who charge you for recruitment services.

Hope this Helps.

 

[BedouGirl]

err, am I the only one not using pictures on the resume? Well, never seen a picture on a resume. But I guess it is the nature of the industry I work in. (finance)
Having a picture on the resume is not a universal truth. I would think that in finance or law or even consulting it might not be required.

I am really surprised to hear that. As I said, I don't know about other places globally, but here, for sure. In fact, I would say it's more difficult for me to recall CVs I have seen without a photo than with one.

 

[amaryaldosari]

Dubai has some great jobs for Media Professionals, HR Professionals ( Highest Paying), Hospitality Professionals, Teachers and Airline professionals.

The best way to get job in Dubai is through reference/friend etc. Most companies don't have any proper recruitment process.Friends and relatives are preferred in most companies. So network, network, network.

 

[amaryaldosari]

Most companies do not have hiring system. Friends/ Relatives of employees are more favoured. That does not mean you dont stand to earn a chance to get a job in Dubai. Suggest you fly to Dubai, explore the place, apply for jobs while you are in Dubai. Employers like to hire candidates who are available immediately for an Interview.

You get paid according to your DNA i.e Nationality. Westerners get paid more than their counterparts.

But find a way to stay there and support yourself atleast for 30-50days until you get a job.

 

[amaryaldosari]

I am really surprised to hear that. As I said, I don't know about other places globally, but here, for sure. In fact, I would say it's more difficult for me to recall CVs I have seen without a photo than with one.

Although its not a requirement but since Dubai is a very image orientated city, you should definately endorse a photo with you Curriculum Vitae. Also, make sure they know your origin. (Yes, this thing happens in Dubai, unfortunately):juggle:

 

[amaryaldosari]

Tip while Preparing your Dubai Specific CV

Another Great Tip while Preparing your Dubai Specific CV would be
AVOID abbreviations such as HD for High Distinction or C for Credit or BIST, B COMM for Bachelor of Internet Science or Bachelor of Commerce.Remember the employer may come from a different country to yours with a different education system and culture.
[/B]

 

[amaryaldosari]

Recommended Job Websites in Dubai

Recommended Job Websites

There is an exhaustive list, but to my opinion these 7 are the truly authentic and genuine website.

• Dubbizzle
• Linkedin
• Indeed
• Bayt
• Monstergulf
• Naukrigulf
• Dubai-bb

 

[akifshamim]

Get a Good Decent Content CV
Get a nice Photograph on Your CV
Get fully prepared for your telephonic interviews.
Mention what you know and what you have done and what you can do.
Post your CV to online Local websites, Renowned Recruitment Agencies.
Dont Pay someone to find job for you.
Don't miss any interviews.
Dress well decent manners when going to the interviews.
Just be polite when answering the questions as they notice how rude or how polite you behave.
Dont be so over smart just be the way you are.
Rest i have so many things in mind which i have experienced but these are the ones i wanted to mention!