5-Step Blueprint for JobSeekers

For any new readers, you can check out some of the previous stuff we’ve put out here.

• Are you looking to build a strong network? Click here.
• The Cover Letter is dead. Replace it with this. Click here.
• Why you should go all in on LinkedIn. Click here.
• Nail your next interview with these 5 tips. Click here.
• Make sure these three things are not on your CV. Click here.

The Middle East has been massively oversubscribed in terms of popularity as a destination for jobseekers for a couple of years now.  

I say this from not only experience as a Recruiter, but also from a place of relative privilege. 

I don’t think I’d be able to get a job here in today's market with the same experience as I had when I moved in 2021.

I timed my move when there was still a lot of hesitancy in the world at the back-end of Covid and it was easier to find work out here. Jobseekers today will find things far more difficult. 

The only concrete advice that anyone can give in terms of finding a role quickly here is two-fold. 

Be very good at what you do to the point it’s instantly recognisable by an employer (awards etc), or work in a niche field where the skillset doesn’t exist locally.

Outside of that box, things are trickier.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it will be hard. 

As someone that’s made the move and assisted countless others make the move from all over the world - I’ve seen how the market has shifted over the past three years. 

Finding something will take time and effort. 

If I was looking for a role in the UAE, here’s the exact blueprint that I would follow in five easy steps. 

1. Start off right

This is so basic but it’s my biggest bugbear when candidates apply for roles with non-updated CVs or LinkedIn profiles. 

Everything needs to be sharp and tailored to a high standard to stand out from the crowd here in the UAE. 

Employers don’t need to wait for you, they have plenty of options. If it’s not where it needs to be, then you’ve likely lost the opportunity. 

Your job search needs to start off on the right foot, or it doesn’t get started at all. 

2. Strategise

Finding a role in the UAE requires a high level of proactivity. You are competing against people not only locally but also internationally. 

There’s likely a thousand people applying to the same role as you with the same conviction they’re the right person for the role.

Spray and pray does not work here. Go hyper-focussed on companies that align with your experience and background. 

Make a list of them and reach out directly to hiring managers/senior figures within the business.

The right role might not always be there but when it is you want to be front of mind to a prospective employer. 

Doing this is better than applying to 50x random roles a day and hoping for the best.

3. Network 

You don’t want to have to rely on Recruiters to get you a new role. 

Here in the Middle East we service less than 0.1% of the profiles that reach out to us owing to the sheer volume we receive and the fact we primarily serve the mid-senior talent range. 

Go your own way. 

If you’re applying from outside the UAE, build your brand. 

You have 100+ connection requests a week on LinkedIn and you can use those to reach out directly to Hiring Managers or leading industry figures.

Post 3x a week about relevant industry news and grow your audience. 

If you’re in the GCC and on the ground, what are industry/networking events you can attend?  

They’re the easiest way to get around key people in your industry and get face time with decision makers.

4. Prepare

Everyone focuses on getting a job and overlooks the groundwork that goes into getting there.

Most candidates I know take 3-4 interview processes to really nail their pitch and work out how they best present themselves to interviewers.  

There are plenty of AI tools which can help you prepare (Google Interview WarmUp is great) and doing a thorough research on the company/person you’re interviewing with will go a long way. 

Your experience will speak for itself but having strong reasons about why you want to move to the region (that isn’t ‘money’) and about the company itself are where we see a lot of candidates fall short in interview feedback. 

5. Patience

This will take time. It’s not going to be a one-month process. 

Things here move slow and you will likely have to be in a few interview processes before something sticks. 

The right role will not always be there at this given moment. 

Keep the faith and stay consistent.

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