Job search in the UAE: Tips to begin with the process

Starting a job search or trying to re-energize an existing one can be intimidating. However, having a comprehensive job-search checklist on hand might make the process go much more smoothly. However, the process does not have to be hard. The major reason individuals think job hunting is difficult is that they do not fully get it. After all, finding a job is a talent in and of itself.

In this article, we are going to give you some tips and steps to follow in order to begin your job search well prepared for every step of it. 

1. Define the objectives of your job search
2. Updating your resume for your job search
3. Create an eye-catching cover letter
4. Make the most out of your LinkedIn profile
5. Be aware of the resources you have for the job search
6. Submitting your job applications
7. Boost your follow-up skills
8. Preparing for your interviews
9. Looking for more tips for your job hunt? The Talent Point can assist you!

1. Define the objectives of your job search

Everyone’s job searching process starts in a unique way. Some people choose to change careers, while others absolutely have to hunt for work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is a profoundly personal decision, and only you can determine whether looking for work feels right. Look for the best job search ideas that appeal to your goals.

However, you must first grasp what you are seeking before updating your resume and applying for vacant positions. Do you wish you had greater responsibilities or a shorter commute? Do you wish you could work for a company that welcomes dogs into the workplace? Taking the effort to determine your long and short-term objectives can help you narrow down the types of employment you should pursue.

1.1 Factors to consider when setting up your goals

• Organizational culture
• Possibility of growth
• Compensation and benefits
• Stability
• Level of accountability

A budding startup may not be the ideal choice for you if you value stability above all else. In contrast, if business culture and growth opportunities are important to you, a well-established corporation is unlikely to be a good fit.

As you update your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, knowing the specific day-to-day duties you would like to have will be crucial. Consider what you have loved the most throughout your career and what you would prefer to avoid doing in the future. This activity should assist you in visualizing your dream role.

Finally, go through job advertisements when job searching for the various types of positions you want to get. Are the responsibilities outlined intriguing and thrilling to you, or dull and boring? Make a list of the responsibilities that appeal to you the most. Always keep them in mind as you search for jobs and read job descriptions.

Creating or updating your resume is the next stage in your job quest. A resume’s objective is to present your most relevant experiences and qualifications in an easily understandable way.

2. Updating your resume for your job search

When a potential employer looks at your resume, he should be able to see right away what kind of job you are looking for and how your experience matches his requirements. He should also be able to quickly identify your most significant achievements.

You do not want your CV to just list your previous duties. You want it to convey a compelling tale about what you have accomplished. Also, how your working skills would transition to a new role. If you are applying for executive assistant jobs that need substantial calendaring, for example, make sure to emphasize your expertise in handling busy schedules for three C-level executives.

Although you will need to edit your resume for each job application to ensure that you are highlighting your most relevant experience, having a great draft ready to go will make your life much easier while you are looking for work. Furthermore, look online for the best job searching tips regarding resume writing.

2.1 Considerations for a resume

When creating or updating your resume, make sure you include the following information and fulfill certain categories:

• Customized to the types of roles you are targeting
• Up-to-date contact information (including your customized LinkedIn URL)
• Only your partial address (all you need is the city and state)
• A professional email address.
• Highlights of your professional successes and achievements.
• Simple to read and understand
• Each of your jobs has 4 to 8 bullet points
• Keyword optimization, which means it contains words and phrases that are commonly used in the industry and position you are pursuing.
• Use of action words that are interesting to read (e.g., manage, develop, cultivate, drive, establish, implement)
• Use one or two pages
• Free of grammatical and spelling mistakes
• Have a colleague or a friend proofread it
• All of the information is entirely accurate
• In the top third of the first page, highlight your most applicable and transferable experience

3. Create an eye-catching cover letter

A cover letter is a conventional aspect of a job application that is no longer required in today’s world. As you go through your job search in Dubai, analyze each position to see if a cover letter is necessary. Although there is some controversy about whether or not cover letters are still necessary, you will not want to miss this step if certain prospective employers do. A strong one might mean the difference between getting an interview and being ignored, so make sure you do your research and do not miss on the opportunity.

The objective of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer in most circumstances. A cover letter’s function is to highlight noteworthy accomplishments, fill in holes in your CV, or explain why you are interested in this position and company.

Nevertheless, in some cases, employers will request that you respond to a specific question in your cover letter. If you come across a job description or application that looks like this, make sure you pay attention to the writing prompt. Employers use prompts like this to evaluate your attention to detail and written communication abilities.

While you will need to customize it for each job you apply for, having a template or outline prepared ahead of time will save you time.

4. Make the most out of your LinkedIn profile

If you are not on LinkedIn, you are not on the radar of a lot of recruiters these days. Creating a superb online job profile and a strong presence will help you establish professional credibility and get recognized. you will be astonished at how much more attention your LinkedIn profile will receive after it is up to date and packed with relevant keywords. This is one of the best job searching tips because it applies to any field.

4.1 How do you spot an optimized LinkedIn profile?

• Shows a professional profile photo (preferably a headshot with a simple background)
• Has a compelling headline (rather than just your existing job title, such as “Enterprise Sales Account Executive Specializing in Marketing Automation”)
• Has a unique URL (for example, www.linkedin.com/in/namehere) and a captivating summary
• It is up to date
• Highlights my professional successes and achievements.
• It is optimized with keywords
• Contains a section with information on your education and professional certificates.
• Includes your volunteer experience (if applicable)
• Has a complete list of my abilities
• Includes commendations from current and previous coworkers and superiors.
• It is free of grammatical or spelling mistakes

Examine your social media accounts. We all know that hiring managers are probably looking you up on Google. As a result, make sure these items are in order:

• Set to private your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, or any other platform.
• Make sure the content you have on any of those networks is not controversial.

In case those two important matters are not in order, you may want to make some account settings modifications. When a potential employer Googles you, the first thing that comes up is a drunken photo or a rant about your current boss, you are probably not going to hear from them.

The use of social media in your job search in Dubai might also be beneficial. Regularly providing fascinating, professional, industry-related content is a terrific way to capture their attention and show off your talents if you want to manage online communities, work in public relations or marketing, or be a writer. Among the best job search ideas, this is one that will help you greatly.

5. Be aware of the resources you have for the job search

A critical step in this process is identifying your job search resources. Job boards, company career pages, recruiting firms, and networking are just a few of the many ways to locate new chances.

5.1 Job sites or job boards

Websites or apps that provide a selection of current job advertisements 

5.2 Career pages

Another wonderful strategy to uncover new chances is to make a list of companies you would like to work for and go straight to their websites.

5.3 Recruiting companies

These are non-profit organizations that help people get jobs at their clients’ businesses. They may not be right for everyone, but they usually know what’s going on in the job market and can give you advice on how to improve your CV and interview abilities.

5.4 Networking

Your network is likely to be the most useful resource you have at your disposal. Friends, family, previous coworkers, and professional contacts all fall within this category.

6. Submitting your job applications

Give your resume one last look before applying for any job. You want to make sure it is the finest representation of yourself at this point, with no errors or misspellings. Furthermore, you could ask a friend or family member to go over it with you.

Submit your application after you have completed it. You will not be able to alter your job application after you submit it, so be sure you have finished it to your satisfaction before moving on to the next step.

Every successful job search in the UAE has a wide net as a backbone. You must also apply for several options in your field to widen your options. Setting up goals as to how many applications you want to submit per week is a good start Consider a strategy to reward yourself as you complete your application goals.

7. Boost your follow-up skills

Recruiters get hundreds (if not thousands) of applications every day. So, having the correct skill set for a specific position may not be enough to get you noticed. you will have a much better chance of getting an interview if you get on their radar. Finding a wonderful position, personalizing your resume and cover letter, and submitting your application are all clear requirements. However, you must not stop there.

Next, go to LinkedIn and look for connections who work for the company you want to work for, the recruiter or hiring manager, or someone who works in the department you want to work in. It is time to create your message after you have determined who you will follow up with. This, of course, will differ based on your target demographic.

8. Preparing for your interviews

Different firms approach the interview and hiring process in different ways. Before your interview, you may not have had any direct touch with anyone. That is fine; there are options for self-preparation.

Furthermore, being well-prepared and confident in your interview abilities will make a huge difference in your chances of landing the job. Enlisting the help of a friend or trusted colleague to practice answering some of the more typical interview questions is a good start. However, you will want to make sure you cross each of the following items off your checklist before each interview:

• Examine the job description in detail.
• Understand thoroughly the details of the company’s operations.
• Practice describing your expertise in a nutshell by researching relevant industry and company news.
• Exercising your ability to describe how your previous experience would benefit you.
• Make a list of questions that are both relevant and interesting to ask.
• Examine the people who will be interviewing you: Examine their corporate biographies and LinkedIn profiles.
• Look up the dress code for the company and choose an outfit that reflects the culture (do not wear a full business suit to a startup or jeans to a law firm).
• Secure a quiet place to speak (with good reception or, even better, a landline) for phone interviews.
• Prepare the background of the room you will be in for video interviews.
• Take steps to ensure that you come early for in-person interviews (five to ten minutes is ideal), but not too early.
• Be prepared to respond to common interview questions about your availability to begin a new work

9. Looking for more tips for your job hunt? The Talent Point can assist you!

Entering the competitive market of the Emirates for a position in a high-demand field can be tricky. However, when you have the necessary tools, the process becomes more fruitful and even simpler. We can put those tools in your hands so that you achieve what you are looking for and get the job you love.

Would you like to learn more? You are free to give us a call at the following phone number: +971 43 316 688. Also, you can send us a message at [email protected], and our team of specialists will be ready to take care of all your inquiries.