The job market in Dubai is competitive due to the number of foreigners attracted to living and working there. Dubai is expecting an economic growth of at least 5% this year. The economy is booming comparatively to recession infested economies of UK, Europe and America.
If you are eager to find a job in Dubai, be warned that it is not as easy as it seems. You have to face a lot of competition from expats all over the world.
Points to consider when starting your job search in Dubai:
Your CV or résumé.The word ‘CV’ is more commonly used in Dubai, although for Dubai employment purposes, CV or résumé are the same thing. Ensure that you have a strong CV that correctly represents your skills and qualifications. Do include your photo, nationality and date of birth. There are job listings in Dubai where they may ask for a specific gender, age and ethnicity. Dubai employers actually expect a two-page CV, unlike their Western counterparts who prefer one-page CVs. Write a great cover letter and include compelling reasons why they should hire you.
Recruitment process. Before you start searching for job openings, make sure that you understand the recruitment process in Dubai. After preparing your CV/résumé, do a bit of research on working and living in Dubai. It helps to know some background on the place that you want to work in. Go over some expat forums so you can get a feel of working in Dubai. Then, as you attach the job market, check out lists of recruitment agencies and double-check their reputation and legitimacy. You can also browse online for headhunters, executive search firms and hiring managers in Dubai.
Top careers in Dubai. In any growing economy, there are hot and cold industries. For example, the traditionally strong MEP job sector in Dubai is weakening due to slowdown in construction activities. However, there are abundant jobs in other fields. Hospitality jobs continue to boom. Food industry jobs are expected to rise dramatically this year. Retail banking jobs will experience growth in the next five years. Media jobs are also on the rise according to studies. Also, diamond and gold jobs have increased as the consumer market for these commodities are going up.
Using Social networks to find a job in Dubai: Using social network sites can help you land a great job in Dubai. The rise of social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter has made getting a job you want much easier to achieve. LinkedIn is proving to be a prime tool for job search in mid-career to senior level work opportunities. You can use LinkedIn to join communities or groups where you get a chance to network with Dubai-based employers and showcase your expertise when the chance arises. Studies show that there is 1 in 5 employers in Dubai using LinkedIn, so it is definitely a good venue for your job search.
Be Vigilant, Alert and Informed. It is also very important to update youself with Dubai news, especially news in your preferred job sector so that you are aware of upcoming trends. Know how to spot job scams. Prepare your education and employment documents ahead of time — such as duly attested original transcript of records and your portfolio, passport, even your driver’s license and marriage certificates, if applicable. You can check the validity of a company’s trading activities, contact details and licensing thru the Dubai Department of Economic Development’s website.
Stay positive and be smart when finding a job in Dubai.
Dubai has felt the heat of global recession and at least property and real estate sectors are already in downsizing mode.