Perhaps, one of the best places to work for many expats abroad is the UAE. Known for its security and safety as a top priority, the UAE houses many opportunities for professionals in their respective fields looking to get a long-term job with high pay.
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Whether you’re planning to apply for work as a newbie you want to further your career, you can research some more tips and guidelines especially in the job market of the United Arab Emirates.
How to Find a Job in UAE
But remember, there are other applicants out there looking for the same job so it’s important to know how you can stand out. So how do you become an ideal candidate that employers will consider in their list? Here are some helpful tips you need to know before applying for work in the UAE.
1. Determine which industries are currently booming.
If you’re an expat worker and you want to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE, you have to understand which industries are currently offering better opportunities and salaries. Today, the top industries to apply for include engineering, IT, marketing, logistics, and telecommunications.
These industries can give you more job openings than other sectors in the UAE. If you’re applying in one of these industries, then you’re on the right track. However, make sure to research for the in-demand positions in order to ensure successful application.
2. Learn the ins and outs of the market.
A good applicant understands the current job market. You have to be familiar with the city’s economy, corporate culture, living standards, labor laws, and demographics. If you understand all these, it’s easier to find good-paying jobs that meet your living expenses.
Another important thing to learn is the multilingualism of Dubai. You will find expats from different countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US. However, the main language that is spoken by professionals regardless of their industries is English. Therefore, make sure to exercise speaking and writing in English fluently.
3. Get an appropriate visa.
Since there are different types of visas, it’s good to know which visa you need to apply for. If you’re planning to stay and work in the country, a tourist visa won’t be appropriate. Make sure you have residency permit and working visa in order to avoid future problems.
Applying for an appropriate visa is important for expats to avoid hefty fines and serious charges. After getting an employer, they should process your requirements for visa application so you can start working as soon as possible without any problem.
4. Prepare all job requirements.
Before you decide to apply, make sure you have all the requirements in place. For foreign applicants, there are more requirements needed to submit such as valid identification card, passport, passport-sized photos, academic certificates authenticated by a UAE consulate, emergency contact person, and driver’s license.
In addition, you also need to submit Certificate of Good Conduct, medical exam result, and authenticated university degree certificate.
5. Register online via job websites.
If you want to know more about the in-demand skills in the market, you can register on various job sites in Dubai. This is what I did when I first applied for a job in the UAE. It helped me get updated on the vacancies and requirements of my target company and the exact skills they need.
When it comes to application tracking, response, and information, you can check out LinkedIn, Gulf Salary, NaukriGulf, and Internsme. You can also visit classifieds on newspapers or websites like Dubizzle, Dubai Careers, etc. to find other available positions. Focus on the company names and salary so you can compare your options.
6. Expand your professional network.
Since there are many expats living and working in the UAE, finding a job with the help of a friend’s friend is possible. The best way to get a new employer is to expand your network and maintain healthy connections.
On the other hand, you can also grow your network online by using platforms like LinkedIn. Follow people who belong on the same industry and stay active to avoid falling out of their radar. Keeping connections is one way to make sure you can find another job when your contract expires.
7. Keep developing your skills.
Exploring other skills in addition to your professional skills will give you more career opportunities in Dubai. For instance, speaking Arabic is an additional point that can help you stand out from other applicants.
If you’re looking for marketing positions, driving skills can boost your success in landing a job. Moreover, certificate courses can help improve yourself while learning new things. Impress your future employer with a diverse portfolio that is essential in growing their business.
8. Discuss better benefits and salary.
When you reach the final interview, don’t hesitate to negotiate if you’re confident in providing value to the job you are being offered. Make sure you know the salary bracket for the position before you even show up on your screening.
The key is to not accept any offer that you feel is not worthy of the service you will provide. Also, you can determine the right salary you deserve when you have more experiences and skills to offer.
9. Value and maximize your time.
If you’re in Dubai and you’re unemployed for several months now, it’s important to develop other skills and develop yourself. Learning something while unemployed is a productive way to prepare yourself for a new job.
Many people in the UAE have also been jobless for quite some time. But we should all learn to develop new skills and never stop learning. The new skills you will have gained while being laid-off will motivate you to become a better person, and when the opportunity arises, you will be more valuable to your future employer.
Whatever you are going through, never lose hope. Dubai can be an overwhelming place for workers and expats, but the countless job opportunities and high compensations offered by many companies will help you overcome struggles in this foreign land. So, are you ready to apply for that job you’ve been dreaming of while experiencing the lifestyle in the UAE?