Moving as an expat to the UAE is definitely a new exciting chapter of your life, but getting your first job, especially if you don’t have any experience, can be a bit scary. The question is? You are not the only one going through this experience. Many new arrivals have managed to establish a successful professional career after taking their first step in the UAE job market from zero. So with the right plan, time, and effort, you will also be able to find the job that fits you.
Are you a job market newcomer? Then, consider looking for entry-level positions that could be a perfect match for you. The industries of retail, hospitality, customer service, administration, and logistics offer no-experience jobs that anyone can apply for. You can start your career in sales, as a receptionist, call center executive, or delivery coordinator to get practical experience, broaden your network, and slowly develop your career. Remember that every CEO was once a beginner and entry-level jobs are your ladder.
If you keep focusing solely on experience, you might not realize that you have some skills. These five: communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and basic digital literacy are the skills most valued by employers in the UAE. Besides, you can also put in your resume the volunteer works, internships, part-time jobs, and educational projects. They are all your experiences that show to the employers that you are an initiative-taking, motivated, and practical person. Most of the time, skills talk louder than experience, so you should not undervalue what you have.
Creating an amazing CV especially for the UAE market is the right thing to do. A CV is for introducing the person, so it should be a professional one, brief and suited to UAE employers. An “About Me” section is an excellent idea, where you briefly state your character traits, your enthusiasm, and your readiness to learn. Also, you should remember to boast it if you have come through any course, certification, or online training. Here’s a tip: add the relevant keywords from the job description. Most of the companies in the UAE rely on an automated system for CV screening and keywords are what bring your application to the top.
Online portals such as Bayt, GulfTalent, Naukri-gulf, and LinkedIn are the best places to find entry-level jobs. Besides that, there are recruitment agents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, who are skilled at helping foreign workers to get jobs, even if they haven’t had any previous experience. If you want to cut down the time between you and your dream job, then it will certainly be a good move to sign up with various platforms.
Networking is a powerful weapon in the UAE job market toolkit. Take advantage of the presence of career fairs, workshops, and webinars to get the hiring managers’ notice. Get involved in LinkedIn groups which focus on the UAE job market and network with other professionals in your field. Most of the time, referrals or recommendations might be the ways that lead you to jobs faster than online submissions. Making connections is just as important as applying for jobs.
The most effective way to get local experience is through volunteer and internship programs. Several companies in the UAE are open to providing short-term internships that later can be turned into long-term jobs. Giving your services for free at non-profits or community events not only allows you to develop your skills and network but also sends a positive signal to your future employers that you are a committed person.
In conclusion, it may look hard to get a job in UAE without any experience, but it is possible. The solution is to take up an entry-level job position, market your strengths, have a good CV, use job portals and recruitment agencies, network smartly, and take part in internships or volunteer work. If you keep at it, stay optimistic, and have a solid plan then your first job in the UAE will be yours.