Like many people looking for work abroad, you might assume job interview questions tend to follow a standardized pattern regardless of the role or the country you’re applying to. However, the truth is that there are different types of job interview questions to expect based on your location and job type.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 5 Dubai interview questions and answers to help you prepare when applying for a job in Dubai.
How This Guide Will Help Prepare You for a Job Interview in Dubai
A quick word of caution before we delve into the article: interviews in Dubai may vary from one organization to another. The types of questions you are asked may also change according to the job role you apply for within a company.
So, keep in mind that this article aims to function as a guide and should not be read as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of expected job interview questions! The best way to succeed at any job interview would be by conducting ample research. Think of this article as the first step you take in exploring anticipated job interview questions.
5 Common Job Interview Questions (and Answers) in Dubai
When you’re preparing for a job interview, most of the nerves come from feeling unprepared. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place to ensure you’re ready to answer common interview questions, so you can feel confident walking into your next interview.
Without further ado, let’s get right into the top 5 Dubai interview questions and answers!
Job Interview Question #1: "What can you tell us about yourself?"
This is a classic job interview question that you can expect to be asked regardless of where you apply for a job or which industry you work in. With that being said, the answer you give to this question can frame your chances of landing the job opportunity right from the very beginning.
As such, it’s important to prepare a response to this job interview question beforehand. Summarize your life, ambitions, past work experience, and/or education history in a couple of sentences. Remember to tie those experiences to why it makes you such a great candidate for this particular type of role.
Be prepared for follow-up questions related to your response, too! You might be asked to share more about your work history, professional experiences, or specific job responsibilities from a previous role. Even better, you could highlight some of the responsibilities you hope to acquire. Especially if you have a clear idea of what is expected of you from the job role you are interviewing for!
Job Interview Question #2: "How long do you plan to work in Dubai?"
This is one of those questions that you might not be asked if you were applying to some other place in the world. However, in Dubai, it’s one of the most commonly asked job interview questions you can expect from a potential employer or hiring manager.
Dubai is known as a place where expats from all around the world go to find work opportunities. People from all walks of life come to Dubai in hopes of temporary employment, part-time work, full-time positions, and permanent contracts. Many expats come to Dubai with plans of starting their own businesses as entrepreneurs.
As such, some employers may ask this job interview question to try to find out a candidate’s intentions for moving to Dubai. This question also helps employers gauge whether a candidate is appropriate for the role, whether it’s short-term or long-term, based on their availability and plans.
Job Interview Question #3: "What are your salary expectations for this job?"
In some countries, questions about salary aren’t always asked during an interview but rather discussed via email or later on in the negotiation. However, in Dubai, you should expect to be asked directly about your salary expectations during an interview.
This is an interview question that needs to be answered carefully. In most cases, the safest answer to provide would be along the lines of: “My salary expectations for this job are tied to the responsibilities the position comes with. Could you perhaps share with me a little more about what I could expect on a day-to-day basis in this role?”
Answering the interview question this way does three things in total. Firstly, it deflects from you having to provide a number on the spot. Secondly, you have established that it’s dependent on the duties you will be henceforth assigned. Thirdly, you have now requested more details on what exactly you will be asked to do within the role.
This approach also allows you more room for negotiation in the future. Since you are now being offered X amount of money for Y number of responsibilities, you can negotiate for a pay raise down the road should your duties change or increase!
Dubai Interview Question #4: "Are you willing to work in other Emirates within the UAE?"
This job interview question is usually asked to identify any interest you might have in relocating elsewhere within the United Arab Emirates, most likely under the same company for a job promotion or similar work opportunity.
Be as honest as possible when it comes to answering this question. If you are settling down with your family and do not wish to uproot yourself any time soon, then simply express your disinterest in matters relocating to relocation.
On the other hand, if you are open to the option of relocation and would like to experience working within the different regions of the UAE, make this clear to the employer!
Dubai Job Interview Question #5: "Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?"
This is another one of the top job interview questions asked by employers and hiring managers in Dubai. There is an underlying trick behind this question; it’s often a test designed to uncover your potential commitment to the company.
That said, this question isn’t necessarily one you need to answer differently in Dubai vs. other countries. Instead, answer this question just as you would have anywhere else. Relate your response to your ambitions and long-term goals. However, be smart by ensuring your responses are tied to the goals of the organization you are interviewing for!
Additionally, be sure to mention the company’s name, impact, and goals as you share your visions of self-growth for the next 5 years. This will show the interviewer that you are very much interested in growing with the company.
Now You're Prepared for the Most Common Dubai Interview Questions!
There you have it: the top 5 job Dubai interview questions with responses. These are the job interview questions you can expect potential employers to ask if you’re applying to work in Dubai. We’ve also included some responses to the questions should you be applying for a job within the region of Dubai!
We hope this written piece has provided you with some insights as to what you can expect at your next job interview in Dubai. Now, take a deep breath and calm your nerves before attending that job interview. After all, you’re a little more equipped with the power of knowledge after reading this article 😉
We wish you the best of luck as you attend your upcoming job interview! In the meantime, if you’re on the lookout for similar job opportunities within the Middle East, read on!
Looking for More Career Resources?
Whether you’re looking for a high-paying job in Dubai or simply searching for a part-time job in the UAE, GrabJobs has loads of advice and job listings for you to enjoy.
Additionally, GrabJobs shares career resources in the form of articles for people at different stages of their work lives. Our resources share details on how freshers can start to look for jobs more effectively. We also share the best job interview practices, how individuals can grow their careers, and so much more! These are just a few of the career-related topics we explore.
Feel free to visit GrabJobs here for more information and interesting reads! We hope you find our resources helpful and useful 🙂
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