How Can I Find a Job In Dubai?

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How Can I Find a Job In Dubai?

Looking to find a job in Dubai? Job hunting in Dubai, like anywhere else, has become increasingly easier thanks to the internet. There are more jobs available for anyone to view and apply for online. Like any other job market, competition is high, and there are a few things you can do to tailor your application in order to stand out amongst other applicants.

However, what differentiates Dubai from other job markets is that the economy is currently in a boom, which means the applicant pool for Dubai’s jobs may be especially large. Luckily, Dubai has the lowest unemployment rate globally, at just 0.5%, so you will likely be able to easily find a job as long as you follow some basic tips. 

Dubai has a higher average salary of around $60,000 per year, about $10,000 more than the average salary in the United States. Jobs with particularly high salaries in Dubai are tech, hospitality, and management. However, keep in mind that the cost of living is relatively high, so a higher salary is necessary. You can easily find and acquire a job with sufficient pay in Dubai by following simple tips.

Calling all Jobseekers!

Learn some best tips and best practices for finding a new job in Dubai

Learning how to job hunt is vital, especially when searching in the competitive job climate you will face when beginning your job search in Dubai. There are certain tips and skills you can follow and websites to search for that will help you easily find a job and move toward your career goals in Dubai.

Continue reading to answer the question, “how can I find a job in Dubai?” We’ll also go over different job search sites in Dubai that are available to help you find work. Like every country, Dubai has its own best practices for interviewing and resumes. If you’re not familiar with the cultural norms of this country, don’t worry! We will also explain the “dos and don’ts” of resumes and interviewing in Dubai.

11 Tips on Looking for Jobs in Dubai

Looking for a job in Dubai requires additional skills because of its competitive market. So, if you’re still wondering, “how can I find a job in Dubai?” here are some tips to help you find work in Dubai.

1. Narrow Down Your Goals

Before looking for a job in Dubai, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Writing down your job goals can help you narrow down your searches and know what jobs you definitely don’t want to apply to. Save yourself time and work on strengthening your applications by tailoring them towards just jobs you want, not every job out there. Make a quick list of jobs you don’t want to do, and then write down jobs you would like to do.

2. Create and Tailor Your Resume

Next, it’s time to make a resume. Resumes are an essential part of job applications. They’re what your potential employers will focus on to see if they’d like to call you for an interview. 

It’s important to have a clean and professional-looking resume and ensure that your resume is tailored to the type of job you are applying to. For example, don’t put work experience on your resume that is not relevant to the kind of job you’re applying for.

3. Write Custom Cover Letters

If the job you apply to requires a cover letter, make sure you write it individually for that company. Having a generic cover letter is one way to get your whole application thrown away. Write a cover letter that calls upon words and phrases used on the company website, and make it personal so you really stand out.

4. Use Job Searching Sites in Dubai

Luckily, there are many ways to look for jobs. Once you have your resume down, start browsing Dubai job search websites and list the jobs you’d like to apply to and what application materials are needed.

5. Apply Everywhere You Can

If you have a list of jobs that you believe are a good fit for your experience after you job search Dubai, apply to each one of those jobs. Even if you think you might not be qualified, it’s worth it to apply and do your best in an interview. You never know!

6. Intern to Gain Experience

If you have difficulty getting interviews after applying to several jobs, consider interning. Apply to interning positions – even just for a few months – to network, build your resume, and gain experience in your field. Your application will be much stronger with recent intern experience.

7. Attend Networking Events

If there are any networking events in Dubai related to the industry you’re interested in, attend them and network with those in the business. You can find networking events on job forums and websites, and many are free and open to attend as long as you register.

8. Try Cold-Calling Businesses

Many companies prefer talking to you over the phone to reading an email or an application sent online. If you’ve had trouble hearing back from a company, try cold-calling a business. Let them know who you are, your information, background, and what you’re interested in doing. Then, offer to email them your resume.

9. Attend Career Fairs

One of the best ways to get a job is to attend career fairs. Career fairs are held for businesses that need employees, so they will be ready and willing to interview you and have positions that are guaranteed to be open. Dress professionally, bring printed resumes, and talk to as many people as you can.

10. Schedule Meetings with Current Employees

Find current company employees you’re interested in working with and reach out to them on job websites. Schedule a meeting with them – even if it’s just a phone call for a few minutes – and ask them about what they do at their job and what they like and don’t like. Then, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to work at that company. 

This is also an advantage because your name will stand out on an application to that employee once you’ve applied. This may be the best way to get a job in Dubai.

11. Apply on Company Websites

Applying directly on a company website is one of the best ways to get a job, especially in Dubai. Everything is online these days, and many companies have a dedicated hiring manager who constantly checks for online applications. While in-person networking is important, some companies require that you apply on their online platform, so don’t discount this method.

5 Job Search Websites in Dubai to Try Today

Job Website

Features and Benefits

Grabjobs

  • Apply without a CV
  • Personalised job recommendations
  • Ability to interview via chat
  • Over 15,000 job openings in dozens of sectors
  • Easily filter jobs

Bayt

  • Ability to search by skill
  • Separate search for work-from-home jobs
  • CV section helps build and edit your CV

Indeed

  • Tons of jobs updated daily
  • View employer ratings from former employees
  • Search with tons of different filters
  • Positions in every sector

GulfTalent

  • Breakdown of salaries by job
  • Lots of technology and business sector jobs
  • Offers courses to strengthen skills and build your resume

Dubizzle

  • Search jobs by level of education
  • Ability to upload a CV to allow employers to find you

Resume and Interview Best Practices in Dubai

You may be asking yourself, “how can I find a job in Dubai if I’m a new immigrant to the country?” Each country and region has its own etiquette and best practices for interviewing and resumes. 

Not following job application etiquette is a very easy way to get your application thrown out. So, while looking for a job in Dubai, it’s important to follow some basic rules so you appear prepared and professional to potential employers.

Dress Professionally and Modestly

In the United Arab Emirates, the most professional clothing is also the most modest clothing. Ensure that you wear modest clothing that is clean and well-ironed. Dressing well for interviews can make a huge impact on potential employers.

Do Your Research

When attending an interview, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the company you are applying to work for. Your interviewer may ask questions about why you want to work for this specific company, so it’s important to have answers that directly relate to the company’s mission, as stated on their website or Dubai job search websites.

Be Confident But Not Arrogant

The United Arab Emirates values modesty, not only in dress but also in attitude. A confident but restrained attitude will appear most professional to potential employers. Answer questions confidently and professionally, but be careful not to overstep, speak over your interviewer, or appear arrogant in your words or behavior.

Be on Time

It’s best to show up for an interview at least five minutes early. Arriving early shows your potential employer that you respect them and their busy schedule. Arriving late to an interview can be an instant red flag to your interviewer and is a major sign of disrespect towards them.

Know Hand Shaking Etiquette

In Dubai, a common way to greet someone professionally is to shake hands. Though, the gesture is not always offered. Wait until your interviewer reaches out their hand, and then shake their hand strongly and confidently.

Have Questions for Your Interviewer

It’s common knowledge that you should have answers prepared for your interview. But you may not know that it’s also important to have a list of questions to ask your interviewer. 

Ask questions about the work environment and the values of the company. Asking your interviewer questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the job. This can help you stand out compared to other applicants.

How Can I Find a Job in Dubai?

The employment market in Dubai is very healthy, and many people have jobs. But because competition is so high, it may take a while to find a job. In fact, a recent study found that it took an average of 35.8 days for employers to hire someone for a position. This statistic stresses the importance of continuing to apply for jobs and network even when it feels like few employers are responding to you.

Along with following simple tips and interview etiquette for Dubai, staying consistent in your applications is incredibly important. All in all, the best way to get a job in Dubai is to utilise Dubai job search websites and constantly check for new positions and submit your resume.

Picture of Valentin Berard

Valentin Berard

COO at GrabJobs. Valentin leads strategic and operational activities regionally. Background in Business Development and Recruitment. Passionate about social innovation, he constantly strives to find solutions to real-world problems through harnessing smart technology. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeberard/