As you look for a job in the UAE, you might come across listings for walk-in interviews. Walk-in interviews, also called “open interviews,” are quite common in Dubai. Employers routinely hold them as on-site hiring events to efficiently interview lots of potential candidates. Whether employers are looking to hire one person for a single position or fill seasonal or mass positions, there are plenty of things that you can do to increase your chances of getting hired at one of these events.
This post explores what walk-in interviews in the UAE tend to look like so that you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when you walk in. We’ll discuss how to prepare for walk-in interviews in Dubai so you give yourself the best chance of securing that new job. This includes some interviewing strategies that you can use to set yourself apart from others. Finally, we’ll look at some of the most effective ways to find these opportunities in and around Dubai.
What is a walk-in interview?
Dubai enjoys one of the lowest unemployment levels globally, around 0.5%. Understanding the walk-in interview process is critical if you want to secure a job in this competitive environment. This ultimate guide will give you all of the information you need for a successful job search in Dubai.
Thanks to several of the market dynamics in play, walk-in interviews in the UAE are quite popular. For a walk-in interview, the employer will post the date, time, and location for the available position(s) on a job portal, like GrabJobs.co. In addition to scheduled hiring events, it is also culturally appropriate to walk-in to an office in Dubai.
Walk-in interviews are an efficient way for employers to interview lots of people all at once. Whoever is interested in applying for the position can join the line and expect to be interviewed on-the-spot. Sometimes, employers will interview multiple people to fill one spot on a first-come-first-served basis. Others will look to fill various positions from the same line of applicants. This interview style differs starkly from standard practices in other countries where a scheduled interview appointment is the norm.
Additionally, walk-in interviews in Dubai usually list the specific information you need to attend such sessions. Other job seekers just head to the area of town where they’d like to find a job and begin knocking on doors.
Regardless of the format, walk-in interviews are generally brief so that potential employers can see as many applicants as possible. If this initial interaction goes well, applicants may be asked to stay close to discuss the job further or schedule a second interview.
Walk-in interviews in Dubai are perfect for several types of job applicants. Generally, the positions filled from walk-in interviews are great for fresh graduates who have little to no work experience. Companies in the UAE list hundreds of posts each day, so if your skillset lines up with what they’re looking for, a walk-in interview can be a productive use of your time.
How to prepare for a walk-in interview in Dubai?
Now that you have an idea of what a walk-in interview is supposed to accomplish, here are five simple ways that you can put your best foot forward when you attend them.
1. Dress for success
Show up with a clean, tidy appearance. Since walk-in interviews aren’t generally held for corporate positions, neat business casual apparel is often recommended. You’ll want to make sure that you’ll be comfortable in case you wind up waiting in line for long periods of time.
Follow any dress code instructions that may be included in the original posting for the walk-in interviews. Get plenty of sleep the night before so that you look well-rested and remain alert throughout what may become quite a long day.
2. Come Prepared
Research the company to learn about how well you’ll fit into the corporate culture and what makes you an asset to their team. Ensure that your resume is up-to-date and specifically tailored to the position you’d like to fill. If requested, come with a list of references, too. A pad and a pen can also come in handy for note-taking or completing any additional forms you need to fill out.
Complete the application in advance and bring a copy, depending on what your potential employer requires. If formal documentation of your credentials or relevant certifications will be required, bring copies with you to present them.
Paying attention to these small details shows that you’re enthusiastic about the role and a good fit for the job. Anything that you can do to differentiate yourself from the crowd of people competing against you is a good thing. Your goal should be to leave the best impression on the recruiters.
3. Arrive Early
Walk-in interviews typically draw many potential candidates. It’s also possible that the company may plan to fill multiple roles within the company from the same interview. It is best to arrive as early as you can. If the post indicates that an offer or multiple offers will be given during the interview, be aware that this often means first-come-first-served.
Also, remember that recruiters are people, too. Names and faces tend to blur together by the end of a long day of interviews. If you must arrive later, note that walk-in interviews in Dubai can often be day-long affairs. Know that if the hiring manager runs out of time to complete your interview, you may be asked to come back at a later date.
4. Act the Part
Exude confidence in your skills and conduct yourself in a way that shows you will excel in the position that you’re seeking. Recruiters are watching, so mind your posture and your stride. Maintain eye contact as much as you can to show that you’re interested and enthusiastic about the position. If you’re carrying documents, keep them tidy and organised so that you can conveniently access them.
5. Be Courteous
Good manners can go a long way, especially in what might be a busy environment. Be kind and polite to everyone, from the receptionist to the interviewer. Greet everyone you come into contact with a smile, and make sure that you don’t interrupt your interviewer or try to make them look bad.
6. Always Follow Up
After you’ve completed a walk-in interview, contact the potential employer. Sendi a brief thank-you note and remind them of a specific highlight of your interview which can help you stand apart from other applicants. If you would like to follow-up with a phone call or email, plan to do that shortly after your interview to help boost your standing before they make a decision.
What are some common interview questions for walk-in interviews in Dubai?
While it’s essential to properly prepare for your interview, you’ll also want to focus on doing well during the interview itself. Walk-in interviews in Dubai are incredibly competitive since there are often quite a few applicants for a small number of openings. The best interview strategies will ensure that you know the answers to some of these common interview questions. Practice answering them so that you clearly and effectively communicate your abilities to your future employer.
These interview questions come up in walk-in interviews quite commonly. They’re an excellent place to start practicing your answers for your future walk-in interview.
- What do you know about the company?
- Why do you want this job?
- What are you looking for in a new role?
- Why should we hire you?
- What kind of work environment do you enjoy?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- How would your boss or co-workers describe working with you?
- Why are you changing your career path?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Are you a leader?
- Tell me about a challenge or conflict you faced and how you dealt with it.
- Do you think you’re successful?
- Where do you see yourself in X number of years?
- Do you have any questions?
STAR method interviews
You’ll notice that some of the questions on the list require that you provide a story that illustrates your capability. Employers have found that these types of situational/behavioral problems can help them learn about your soft skills and how well you might fit in with the company.
The best way to answer many of these interview questions is by using the STAR interview method to thoughtfully formulate your response. The STAR acronym stands for Situation, Task at Hand, Action you took, and the final Result.
Whenever you have a story to tell, focus on conveying each of these four components by answering some of the following questions and prompts as you give your answer:
Situation (S)
- What happened?
- Who was involved?
Task (T)
- Describe what you took responsibility for in the situation.
- Did you initiate this task independently?
- Was the task assigned by your manager?
- Did others share the task?
Action (A)
- The steps that you took to address the problem.
- How did you define the problem?
- What did you do first?
- How did the person or situation respond to your action?
- What did you do based on that feedback?
Result (R)
- Share the outcomes of your actions.
- How was the conflict or issue resolved?
- Did you continue to successfully address this problem as time progressed?
- Was your manager satisfied by how you handled this situation?
Consider the types of situational and behavioural questions that might require you to respond with a story. Rehearse your answers too.
Knowing that you have these ready to go can help you convey some of your best soft skills. Employers are increasingly finding that this is an essential indicator of who will be a successful employee. Rehearsing will also boost your confidence going into your interview since you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.
How can I find walk-in interviews in Dubai?
Job Sites
Online job boards from top sites, including GrabJobs, Indeed, and other local sites, frequently update postings for walk-in interviews in Dubai. New positions and interviews are posted regularly, so keep an eye out for an opportunity you’d like to pursue.
Recruitment Agencies
If you’ve registered with a recruitment agency, anticipate regular updates on new postings that may be a good fit for you. As new jobs are listed all of the time, you should check these sources often. Open interviews are also conducted at in-person or virtual job fairs or hiring events, which these agencies are likely to be informed about.
Networking
Tapping your personal resources through networking is a great way to find out about walk-in interviews.
Beware of fraudulent opportunities. Know that you’re not required to pay to access information about a walk-in interview. If anything about a posting feels suspicious, you should call the company directly to confirm the walk-in interview details.
Where can I find walk-in interviews in Dubai?
There are many ways that you can look for walk-in interviews in Dubai. Many prominent companies from many different sectors host walk-in interviews that you can ask for as you come across a company you might like to work for.
Outside of offices in Business Bay, there are plenty of opportunities in retail or healthcare that you can look into, too. Many job seekers also choose to look for walk-in interviews in other nearby parts of the UAE, like Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.
If you’re curious about the general salary ranges for your industry in Dubai, you can check out our guide here.
Conclusion
Walk-in interviews are an essential feature of the job market in the UAE. They are regularly listed by companies looking to quickly interview a broad pool of applicants for one or more positions. You can simply visit companies in Business Bay to find walk-in interview opportunities or consult online job sites or recruitment agencies to learn of upcoming interviews. It’s also a good idea to network within your desired sector to be informed of new openings as they become available. Thankfully, businesses in Dubai regularly seek hundreds of new employees for a variety of jobs.
When you find an opportunity that you’d like to apply for, plan to arrive in plenty of time. Being well prepared for your walk-in interview can be a great way to distinguish yourself from others.
Since walk-in interviews often fill positions on a first-come, first-served basis, you should do your best to arrive as early as possible. This ensures that you have the best chance at the position.
Once you’re in the interview, rely on the trusted interview techniques. This method works well to highlight your soft skills and show why you think you would be an excellent fit for a company. Adequate interview preparation will ensure that you carry yourself confidently and impress your potential employer.
We wish you the best of luck as you embark on your journey to seek employment in Dubai. It’s our hope that utilising some or all of the strategies contained here will help you quickly and easily ace your next walk-in interview in Dubai.
