The job market in the UAE is full of amazing opportunities waiting to be explored by citizens, but they, more often than not, shoot themselves in the foot because of simple missteps that are easy to prevent. And it is with the knowledge of these pitfalls that the difference can be made between landing the dream job and incurring Dad’s rejections. The current competitive environment of UAE citizen job openings now requires the capability to think and plan tactically and strategically at all levels. New grads, as well as those of us with several years under our belts who fancy ourselves experienced (or at least mature), must learn to avoid these pitfalls even before we can adequately appreciate the time and earning potential we will lose out on. This blog explains the most common mistakes that UAE citizens make in looking for a job and gives you useful tips so that you do not encounter them at all.
1.Failure to Research Company Culture and Values
This is one of the greatest pitfalls that job seekers miss by applying to organizations that are unfamiliar with the cultures, missions, and values. Most of the candidates are only focused on titles and pay, as they overlook the fact that they might not really fit in the company environment. This neglect tends to cause a lack of performance in the interview and ultimate job dissatisfaction in the event that one is hired. Take time to find out more about the history of the organization, its recent success stories, the leadership team, and employee testimonials before applying at any such place. Go to their offices, meet them at their presentations, and reach out to employees who work there using professional media. Knowing the culture of a company will enable you to prepare your application material properly, as well as show genuine interest when interviewed. Companies prefer candidates who have done their homework and are ready to explain why they would like to work at that company in particular and not necessarily just why they need a job.
2.Underrating Professional References
The inability to treat references as a priority limits the success of a number of job seekers by either using obsolete contact details or by job seekers who do not properly prepare their references. Such practices would eliminate a promising application process when the bosses contact inactive or unprepared reference materials. Remember to place updated contact information for at least three work references who will provide unrestricted information on how well you perform, your character, and your accomplishments. Always consult with a person you intend to list as a reference and inform him or her about the jobs you are seeking. Give them new copies of your resume and certain examples of projects in which you both participated. Good references will be the only thing to determine your side when you are tied up with other, possibly more qualified candidates. You can invite a set of supervisors, colleagues, and clients who can offer you various approaches to your capabilities and working style.
3.Overlooking the Importance of Salary Negotiation Preparation
Salary negotiations should take care of signing without preparation because this can cost you your salary prospects in the years to come. Most candidates either rush the offer or make overly demanding requests without conducting enough market research. Prior to any interview, look up industry wage rates at your level of experience and where you will be working within the UAE. Among the elements to be considered in terms of the compensation packages are the benefits, bonuses, and opportunities to grow. You will have to get in touch with how to express your value proposition and be able to support your salary requirements through specific examples of how you benefit a company and add value to it. It is important to keep in mind that negotiation is actually part of professional work, and employers usually do not see anything wrong with the one who defends himself or herself professionally. Nonetheless, flexibly enter into these negotiations and aim for win-win situations as opposed to issuing ultimatums.
4.Non-customizing Applications to Every Position
You may be tempted to use the same resume and cover letter that you used in one application in another application, but this would only lower your probability of succeeding. Mass-produced job applications can be identified easily by the employer since there is no individualization and relevance to the needs of the employer. Every application is to be well customized to ensure only the most applicable experiences, skills, and attainments of a specific role are pointed out. Read the job description carefully and imitate the wording employed when illustrating how your work experience fits into their needs. Write a customized cover letter that is a response to the unique challenges stated in the job description and how you would help solve them. It is a form of respect for the employer’s time and indicates your interest in the job rather than a frantic job search.
5.Neglecting the Digital Footprint and Online Presence
The contemporary unified world has witnessed employers carrying out reliable investigations on the Internet to identify candidates to form business decision on the issue of employing. Not all those who are in need of employment understand the effectiveness of online reputation on the chances of getting employment and even a professional image. It would also mean you would have to sanitize your social media pages and remove anything unacceptable or politically rants or anything that when a potential employer performs a background check on you, could be considered in a negative way. Ensure you possess a personal brand which indicates your personality at work and your career goal. Write quality contents that relate to your practice, engage in engaging discussions about your profession and post quality contents that make you appear as an expert.
Conclusion
By avoiding these mistakes, you can significantly enhance the rate of finding job opening opportunities for Emirati that are acceptable in terms of their compatibility with your career objectives and desires. It helps to keep in mind that searching for a job is also a skill, which can be perfected through practice and self-understanding. Always take time to flog your strategy and accept to change your tactics according to the feedback and outputs of the market. The UAE job market is full of enormous opportunities to the well equipped and professional individuals who take their career build up with strategies.
