Month: October 2024

How to prepare yourself for an interview?

The best approach to prepare for any interview is to envision yourself already in the position and ready to demonstrate how you’d excel. Your previous experiences have secured the interview; now, you need to highlight your potential contributions to the employer.

I have applied for multiple jobs in Dubai, why am I not getting interviews?

In Dubai, recruitment agencies and in-house talent acquisition teams often struggle to review every application due to high volumes. Job postings often serve dual purposes:

1. Some companies adhere to traditional hiring methods, relying on job posts. This approach may not be practical in the digital era, as talent acquisition specialists often lack the capacity to review thousands of applications, 90% of which are irrelevant. Even if your CV is suitable, it could be overlooked amidst the sheer volume.
2. Companies also use job postings to signal activity, growth, and attract attention.

Solution:

“Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you’re not securing interviews. Consider reaching out to top recruitment agencies in Dubai, like Apricity, Michael Page Dubai, or other executive search firms. They may have direct connections with your target organizations. Alternatively, identify target companies and directly reach out to hiring managers in departments that align with your expertise. This proactive approach can be more effective than relying solely on job applications.”

I have attended many interviews but haven’t secured a job. What should I do?

Here are some common reasons that could be affecting your interview outcomes:

1. You may not be applying for the right roles. The qualifications, skills, or experience required might not align with your profile.
2. You may have the necessary qualifications but lack thorough research on the company, its culture, and its hiring team. This can give the impression of insufficient commitment, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their products or services.
3. Despite proper research, your body language and communication might lack the confidence and energy the employer seeks.
4. Even if you have the qualifications, experience, and skills, there may be a misalignment between your personality and the company culture. Companies prefer hiring individuals who fit the organizational environment to avoid early turnover.
5. Your salary expectations might not match the employer’s budget. It’s often unwise to hire candidates at the same or a lower salary than their current package, as this can result in candidates leaving once better opportunities arise. Misaligned salary expectations may suggest limited growth potential, which discourages companies from moving forward with the hire.

Follow-up after the interview:

If you haven’t received a response, send a follow-up email after the interview to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the next steps. This simple action can demonstrate your enthusiasm and keep you top-of-mind for the hiring team.

Solution:

Rather than attending numerous interviews, focus on conducting thorough research on organizations with jobs in Dubai that align with your skills. If possible, visit their offices and interact with employees to gauge their company culture. Narrow down your choices to a select few top companies (perhaps 5 or 10, depending on your preference) and reach out to recruitment agencies in Dubai, Michael Page Dubai, or other executive search firms. Connect with relevant recruiters or hiring managers to express your interest in meeting or discussing potential opportunities.

Use your time effectively by explaining why you’ve chosen their company and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate. Highlight how you can leverage your past experiences, network, and skills to excel in the role. Also, articulate how you will fit into their company culture, demonstrating your enthusiasm for working with them.

I am a lawyer in UAE but I do not speak/write Arabic. This has become a problem in my job search. What should I do?

While it’s a challenge, many law firms in Dubai across different tiers (1, 2, and 3) are looking for various expertise that may not require Arabic proficiency. These roles can include litigation experience, dispute resolution, contract drafting, and MOUs, among others. Some firms have a junior Arabic translator to support in these areas, and many seek specialists in particular industries regardless of language skills.

Direct applications vs. applying through a recruitment agency/Executive Search— which will get me hired faster?

Apricity, as one of the top recruitment agencies in Dubai, employs an approach that prioritizes efficiency and respects the time of both clients and candidates. Their rigorous screening process includes thorough evaluations of technical skills and behavioral assessments, strengthening the case for their candidates. When profiles from recruitment databases are presented by a trusted partner like Apricity or Michael Page Dubai, your CVs receive more attention and are scrutinized closely by the firms you’re targeting.

How should I answer questions like: what is your current salary or what is your expected salary?

Avoid giving vague responses like “as per market standards,” as this may suggest you are either junior or underpaid in your current role, which does not bolster your position. Instead, conduct research on salary ranges for similar roles, especially for jobs in Dubai. Consider factors like the geographic region you are applying for. Presenting a range demonstrates that you are well-informed and confident in your expectations, while also reinforcing your knowledge and experience level.

If you’re concerned about potentially missing out on the opportunity, provide a specific monthly range, such as 40,000 AED to 50,000 AED for mid-level roles, rather than a broader range like 30,000 to 60,000 AED. Adjust the range according to the position’s seniority to show that you understand the job market in Dubai and are prepared for a targeted salary discussion.

How to answer common questions like a pro?

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

This is your opportunity to provide a concise summary of your professional background and personal interests relevant to the position. Keep it brief and focus on why you’re a strong fit for the role. Mention your experience in talent acquisition, executive search, or other pertinent roles, if applicable. Avoid detailing your entire employment or personal history.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When discussing strengths, emphasize skills directly related to the role, using examples from your past experiences, such as localization projects or Emiratisation efforts. For weaknesses, be honest while also outlining steps you’ve taken to improve those areas.

Why do you want to work for our company / Why do you want this job?

Conduct in-depth research on the company and focus on specific aspects that appeal to you, such as their mission, values, or corporate culture. Highlight your knowledge of recruitment agencies in Dubai or talent acquisition specialist roles, and explain how you can contribute to the company’s goals.