Not getting job interviews? Get ahead of the game

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.