Get hired: How to make your CV stand out in Dubai
Given the tough competition and high volume of applications, it is difficult to land an interview, let alone get a job in a place like Dubai. Recruiters are bombarded with resumes each day. However, some minor tweaks can make your CV stand out in Dubai and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT IN DUBAI
Getting a job in Dubai requires hard work, perseverance and patience. As a job-seeker, you need to focus on the end results rather than being bogged down by disappointments. Rejections are part of the game. More importantly, what you need to remember is that improving your skills and presenting them in a better way is entirely up to you.
Your CV is your first impression as an applicant. It is therefore, crucial that you give it your full attention. A perfect resume must stand out on first viewing. Considering all these factors, we have put together a list of things you can do to make your CV stand out in Dubai.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE JOB YOU WANT
Companies are generally looking for a specific skill set for each role. So, check your prior job experience and/or your education to see if you fulfil the requirements. Once demands are clear, you can always upgrade your skillset and expertise by getting the relevant degree, certification or diploma. Some candidates have basic qualifications but lack ‘certain skills.’ On the other hand, knowledge gaps might create problems in your selection.
Simply put, try your best to support your academic qualifications and update related skills. If the recruiter finds that your CV ticks most of their boxes in terms of required expertise, you have a good chance of landing an interview.
INCLUDE A SNAPSHOT
A snapshot can highlight your experience, skills, strengths and the value you can offer to a company. Four, five bullets points or a paragraph that summarises what you are trying to say can be pivotal in getting your CV the edge it needs to be shortlisted.
TAILOR YOUR CV FOR EVERY JOB APPLICATION
No two jobs are the same even if the designation is similar. Go through the job description thoroughly and identify what is the company looking for. Highlight skills, experience and education that are relevant to your role. Plus, keep info that isn’t relevant to the job at a minimum. Recruiters can use software to search for particular skills via word search in a CV. If you can predict those words, the battle is half won.
Remember, you use an ante-chronological order when listing experience. Related job experiences go first and are given greater weightage.
QUANTIFY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Don’t forget to include quantifiable achievements in your CV. This perhaps is the most important part of how to make a CV stand out in Dubai.
For instance, if you are a writer and want to apply for a content-related job. Generally, it is a good idea to include the number of advertising copies you have delivered so far or an average word count in the CV. As for sales jobs, you can mention the number of new clients you brought on board. For admin roles, show how you were able to save the company’s money or the number of operations or people you manage daily.
Responsibilities can be a part of the CV but quantifiable achievements are something prospective employers are keen to know.
CONSIDER THE COMPANY’S VALUES AND ETHICS
Among the tips to make your CV stand out in Dubai, this one is possibly ignored the most.
Companies these days are looking for candidates who have the same ethics as their corporate values. So, if you were part of activities that highlight your own values, make it a part of the CV. For instance, if you want to join a company that is keen on protecting the environment, highlight a past project during your studies or employment that shows your commitment to the cause. It helps employers appreciate the fact that you will bring desirable values with the required experience to the role.
Sometimes people omit the extra-curricular activities section. However, depending on the employer, it can make all the difference. Companies that help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance would want to see your extracurricular activities to determine if you are someone who will fit into the organisational culture. Also, you will come across as an individual who is dedicated and diligent enough to accomplish the task at hand in time and get on with his or her life.
BE PREPARED
Modification is important if you want to make your CV stand out in Dubai. At the same time, time is of the essence. Often the window to apply for a role is short. So, whether you complete a course or get a promotion, update your resume ASAP. Often candidates miss out on applying for good jobs because their CV isn’t updated or they send a version with irrelevant info. That is a lose-lose scenario.
DESIGN AND FONTS
Unless you are applying for a role of a graphic designer, you don’t need a flashy CV! Use formal fonts like Calibri, Arial, Palatino Linotype or Times New Roman, typically in sizes 10 to 12. The look has to be professional and your CV cannot be more than three pages. If you have less than 10 years of experience, even two pages would suffice. The purpose is to ensure that the look of your CV doesn’t distract or put off the reader.
INCLUDING A PICTURE
Depending on the job type or requirements, you can include a picture. However, you should never use a funky Instagram selfie to make your CV stand out in Dubai. Ideally, you should be wearing formal clothes.
PROOFREADING
Typos in emails and documents are frustrating but they are entirely inexcusable on a CV. Proofread your document multiple times before hitting send. Because once that email leaves your outbox, there is nothing you can do. Use spellcheck and even ask a friend to read your CV before forwarding it to an employer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ARE THE TOP RECRUITMENT AGENCIES IN DUBAI?
Looking for a job in Dubai? Here is a list of the top recruitment companies in Dubai. We have also put together a detailed guide on how to get a job in Dubai.
WHICH ARE THE BEST JOB SITES IN DUBAI?
Check out our list of the best job sites in Dubai that can help you land your dream job. If you are in the emirate, walk-in interviews in Dubai are also an option. With hard work and due diligence, you can land a job and then work on getting a Dubai work permit.
This wraps up our post on how you can make your CV stand out in Dubai. This city welcomes professionals from all around the world and companies are always on the outlook for fresh talent coming in with new ideas. What you need to do is actively search for opportunities and grab them with both hands.
To know more about Dubai’s job market, visit MyBayut.
