7 Steps to succeed at a walk-in interview in Dubai

You’re on the job hunt in Dubai and you’ve heard the term ‘walk-in interview’ thrown around but you’re not entirely sure what it means. How is it different from a traditional interview? How do you prepare for it? Where do you even find walk-in interviews in Dubai? If these questions have been on your mind, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, Bayut explains the walk-in interview concept, along with the best tips for land a job with one! Finally, Bayut reveals the best place to look for a walk-in interview in Dubai!

What is a walk-in interview?

A walk-in interview – or open interviews – is simply a hiring event. Here, employers will accept job applications and conduct interviews on-site, either in groups or individual formats. Unlike a traditional interview setup, there is no preselection process here. Instead, any job-seekers interested can apply and be interviewed for the position. Companies will typically post the date and time block of the walk-in interview on the top job sites in the UAE. Open interviews are also conducted when the company wants to hire candidates for many positions, so you’re chances of landing a job here are higher!

Find out how you can ace your walk-in interview in Dubai with the tips below!

Tips to Ace a Walk-In Interview in Dubai

RESEARCH

The key to succeeding at a walk-in interview in Dubai? Arm yourself with knowledge about the company. Do your research by going through the company website and find out their goals, mission and vision. Spend some time on their social media to get an idea about the company culture.  You’ll be able to use that information to show how you can contribute to their goals and showcase yourself as a good fit for the company. Also, it’ll make you stand out during the interview as someone who’s enthusiastic about the potential position.

Pay close attention to the event description for important details! Will the recruiters be making offers on the spot? Or will shortlisted candidates be invited for further rounds of interviews? These details will help you when preparing for walk-in interviews.

BE PREPARED

You’ve just seen a call for a walk-in interview in Dubai and it’s exactly the position you want! But before rushing off to the interview, it’s essential to make sure you’re prepared. This involves updating your resume so it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for and proof-reading it! Bonus tip: Print copies of your resume to hand out to recruiters if needed.

Also, prepare all the necessary educational certificates and professional documents you’ll need at open interviews in Dubai, preferably the day before. And finally, don’t forget to carry a pen and notepad with you for completing forms!

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Your appearance will contribute to the recruiters’ impression about you, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Check the interview description for any details on the dress code. Alternatively, your research on the company will help you decide what attire is suitable for the culture. One of the tips for walk-in interviews is to stick to dressing formally or at least, business casual attire. For men, this could be neatly pressed khakis with a collared shirt and for women, dress pants with a neat blouse.

PRACTICE

Walk-in interviews in Dubai have a large volume of applicants, so expect these interviews to be a lot shorter. You may even be interviewed in a group, so you’ll have to work to stand out.  Prepare yourself by going through common interview questions in your field and practice your answers. For questions about why you want to work for the company and what you have to offer, it’s better to give specific answers that tie into your previous work experiences and skills. By following this walk-in interview strategy and practicing your answers beforehand, you’ll have an edge over the other applicants.

BE EARLY

It may sound obvious but being early is one of the best tips for walk-in interviews. Since these interviews aren’t scheduled, they are conducted on ‘first come, first served’ basis. It’s better to be an early applicant at walk in interviews in Dubai: not only does it showcase your enthusiasm, but the recruiter is also more likely to remember you than if they interviewed you at the end of a long day.

However, you must also be prepared to wait, due to the number of people interviewing for the same position. A handy walk-in interview strategy is to carry a book or puzzle for while you wait for your turn, so you’ll be in a good mood when you meet the recruiters.

BE CALM AND CONFIDENT

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, so it’s good to practice confident body language beforehand. Stand tall from the moment you enter the company building. When you’re in the interview, be comfortable (but not arrogant), eager and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Keep your answers crisp and concise and ask smart questions about the company. Make sure to smile and thank the recruiter at the end of the interview!

FOLLOW UP

The last of Bayut’s tips for walk-in interviews in Dubai is to follow up after the interview. Remember, the recruiters will have interviewed many candidates for the same position, so you’ll stand out from the crowd if you reach out afterward. An essential walk-interview strategy is to ask for the recruiter’s business card after the interview. This way, you can send them a follow-up email thanking them for the interview and reminding them about your enthusiasm and skills for the role!

Where Can You Find Walk-In Interviews in Dubai?

This city is the land of opportunities, and job-seekers can find plenty of open interviews in Dubai. Those eager to try their hands at a walk-in interview should consider the buzzing commercial centre of Dubai – Business Bay. Located just south of the glitzy Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is the business capital of the city, with the famous Dubai Creek winding its way through. The area is home to the offices of prominent companies from various industries, including construction, real estate, public relations and more. Expect to find offices of big names such as Better Homes, fam Properties, Cicero & Bernay, ASGC Dubai and KPS Interiors out here.

Interested in a walk-in interview in Business Bay Dubai? Take a look at job search websites such as Indeed, Naukri Gulf, Dubizzle and Bayt. Job-seekers will find postings for positions here that have open interviews. Walk-in interviews in Business Bay are frequently held for entry-level positions for sales departments, particularly for retail and real estate firms. Those looking for walk in interviews in Dubai for freshers will benefit from the variety of positions in this commercial hub. 

However, be aware that there are also fake job postings with walk-in interviews circulating online. These are fraudsters posing as recruitment companies that rob job-seekers of their money. It’s important to research the company before heading to the interview, or if possible, call the company to confirm that they are indeed hiring for the particular position.

Follow the above steps and you’re sure to ace your walk-in interview in Dubai and land a job! If you’re considering a career in real estate, take a look at Bayut’s guide for new real estate agents in the UAE. And follow MyBayut for more articles on career-building advice in Dubai!