After years of working with leading companies in the region, including PIF, Red Sea, Atkins, and Arcadis, I decided to take the leap and start my own agency. Here’s how you can position yourself to be in the top 1%.
Note that we conduct internal interviews, sometimes up to three rounds, before your resume is sent to the client.
- Deep Dive Research: They dive into researching the company, grasping its culture, values, and recent updates. This allows them to tailor their applications and interview responses to align perfectly. They also check out LinkedIn profiles to understand the backgrounds and roles of people at the company.
- Tailored Applications: They don’t send out the same CV and cover letter to everyone. Each one is customized to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences for the specific job description. The highlight key terms, numbers and accomplishments.
- Networking: They leverage their network to get referrals and insider tips about the company. Knowing someone on the inside can make a huge difference.
- Professional Online Presence: Their LinkedIn profiles are on point. They showcase their expertise, share industry insights, and engage with others in their field.
- Interview Prep: They practice interview questions and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to craft their answers. Plus, they come prepared with smart questions to ask the interviewer. Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable, they talk as if they’re already part of the company. When "we" approach potential clients, what is our go-to strategy? When our client requests XYZ, do we...?
- Lifelong Learning: They keep up with industry trends and are always looking to improve their skills with courses, certifications, and the latest reading material. This doesn’t mean faking credentials like "I went to “Harvard Business School.'" We mean real and relevant qualifications like MRICS, MAPM, MCIOB, etc.
- Follow-Up: After the interview, they send a personalized thank-you note, reiterating their interest and how their skills align with the company’s needs. Leaving a copy of your portfolio behind is a fantastic move and leaves a lasting impression.
- Attention to Detail: Their CVs and professional portfolio are spotless—no typos, no inconsistencies. Their portfolios feature high-quality images and are polished enough to be presented as a client submission.
- Soft Skills: They demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, both in their applications and during interviews.
- Confidence and Enthusiasm: They come across as confident and genuinely excited about the role and the company.
By doing these things, candidates can really stand out in the UAE job market and increase their chances of landing that dream job. Spend the time building a strong foundation, and trust us, this will set you up for a successful career.