Welcome to our guide on how to kick-start your job search in Sharjah, one of the seven emirates and the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Known for its rich economy, diverse job market, and numerous opportunities across various industries, Sharjah is indeed a haven for job seekers.
Whether you’re fresh out of university or transitioning from another industry, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about finding your first job in Sharjah.
Before diving into the job search process, it’s crucial to understand the UAE job market and the unique aspects that make it different from other global markets.
The UAE, including Sharjah, has a diverse and multicultural workforce, which means competition can be high, but so are the opportunities. The key to success lies in understanding these dynamics and effectively navigating through them.
The UAE’s job market is characterized by its multicultural workforce, with expatriates making up a significant portion of the population. English is widely spoken, making it easier for international job seekers. However, learning Arabic could be a great advantage, as some employers prefer candidates who speak both English and Arabic.
Establish Your Career Objective
Before you begin your job search, it’s vital to establish a clear career objective. This involves identifying your interests and skills, researching potential industries and job roles, and setting career goals. By doing this, you can focus your job search efforts on roles that align with your objectives, thereby increasing your chances of landing a suitable job.
Identify your skills and interests
Your skills and interests should guide your job search. Reflect on your hobbies, past experiences, and subjects you excelled in during your academic years. What are you good at? What activities energize you? Answering these questions can help you identify potential industries and roles that would suit your natural abilities and passions.
Research potential industries and job roles
Once you’ve identified your skills and interests, the next step is to research potential industries and job roles. Look at the major industries in Sharjah and the types of jobs they offer. Some of the sectors with job vacancies in Sharjah include Other Business Support Services, General Engineering Consultancy, Management Consulting, Medical Clinic, and Consumer Electronics.
Don’t limit yourself to just the industries you’re familiar with. Be open-minded and consider new industries where your skills might be applicable.
Set up career goals
Setting career goals is an important part of establishing your career objective. Do you want to work in a multinational company or a start-up? Are you interested in full-time employment or part-time work? What kind of work culture do you prefer? These are all factors that should influence your job search.
Also, be realistic about your earning potential. Understand that as a first-time job seeker, you may not command high salaries initially. However, with experience and skills development, your earning potential will increase.
Prepare Job Search Tools
With your career objectives clearly defined, it’s time to prepare your job search tools. These include your resume or CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. These are essential tools that will represent you to potential employers, so they should be well-crafted and professional.
Craft a professional resume
Your resume is arguably the most critical tool in your job search arsenal. It should succinctly yet comprehensively present your academic qualifications, skills, and any relevant experience. Ensure you tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the role. Also, keep your resume updated to reflect any new skills or experiences you acquire.
Write a compelling cover letter
While not always required, a well-written cover letter can significantly boost your job application. Your cover letter should tell a story that your resume can’t. It’s your chance to explain why you’re interested in the role and the company, and how you believe you can add value. Be sure to keep it concise and engaging.
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn has become a powerful tool for job seekers worldwide. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile can significantly increase your visibility to potential employers. Make sure your profile is complete, including a professional headshot, compelling headline, detailed work experience, and a summary that effectively tells your professional story.
Find Hiring Companies
Now that you’re equipped with a clear career objective and polished job search tools, it’s time to identify potential employers. This involves researching companies that operate in your target industry, prioritizing them based on your career objectives, and understanding the recruitment cycle in Sharjah.
Researching companies that operate in your industry
Start by compiling a list of companies that operate in your target industry in Sharjah. Websites like Bayt.com and Indeed.com are excellent resources for this. They not only list job vacancies but also provide useful information about the hiring companies. Look for details such as the company’s size, culture, and values, the products or services they offer, and their market reputation.
Prioritizing companies based on your career objectives
Once you have a list of potential employers, prioritize them based on how well they align with your career objectives. Factors to consider when prioritizing companies include the growth opportunities they offer, their work culture, and their location. Prioritizing companies in this way ensures that you focus your job search efforts on the opportunities that are most aligned with your career goals.
Recruitment cycle in Sharjah
Understanding the recruitment cycle in Sharjah can help you time your job applications for maximum impact. While job vacancies can pop up at any time, many companies in the UAE tend to do bulk hiring towards the end and beginning of the year. Therefore, ramping up your job search efforts during these periods may increase your chances of landing a job.
Network (Social and Face-to-face)
In today’s digital age, networking has become an essential part of the job search process. Networking can not only help you learn about job opportunities but also provide valuable insights about your target industry and companies. There are numerous ways to network, both online and offline.
Use social media
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook can be effective tools for networking. On LinkedIn, you can connect with professionals in your target industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. On Twitter, you can follow companies and industry leaders, engage with their posts, and share valuable content. On Facebook, you can join job search groups and participate in discussions.
Attend industry events and job fairs
Industry events, seminars, and job fairs provide excellent opportunities for face-to-face networking. These events allow you to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends, and even discover job opportunities. Keep an eye on event listings in Sharjah and make a point of attending relevant events.
Leveraging personal contacts
Don’t underestimate the power of personal contacts in your job search. Friends, family, former classmates, and even professors can provide valuable leads and introductions. Make sure your contacts know that you’re searching for a job and the type of role you’re interested in.
Interview
The job interview is your chance to make a great impression and convince the employer that you’re the right candidate for the role. Preparing adequately for the interview will increase your chances of success.
Prepare for common interview questions
While you can never predict all the questions you’ll be asked in an interview, there are several common questions that many employers ask. These include “Tell me about yourself”, “Why are you interested in this role?”, and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”. Practice answering these questions and use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Dressing appropriately
First impressions matter, and dressing appropriately for your job interview is crucial. The UAE, including Sharjah, is quite conservative, so it’s important to dress modestly for your interview. For men, this could mean wearing a suit and tie, while women should consider wearing a business suit or a modest dress. It’s always better to err on the side of dressing more formally when in doubt.
Conclusion
Finding your first job in Sharjah may seem daunting, but with careful planning, diligent research, and adequate preparation, you can navigate the job market successfully. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and every experience, whether positive or negative, is a stepping stone to your ultimate career goal. So, keep learning, stay focused, and never give up until you land your dream job in Sharjah!