Are you a new graduate looking for an internship or a job in the UAE? If yes, then you might be wondering how to start your career journey in this dynamic and diverse country. The UAE offers many opportunities for young professionals across various sectors and industries, but it also has its own challenges and requirements that you need to be aware of.
Tip #1: Register on leading job portals and websites
One of the first steps to finding an internship or a job in the UAE is to register on the leading job portals and websites that cater to the local market. There are many online platforms that post vacancies and connect employers with candidates, both in the private and public sectors. Some of the most popular ones are Naukrigulf.com, Bayt.com, Dubizzle.com, Indeed.com, LinkedIn.com, and MonsterGulf.com. You can also check out the government-run job portals that offer opportunities for UAE nationals, such as Emirates Job Bank, Tawteen Gate, Virtual Job Market, Dubai Careers, Fujairah Government Jobs, and Abu Dhabi Government Job Portal. Make sure to create a professional profile, upload your updated resume, and apply for relevant positions that match your skills and qualifications.
Tip #2: Get your documents attested
Another important step to securing an internship or a job in the UAE is to get your academic certificates and transcripts attested by the Ministry of Education (MOE). This is a mandatory requirement for most employers in the UAE, as it verifies the authenticity and validity of your educational qualifications. To get your documents attested, you need to create an online account on the MOE website² and provide your details, such as your name, nationality, Emirates ID number, passport number, etc. You also need to upload scanned copies of your original certificate, transcript of grades, secondary school certificate, Emirates ID, and passport. The attestation process can take up to 10 working days and costs AED 200 per document.
Tip #3: Network with professionals and peers
Networking is a key factor in finding an internship or a job in the UAE, as it can help you build relationships, gain insights, and access opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. You can network with professionals and peers in various ways, such as attending events, workshops, seminars, webinars, career fairs, etc. that are relevant to your field of interest. You can also join online communities and groups on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. where you can interact with people who share your passions and goals. Additionally, you can leverage LinkedIn to connect with recruiters, hiring managers, industry experts, alumni, mentors, etc. who can offer you advice, referrals, recommendations, or leads.
Tip #4: Customize your resume and cover letter
When applying for an internship or a job in the UAE, you need to make sure that your resume and cover letter are customized for each position and employer. This means that you need to highlight your skills, achievements, and experiences that are relevant to the role and the company that you are targeting. You also need to use keywords and phrases that match the job description and requirements. Moreover, you need to format your resume and cover letter according to UAE standards and expectations. For example, you should include a photo of yourself on your resume, use a professional font and layout⁵, avoid using personal pronouns like “I” or “me”, etc.
Tip #5: Prepare for the interview
The final step to landing an internship or a job in the UAE is to prepare for the interview. This involves researching the company and the role that you applied for, practicing common interview questions, dressing appropriately, arriving on time, being confident and courteous, etc. You should also be ready to answer questions about your visa status, salary expectations, career goals, etc. Furthermore, you should follow up with the interviewer after the interview by sending a thank-you email or note expressing your interest and appreciation.
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