If you don’t live in the United Arab Emirates and want a job in Dubai, there are documents you need in order to obtain the appropriate permit to work there. Dubai is a popular place to work, and people from all over the world chose this destination.
Dubai is known for appealing employment packages, tax-free income and increasing jobs in the city. Hospitality, education, medicine and construction are just a few sectors that offer jobs in this vibrant area. One of the areas growing the most in Dubai is the information technology sector, making the city a perfect place for a start-up or technology company.
Dubai offers seven types of visas, and at least one is required to even enter the country.
• Medical treatment visas
• Multiple-entry visas
• Student visas
• Tourist visas
• Entry permit visas
• Resident visa
You should conduct your own independent research when it comes to which type of visa you will need. Entry requirements differ from country to country.
To work in Dubai, foreigners must obtain a residents visa. If you are accept a contract in Dubai, it's the responsibility of your company to obtain this visa for you.
• Several passport photos
• Your original passport
• Completed application form
• Application fee payment
• Results of your medical test
• Ministry of Labor entry permit
Fortunately, an employer is required to help obtain these documents for workers who are not residents of Dubai. They must pay for any fees accumulated by the application for the visa or work permit.
For the most part, employers in Dubai use the words resume and CV interchangeably. Your goal is to get all your information on two or three pages. If you have less than five years of experience, your resume should be one to two pages long. For anyone with 5-15 years of experience, expand to two pages. Two or three pages is ideal for anyone with more than 15 years of work experience.
There are no requirements specific to Dubai for a resume or CV. If you are using a resume builder like jobseeker.com, the format doesn’t need to change. As you prepare your resume, open with a strong summary statement. Most recruiters look at a resume for six seconds before moving on to another. This means your summary statement must grab the attention and hold it. The summary is intended to spark interest about the rest of your resume.
When creating your resume, highlight results rather than responsibilities. Include quantifiable results that show how you improved productivity or processes and changed the company’s bottom line.
For a job in Dubai, you always want a well-written cover letter. This document shows why you want to work for the company, why they should interview you, and when you plan to follow up. Keep the letter focused, concise and around three paragraphs.
At the top of your resume, where your contact details are placed, you may opt to put a personal snapshot or photo. If you choose to include a photo, have a professional one taken, rather than a selfie or a candid shot. Under your contact details, you can include a sentence or two about your experience, education, knowledge or skills. Only do this if you need to take up space, and a resume for a job in Dubai shouldn’t be more than two pages.
Don’t include a photo if it’s detrimental to the role, although most customer-facing jobs prefer a picture or snapshot. Photos are mostly used for junior positions. If you opt to not use a photo, make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and professional, and direct the hiring manager there on your resume.
Because English is Dubai’s main business language, keep your resume in English unless you are told differently. Many jobs advertise for applicants that are bilingual, but the recruiter may not speak those languages. Keep your resume in English but mention any additional languages you speak.
Most companies in Dubai use applicant tracking systems to sort through CVs or resumes whenever they post a job. This means that your resume should be easily readable by an ATS system. This software doesn’t read infographics, logos, non-standard fonts or sidebars easily. If you use these, your CV may look jumbled and strange when run through their system and may be passed over by the recruiter.
CVs with simple layouts are best for jobs in Dubai. You can include some subtle design elements to draw attention to key information, and keep the design and content focused on the function you’re applying for or your industry. Creative CVs may work better in creative industries, but simple, traditional layouts are preferred for traditional industries and most senior positions.
Most professionals use LinkedIn or another online platform to network and connect with others in the industry. If your CV leads someone to one of these profiles, make sure your details back up the information on your resume. Whenever you update your resume, update your profile. Avoid discrepancies in your employment history, and keep your preferred roles targeted. There’s no need for your profile to be a direct copy of your CV, but they should be similar.
If you are applying for a job in Dubai and you aren’t a resident, make sure you know what steps you need to follow to not only apply but to accept a job. No matter where you live, your resume and cover letter can catch the attention of the recruiter or cause you to be passed over. Preparation and regular updates ensure that your CV is always ready for application.
This article was contributed by jobseeker.com.
Katie Price lives just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, and has over a decade of experience in content and copywriting. A former high school GED teacher turned freelance writer, she focuses on legal, financial, medical, and educational content. She has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a focus on psychology and ELL from Weber State University.
