Experts offer tips based on the latest hiring trends in the country

APK, an expatriate who has been living in Dubai for a significant period, has encountered difficulties due to the ever-changing job market. Upon arriving in the UAE during the early 1990s armed with a college degree, APK swiftly obtained employment. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in his dismissal, and he has since faced challenges in securing stable, full-time work. Consequently, APK has resorted to taking temporary jobs to meet his financial obligations. This condition stands as an indicative demonstration of a frequently encountered hardship, which staffing experts point out with the claim that numerous job applicants fall short of perceiving the changing tendencies of the labour market in the UAE.

Based on the recent “2023 Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey,” originated by PwC Middle East, it is evident that the region is undergoing a “transformational change on multiple fronts.” The survey encompassed participants from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Qatar, and the findings indicate that 52 per cent of the respondents anticipate significant changes in their jobs within the next five years.

It shows the need for people to become proactive in developing their abilities and strategies to stay current and able to quickly adjust to changing job trends.

Embracing Change

Jeron van den Elshout, the business director at Hays, a global recruiting group, provides insight into the changing dynamics of the job market in the UAE. He highlights a noticeable transition towards a cognition economy and maximises job specialism. This shift is primarily motivated by the UAE’s strategic endeavours to diversify its economy and decrease its reliance on oil. Notably, the government’s investments in key sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and technology have played a crucial role in accelerating this transformation.

Which sectors are hiring?

The Hays GCC Salary Guide 2023 identifies the technology sector and banking and financial operator as significant industries in the GCC region.

Jeron van den Elshout, representing Hays, draws attention to the skills shortages prevalent in the technology sector, specifically in positions related to data. Specialized skills are in high demand for roles such as data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, and machine learning experts. The scarcity of qualified professionals in these fields has contributed to the increased demand.

Elshout outlines how significant expansion in digital transformation constantly pushes for knowledge of software development, internet security, data assessment, and cloud protocols expertise, amid the perpetual market conflict.

Keywords matter in your job application

Charbel El Fakhry, a UAE-based personnel consultant attests to the obstacles for questing applicants when looking from dering generated CVs, very frequently if there are discussions about the restraints of Middle Eastern job opportunities with the staggering statistic that reports 200 extracts on every advert space.

El Fakhry underscores the significance of comprehending and effectively utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems employed in the recruitment procedure. He advises job seekers to gain familiarity with modern algorithms and analytics to maximize their visibility to automated parsing systems. By doing so, they can enhance their chances of attracting the attention of recruiters and improve their overall visibility in the job market.
El Fakhry recommends going through job listings carefully and finding the keywords and skills the hiring manager is looking for. That way, by working in said terms, applicants can greatly increase their chances of standing out in the cut-throat job market and increase the probability of receiving interviews.

Boost your online presence

El Fakhry and Elshout point out the importance of crafting a powerful digital portfolio to make an impression on potential employers.

They recommend using mechanisms like LinkedIn to get involved in applicable conversations, boosting connections, and growing visibility for search bots and job seekers. People can better their chances for jobs by attending online discussions, exhibiting their capabilities, and presenting expertise in something of interest.

Elshout further supports this notion, emphasizing the role of social media in enabling individuals to build a personal brand. Strategic utilization of social media platforms allows individuals to showcase their expertise and differentiate themselves in the competitive job market.

Why is upskilling important?

Elshout stresses that regardless of age, job-seekers should recognize the value of their experience. He advises experienced professionals to leverage their strengths, demonstrate adaptability, and showcase a willingness to learn to compete effectively.
Elshout displays the compelling necessity of unconditional education and refinement that needs to be done to be successful in today’s smoothly developing job market.

He emphasizes that people of all livelihood statuses should apply effort to expanding their knowledge and being mindful of industry fashions. In a fundamentally similar enquiry taken by PwC, six out of ten areas’ borrowers displayed an obvious propensity for comprehending how their core aptitudes need to develop.

This reflects professionals’ awareness of the need for ongoing growth and development.
Randa Bahsoun from PwC Middle East emphasizes the importance of recognizing the bubbling young population that is coming into the workforce. Organizations should adopt appropriate changes and create an inviting place to work that considers the individual preferences and outlooks of the more seasoned workers that they will be managing. As the workforce increasingly comprises younger generations, organizations should prioritize age diversity and make necessary adjustments to meet the demands and expectations of different age groups.

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