UAE: 5 mistakes to avoid when hunting for a job

You've submitted applications for ten different job vacancies, but not a single employer has called you back. While looking for a job can be stressful and exasperating, there may be certain mistakes you are doing that you can simply correct to increase your chances of getting a second interview.

 In order to learn more about the typical errors they encounter in job applications and to get their best advice for job seekers in the UAE, Gulf News consulted with recruiting specialists in the UAE.

 Abdul-Rahman Risilia, the founder of the outsourced talent agency ARC Talent, says it's crucial to first not be too harsh on yourself if you don't receive a call back, even if you believed you were the ideal applicant for the position. There are situations when a recruiter or organization may not have properly publicized a job position.

 According to Risilia, who spoke to Gulf News, "there is a duty to be shared, it is not just on the individuals but also the organizations that are advertising for these opportunities."

 However, there are several errors that might reduce your probability of being chosen from a sea of competing job applications. Here are the top five errors that you can be making in your bio-data, CV (Curriculum Vitae), or overall job search strategy that are lowering your likelihood of receiving a call back.

 1. Your CV does not match your LinkedIn profile

 According to Risilia, a lot of recruiters are concentrating entirely on business networking platforms like LinkedIn. Because of this, it is crucial to check that your CV and LinkedIn page are accurate and up to date. Inconsistencies between your online presence and your resume might cast doubt on your attention to detail.

 The recruiter will doubt your profile if there are any inconsistencies with the dates or your function, according to Risilia.

 In fact, Risilia recommended job searchers to give their social networking pages particular care because they might be cited far more often than your resume or cover letter.

 Everything is digital and online these days, therefore if your social media pages are out of current, your cover letter will earn you an interview.

 2. You are applying for multiple jobs without reading the job description

 According to Risilia, it's crucial to apply for jobs that are relevant to your kill set and expertise in addition to stepping outside of your comfort zone and being prepared to adapt to a changing work market. Applying for each job you come across using a "scattergun strategy" will hurt you more than help.

 Why should a marketing manager apply for a position in finance, creative, or sales? Applying for many opportunities is bad luck, especially if they are with the same staffing firm or agency. Future employers don't particularly appreciate it when job applicants submit several applications, he added.

 "Be specific and targeted in your approach, and read the job description carefully. Although I am aware that some people do it entirely out of desperation or a desire to get employment, it hurts your prospects. There are better methods to do tasks,” he said.

 3. Your cover letter and introductions are lengthy

 According to Risilia, there are circumstances in which you might not even need to provide a cover letter with your application. He encouraged candidates to submit a cover letter only when it is specified as a necessity. Keep your introduction brief, even if you send a cover letter or contact a recruiter online.

 "Adopt a specific strategy in your approach. In fact, make a list of the businesses you want to work for and check to see if there are any open opportunities before contacting someone in a senior position, Risilia said. Keep your message brief and focused.

 4. You are not highlighting the right elements in your application

 Instead than emphasizing their potential contributions to the tasks or campaigns they were given, many candidates frequently concentrate more on the businesses they worked for.

 Software engineers who may have worked for large corporations in the past and who focus more on what the organization does than on the programming languages they may use are a prime illustration of this, according to Risilia.

 5. You are not following up

 Practice the skill of following up in moderation since persistent follow-ups may cause the recruiter to stop giving you useful updates. According to Risilia, following up on an application might not be crucial if you are seeking a senior-level post.

 A brief email or message confirming your application, however, may demonstrate to a recruiter that you are interested in the work and have a solid sense of follow-through if you are applying for an entry-level role.