How to Search a Job in the Gulf from a Remote Location?

Modern day job seekers prefer moving to a new country for employment. While some do so for finding better employment opportunities, there are many who want to travel and experience a different culture. When it comes to moving and experiencing a new culture, the Gulf ranks pretty high on the list of the top destinations for expat job seekers. The region offers a plethora of employment opportunities, lucrative compensation packages with a tax-free income, a luxurious lifestyle as well as proximity to numerous exotic destinations for those who love to travel.

No matter how great it may seem at first, but moving to a new country and starting life from scratch is stressful. Adding job search to the equation only makes it tougher for the job seekers. That’s why it is always recommended to have a job offer in hand before moving to a Gulf country. Having your expenses figured in advance will put your mind at ease as there will be one less thing to worry about. You will be able to settle down quickly and focus on making friends as well as adjusting to the new culture.

However, to be able to find a job in the Gulf from a remote location, you need a full-proof strategy. Outlined below are a few tips on how to conduct your long-distance job search properly to successfully find employment in the Gulf:

1. Decide upon a location:

There are about 6 countries in the GCC region and each has its own set of rules and regulations. Take some time and study deeply about each of your preferred countries and cities. Gather as much information as you can about what each location has to offer and utilize this knowledge to narrow down the list to one or two locations which fit all your criteria. While deciding upon a location, do keep in mind your personal growth and not just professional growth as both are equally important for leading a successful, fulfilling life.

2. Research the job market of your preferred location:

Once you have narrowed down your preference to one or two cities, the next step is to study the job market of your chosen job location such as Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Qatar, Sharjah etc. Put the power of the Internet to good use and research the employment prospects as well as the overall performance of the industry you are associated with or interested in joining. After doing the research you may find out that job prospects in the industry of your choice are not that good in your chosen destination. In this case, you may have to decide between changing either the location or the industry.

3. Revamp your CV:

Before you start applying to jobs, revamp your CV to leave a good first impression on the employers. An important piece of information that employers take notice of in a job candidate’s CV is the contact address. Since you won’t have a local address of your own to share with the employers, ask your friends or relatives living in the city if you can put their address on your CV or not. If you don’t know anybody in the city, use your current address, but do mention somewhere that you will be moving to the city soon. For example – ‘Moving to Abu Dhabi in August’

4. Utilize your cover letter:

Cover letters are crucial and there is no doubt about this fact. They are especially helpful when you are applying for jobs from a remote location. Just imagine how confused an employer may feel upon looking at your CV and find out that you are not even living in the city. Chances are that the employer will not consider your application and quickly move to local candidates. To avoid getting neglected, frame an effective cover letter that highlights your skills and professional achievement as well as informs the employers about your relocation plans. Also, make it a point to mention about the dates you will be available for a telephonic/Skype interview.

5. Network your way into the new city:

Networking is one of the easiest and most effective ways of finding a job in a new country. Even if you don’t know anybody from your existing network that is living in your preferred city, there are many ways to form new connections. The Internet is full of forums and platforms that allow people from across borders to connect with each other. It may take some time, but invest in building a great professional bond with people living in your dream job location. You never know somebody might refer you for a job in the city. Also, it is a great way to learn about the new place and prepare for the life that awaits you.

6. Be prepared for a virtual interview:

If your application gets shortlisted, chances are your first round of interview will happen either over the phone or via one of the video conferencing apps. Whichever mode the interviewer chooses, just be prepared because virtual interviews are a lot different from face-to-face interviews. In addition to making yourself available according to the employer’s schedule and the time zone, you will also have to prepare a good answer to the question, ‘Why do you want to move to the city?’

Also Read – 8 Tips To Ace Your Phone Interview

While it is not easy to find a job in the Gulf from a remote location, having a long-distance job search strategy will definitely help. Follow the tips shared above to successfully land a job in your preferred GCC country from afar.

All the best!

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