A poor command of the English language and a failure to customise CVs to the applied job are two of the main barriers stopping UAE job-seekers landing their dream job, a recent report said.

According to the Hiring Practices in the Mena employer survey conducted by the Middle East’s largest job site, Bayt.com, 21.3 per cent of employers said that the use of poor language on a CV is the biggest mistake job-seekers can make.

Submitting a CV that is not customised for the role is the second biggest mistake according to 19.7 per cent of the employers in the survey, while clear exaggerations and poor formatting also figure prominently on the list, along with lack of focus and key omissions.

In an effort to connect job-seekers to top employers in the country, Bayt.com will run a free-to-attend CV clinic at Najah, Education, Training and Careers Fair, to help candidates increase their CV success rate and secure more interviews.

Taking place from October 29 to 31 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Najah is the largest exhibition for local and international universities, training institutions and leading companies interested in driving their recruitment activities in the region.

“A good CV is an applicant’s passport to employment,” said Suhail Masri, vice president of Sales at Bayt.com. “At Najah, our experts will shed light on the importance of a good CV and offer help, career advice and recommendations on major aspects associated with a successful job search.

“Apart from providing free CV consultancy to visitors, our team will also deliver a special presentation focusing on CV writing and interview techniques at Najah,” he added.

According to Bayt.com’s Job Index Survey, 67 per cent of UAE employers are looking to source top talent across all career levels this year.

The report further added that job seekers in the UAE with qualifications in Engineering, Business Management and Commerce will have an added advantage.  In terms of skills, team players and candidates with good communication and leadership skills will have the best chance.  

Masri said: “On an average day there are around 3,400 jobs in the UAE alone posted on Bayt.com.  Since employers receive countless applications for most openings it is imperative for job-seekers to have an impressive CV and a professional competitive online public profile as that is the first thing employers will see to get a glimpse of the candidate.

“With the vast majority of employers sourcing talent online today, it is imperative that professionals at all career levels are fully aware of the latest online tools and techniques that are freely at their disposal to optimise their own professional brand and maximise the career opportunities available to them.”

Khurram Saeed, Najah Exhibition director, said: “A CV is the applicant’s first chance to make a good impression to a potential employer.  The CV clinic is such an important feature at Najah this year and will provide visitors with free tips to improve their CVs and make sure that it is of a high standard so that they have the best chance of securing employment.”

Now in its seventh edition, Najah is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Abu Dhabi Education Council and sponsored by ALHOSN University, Ajman University of Science and Technology, Be You International, Berkeley Middle East, Health Authority Abu Dhabi and Masdar Institute.

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) has been signed on as the academic partner for the event. – TradeArabia News Service