Dubai has become a hot spot for finance jobs, especially for Indians, due to its proximity to India.
Moreover, the absence of Income Tax makes it even more encouraging to save those extra bucks while leading a good life.
We’ve interviewed more than 100 finance professionals in Dubai, and a majority of them have endorsed this approach. We’ve compiled their insights for your benefit.
1. Network within your circle
Often companies don’t post open positions online, so networking with the insiders is the best way to go about it.
Before you move to Dubai network with people in your circle friends, friends of friends etc. Tell them when you will be moving to Dubai / UAE and ask if they can keep your candidature in mind.
“Networking plays a crucial role in the job-hunting process in the UAE. If you know someone who can help you in your professional journey then, of course, you can get into a big company easily,” says Conor McHugh, Founder of Alchemy Search, a specialist in financial recruitment in the UAE.
How to Network Effectively in the UAE to Secure Finance Jobs?
2. Cold message your LinkedIn connections
As Dubai’s job market diversifies and visitors search for opportunities on visit visas, LinkedIn inboxes have become filled with messages like, “Hey, can we meet for coffee?”, “Hey, can you help me find a job?”
While people have the desire to help, it’s crucial to consider their perspective. Why would they dedicate two hours or even one hour of their time to meet/ speak with someone they barely know?
Reaching out to connections for job opportunities in your preferred company in the UAE is effective… but you have to level up your job-searching strategy:
- Send a polite personalised message about your current availability in the region (Employers prefer candidates who are physically present in the country for a smoother and quicker onboarding process).
- Don’t beat around the bush but also don’t be in a hurry. (While many of them may not have immediate job openings within their organization, it’s also valuable to make an effort to comprehend their company’s culture, not just their job offerings.)
- Attach your updated CV and /or wait for them to reply.
- Follow up after a couple of weeks but with politeness.
Try to network with a select few before you move to Dubai. Instead of directly sending your CV and asking for help build a rapport a key. Engage with their LinkedIn posts, etc.
Remember, even though your message is genuinely polite, it’s common to receive responses from only a fraction of the messages you send.
3. Connect with recruiters
When it comes to connecting with recruiters you can:
- Avoid asking recruiters for Zoom meetings or personal coffee meetings. They may not have the time, even though they are eager to help you.
- “Reach out to them on LinkedIn, have a phone call, or drop off your CV to their office. Get a recruiter to listen to your story,” suggests Oscar Orellana Hyder – Former Head of Financial Services at Robert Walters Middle East.
- Check in with them every two to three weeks to stay on their radar.
4. Attend networking events
UAE especially Dubai has several events that happen. To name a few:
- Hedge Funds: The Leading Alternative Investment Management Summit, AIM Summit Dubai 2023, The Financial Summit
- Fintech: World Blockchain Summit in Dubai
- Family Offices: The Financial Summit 2023, the Middle East Family Office Investment Summit.
- Private Equity: SuperReturn Middle East, Exclusive Private Investment Summit in Abu Dhabi, AIM Summit Dubai 2023.
- CFO roundtables etc.
In addition, if you are CA from India you will want to network by joining ICAI Chapters in the UAE.
5. Others
In addition to the mentioned approach, many of you may have access to the email addresses of HR professionals and other contacts, and sending bulk emails can be effective, particularly for entry-level candidates, but it may not yield the same results for experienced professionals.
Do not forget…
Craft the ideal CV
“Your CV / résumé is YOUR document, and very much your IP (Intellectual Property). So take time on creating it and work on it with pride,” says Oscar.
Check out these articles for detailed advice.
- The Talent Acquisition Director in Dubai says there is a high demand in the Finance and Banking industry.
- Writing a CV for the UAE job market: 5 Expert Tips from a Top Recruiter
Develop a good online presence
There are still some steps here and there that employers wouldn’t explicitly say in the job description but it could amplify your ability to outsmart the other candidates.
One of those tips is to update your LinkedIn profile and be active on the platform.
Make sure the following sections of your profile are complete and up-to-date,
- Work experience
- Education, and skills
- Consider adding a professional headshot
- Summary of your career goals
- Add some detail to your previous or current job role section, such as what your role is about and what you have helped the company achieve
- Have recommendations
Most employers and almost all recruiters check your profile on LinkedIn.
Understand the UAE market
- Freshers or Candidates with 5-8 years of experience often have a wider range of job opportunities available to them. However, having relevant skills and qualifications is essential.
- For candidates with 15+ years of experience (Senior Candidates) the number of roles available to them is more limited. This is because senior positions often come with more specific requirements, including the need for UAE/GCC experience. This is because familiarity with the local market, regulations, and business culture can be crucial for success in certain roles.
- Sector Specifics: Networking is crucial in the banking sector as many of these roles are not usually filled through internal referrals.
Have Patience
UAE especially Dubai is a very competitive market and it can take longer than expected to find the right role.
The only FAQ you will need
Still, have some questions in mind?
- What Finance qualifications do companies in the UAE look for?
- When is the best time to visit the UAE to find a job?
- What is the cost of living in UAE for Indian expats?
- Which Emirate in the UAE would be ideal for a Finance Professional?
- What is the usual interview process to get a job in the UAE?
- How can you get a UAE work visa from India? What documents do you need?
We’ve got you covered. Find answers to these questions and some more here: Moving to UAE from India, as a Finance Professional? We have answered 17 essential FAQs for you
