Writing a CV for the UAE job market: 5 Expert Tips from a Top Recruiter
How to write a CV that will stand out in the Middle Eastern job market? Top Recruiter in the Middle East shares insights on what to include (and what to avoid) in your CV.
Crafting the perfect CV is often the hardest but most important part of the job-searching process.
Oscar Orellana-Hyder, a top Recruiter in the UAE, took to LinkedIn to share some valuable CV writing tips.
“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,” wrote Oscar.
Here are the do’s and don’ts of crafting your résumé/CV, which will help you navigate the UAE job market.
1. Essential Contact Information
Please add your email address & mobile number that works. How are you going to get contacted otherwise?
You would be amazed at how many CVs headhunters receive with no details.
2. No Need To Add A Picture
A common misconception in the UAE is that you need a picture on your CV – you don’t.
Recruitment companies take the picture off 99% of the time, it’s not worth it.
3. Include Personal Details
Add your personal details, such as your nationality, date of birth, marital status & children and your location.
Headhunters will ask you for all of this (obligated to inform their client), so you may as well put it in there.
4. Optimal Formatting
Avoid jazzy colors & formatting – what you think stands out and grabs attention to your CV – may seem off-putting.
Keep it black & white, avoid color boxes, and stick to mainstream fonts.
Avoid pictures, graphics – save that for your PowerPoint pitch decks, not your CV.
5. Conciseness Matters
Keep your CV to a maximum of 2 pages.
Keep it concise and relevant. No one is interested in the job you had decades ago when you’re applying for a role in 2023 in Dubai.
TFS Gulf 
