The UAE is famed for being a melting pot of cultures from all around the world.

It’s estimated there are people from over 200 nationalities living here, contributing to the highest expat ratio of any country in the world at close to 90% of the population. 

For people outside the UAE looking in, you would be surprised at how this manifests itself in day to day life. 

One of the most obvious is driving. 

The roads in Dubai can be somewhat on the crazier side.

The commonality in driving styles between the 200+ nationalities that call Dubai home is not as closely aligned as you’d hope. 

Another way this plays out in the job market here is with the CV. 

Even outside of the GCC, they are a tricky art to master. 

There is no one standard template available on the market and different industries and geographies can have differing expectations.

What might work in the world of Accounting and Finance might not work for a more Creative industry. Similarly, what might be expected from an applicant across European Markets might not be the same across profiles from an Asian market.

Layer on top of this the different kinds of companies you have within the region and you have a real conundrum: what is best practice with CVs in the GCC? 

We might not be at the point where we can spearhead a charge for a common CV template but we are well positioned to flip the question on its head. 

What are some of the big CV don’ts that you should avoid at all costs when searching for a new role? 

1)  Don’t overdo it. 

A CV is a detailed document that highlights the professional achievements in your career.

More informally, it’s a marketing tool, a means of presenting the best version of yourself to other companies in the hope they will take notice. 

Part of the skill and art of nailing a good CV is presenting this information in a clear and concise fashion that delivers the key information without losing the reader.

The average Hiring Manager spends 6-8 seconds reviewing a CV before making a decision. 

That is an incredibly short window of time you have to impress. 

Keep things simple, keep it clear. If you’re pushing anything more than two pages, you’re overcompensating. 

Sometimes less is more. Your CV is a highlight reel, not a play-by-play of every task you've ever completed.

Let your experience talk for itself. 

2) Steer clear of the spray and pray approach. 

This is less about the content of your CV and more about how you use your CV. 

We get it - searching for a new role can be one of the most stressful things you go through in life. 

But that doesn’t mean you should compromise on the quality of your applications and go Gung Ho with a pure quantity approach. 

Don’t fall into the Easy Apply trap. LinkedIn is a ridiculously powerful tool but relying on it’s one click job application feature is not the best way to utilise the platform.

Yes, it might feel productive to apply to a million jobs and see what comes back - particularly if you’ve been out of work for some time. 

I can promise you, as someone that receives thousands of applicants each week, it doesn’t play out that way. 

Spend your time productively, tailor outreaches personally on LinkedIn. Build your network. Email directly to Hiring Managers. 

This is what will get you a new role. 

3) Avoid the 'Jack of All Trades' Fallacy: 

Don't try to be everything for everyone. 

A CV isn't about showcasing every skill you've ever acquired. It's about highlighting your specific strengths and how they align with the role you're applying for.

Too often we see candidates try and play the ‘I can do a bit of everything’ card in the hope that it opens up their options.

It doesn’t. It sells you short at the very things that would otherwise set you apart.

Employers are looking for candidates who are the best in their field. Play to your strengths.

Mastery trumps mediocrity ten times out of ten in a competition for a new role.

Creative Copywriter - Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

We are currently engaged in a search for Copywriters, skilled in the English language from an Advertising Agency background to join our clients on-site in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

The agencies are renowned in their space for their Creative campaigns which have been recognised by a host of awards internationally. 

The successful applicant will have previous agency experience and be open to working across a number of clients within the GCC across industries. 

Please attach updated Portfolios upon submissions in order to be considered.

Please reach out to me on LinkedIn and I will be happy to chat if your profile matches the requirements.