In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), job seekers face a daunting challenge as they attempt to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Recent data from consulting firms like Bersin, Deloitte, Accenture, and BCG reveal an alarming trend – the sheer volume of candidates vying for a single job opening is surging.
With Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often inundated with applications, one recruiter remarked, “sometimes we had 400 candidates in our ATS for 1 assignment in one day.” This staggering number highlights the need for job seekers to employ innovative strategies to distinguish themselves from the (red) sea of applicants.
To rise above the competition, candidates must first customize their CVs to align with the specific job description. By tailoring their qualifications and experience to match the employer’s requirements, they significantly increase their chances of passing through the ATS filters and catching the eye of recruiters.
Additionally, proactively reaching out to recruiters, hiring managers, and employees of target companies can create valuable connections and demonstrate genuine interest in the organization. These networking efforts may also provide insider information about unadvertised job openings or upcoming vacancies.
Another strategy for job seekers is to install a tracker on company career pages, which will notify them as soon as a suitable position becomes available. By acting quickly, candidates can submit their applications early in the process, increasing the likelihood that their CV will be reviewed before the flood of other submissions arrives.
The automation of recruitment processes has undoubtedly streamlined the hiring process for companies, but it has also created a cutthroat environment for job seekers. In the UAE’s highly competitive job market, candidates must leverage every available resource and adopt creative strategies to stand out from the crowd.