Top 5 Things To Include In CV For Jobs In Dubai, UAE

In the competitive job market of Dubai and the wider UAE, having a standout CV is more than just a necessity – it’s your billboard, designed to capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers from the moment they glance at it. This guide “Top 5 Things To Include In CV For Jobs In Dubai, UAE” is invaluable for professionals aiming to navigate the unique requirements of the Dubai Job Market.

Understanding the Dubai CV Format: What Sets It Apart?

If you’re hoping to find a Job in Dubai, knowing things to include in your CV is important. By making sure your CV fits what recruiters in Dubai are looking for, you can improve your chances of getting noticed and getting a job. 

• CV Length: In Dubai, it’s okay for your CV to be two pages or three pages long. This gives you more space to talk about your work history, skills, and education in detail, which is something employers in Dubai appreciate.
• Talk About What You’ve Achieved: Make sure to highlight the things you’ve accomplished in your career. This includes any big projects you’ve worked on, promotions you’ve received, or awards you’ve won. Dubai employers like to see what you’ve done and how you can bring value to their company.
• Show What You Can Do: Besides your past achievements, employers in Dubai want to know what you can do for them. Make sure your CV shows how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the job you’re applying for.
• Personal Information: Unlike many places where you’d leave out personal info, in Dubai, you should include details like your nationality, marital status, and even a photo. This information can be important for visa and work permit reasons.
• Work Experience: List your jobs starting with the most recent one, focusing on what you did in each role and how it’s relevant to the job you want in Dubai. Being clear and specific about your roles and contributions is key.
• Education and Skills: List your degrees, certifications, and skills, especially those that are highly valued in Dubai or specific to the job you’re applying for. Skills that show you can work well in Dubai’s diverse workplace are especially important.
• Formatting: Your CV should be easy to read and professionally laid out. Use bullet points to make your achievements stand out and keep the design simple and clean. This helps both human readers and computer systems (like ATS) that might screen your CV first.
• ATS-Friendly: Many companies in Dubai use software to scan CVs for keywords and phrases that match the job description. Make sure your CV uses some of these keywords so it doesn’t get overlooked. For more information see How To Write An ATS-Friendly Resume
• Cultural Fit: If you have experience working in the UAE or with diverse teams, highlight this in your CV. Showing that you understand and fit in with Dubai’s work culture can make a big difference.
• Cover Letters and LinkedIn: Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter for each job, and keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date. Both of these can support your CV and give recruiters a fuller picture of who you are.

By focusing on these points and making sure your CV matches what Dubai employers are looking for, you’ll have a better shot at landing the job you want.

Top 5 Things To Included In CV For Dubai, UAE

1. Professional photo

Including a professional photo on your CV is a common practice in many countries, especially in places like Dubai, where personal appearance and presentation play a significant role in recruitment. Here’s how to properly include a photo on your CV:

Choose the Right Photo

First, select a photo that professionally presents you. Your photo should:

• Be recent and resemble your current appearance.
• Have you dressed in professional or business attire?
• Feature a neutral background and good lighting.
• Show you with a friendly and approachable expression.

Placement on the CV

The photo should be placed at the top of your CV. There are two common placements:

• Top Right Corner of the CV: This is the most traditional spot for a photo on a CV. It’s out of the way of the main text but still easily visible.
• Top Left Corner: This is another suitable location, especially if it balances well with the layout of your CV.

Size of the Photo

Ensure the photo is appropriately sized:

• The photo should be a headshot (just your head and shoulders)
• A standard size for a CV photo is about 2×2 inches (5×5 cm), but this can vary depending on the layout of your CV. The key is to ensure it’s large enough to be seen clearly but not so large that it dominates the page.

Formatting and Quality

• The photo should be high-resolution, ensuring it’s not pixelated or blurry when printed.
• If you’re submitting your CV electronically, make sure the photo is embedded in the document (e.g., a PDF file) so that it doesn’t get detached or lost.

By following these guidelines, you can include a professional photo on your CV that enhances your application and helps make a positive first impression on potential employers.

2. Your Personal Information

When you write a CV for Jobs in Dubai, UAE, you need to include some specific personal details. Here’s what to put in the personal information section:

• Your Full Name: Start with your full name so it’s easy for employers to know who you are.
• How to Contact You: Provide your phone number and a professional email address. If you have a UAE phone number, include it, as it suggests you’re readily available for contact.
• Where You’re From: Your nationality is important because it affects work permits and visas in Dubai. Make sure to mention it.
• Your Visa Status: If you’re already in the UAE, let them know your visa status. This information helps employers understand if there are any additional steps needed before you can start working.
• Marital Status: Including your marital status is also a practice in Dubai. It can be relevant for residency and visa purposes and is often expected by employers to get a fuller picture of your circumstances.

3. Employment History

When you’re writing about your previous jobs on your CV or resume especially for jobs in Dubai, it’s important to show what you’ve done in a way that’s easy to understand and shows you’re a good match for the job you want. Here’s how to effectively write about your past jobs:

• Job Title and Company: Start with your job title and the name of the company you worked for. If the company isn’t widely recognized, a brief description of the business or its industry might be helpful. Include the dates you were employed, using a month/year format.
• Responsibilities: List your key responsibilities in the role. Focus on duties that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points for clarity, and start each point with a strong action verb (e.g., managed, developed, led) to make your responsibilities clear and impactful.
• Achievements and Results: Go beyond just listing duties by highlighting your achievements and the results you delivered. Whenever possible, quantify these accomplishments (e.g., increased sales by 20%, reduced processing time by 30%). This demonstrates your ability to contribute positively and effectively to your workplace.
• Skills and Technologies Used: Mention specific skills and technologies you used in each role, especially those that are relevant to the job you’re targeting. This could include software tools, methodologies, languages, or any technical skills.
• Challenges Overcome: Briefly describe any significant challenges you faced in the role and how you overcame them. This can showcase your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to work under pressure.
• Professional Development: If applicable, mention any professional development opportunities you took advantage of during your tenure, such as training sessions, workshops, or conferences. This shows your commitment to learning and growing in your field.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Highlight instances where you worked as part of a team or led one. Describe your role within the team and any leadership responsibilities you had. This is particularly important for roles that require collaboration or management skills.
• Tailor to the Job: Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing the experience and skills that are most relevant. This might mean prioritizing certain roles or responsibilities over others based on the job description.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Keep your descriptions clear and to the point. Avoid jargon that might not be understood outside of your previous companies or industries, unless it’s also relevant to the new role.
• Professional Growth: Show how you progressed over time, if applicable. For example, if you were promoted or took on more responsibilities, make sure to highlight this. It can demonstrate your ability to grow and succeed within an organization.

For example:

Job Title and Company

Marketing Coordinator, Bright Solutions Ltd.
June 2018 – August 2021

What Did You Do There?

• Managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 30%.
• Created monthly newsletters sent to over 5,000 subscribers.
• Helped organize and run 4 major promotional events each year.

What Did You Achieve?

• Increased social media engagement by 40%, driving more website traffic.
• We designed a promotional campaign that boosted product sales by 25% in Q4 2019.

Skills You Used

• Used Adobe Creative Suite for designing marketing materials.
• Managed content scheduling using Hootsuite for social media.
• Fluent in English and basic Arabic for market communication.

Problems You Solved

• Overcame a 15% budget cut by optimizing digital ad spending, and maintaining campaign effectiveness.
• Solved declining email open rates by A/B testing subject lines, improving open by 20%.

Learning and Growing

• Completed a course on Digital Marketing Strategy from XYZ Online Academy.
• Attended a workshop on Advanced Social Media Analytics.

Working With Others

• Led a team of 3 interns, training them on content creation and social media management.
• Collaborated with the sales team to align marketing strategies with sales goals.

Make It Relevant

• For a Marketing Coordinator role focusing on digital engagement in Dubai, emphasize skills and achievements related to social media growth, digital campaign management, and the ability to work with diverse teams. Mentioning basic Arabic skills shows readiness to engage with the local market.

Keep It Simple

• Instead of saying, “Spearheaded a multifaceted digital campaign,” simplify it to “Created a digital ad campaign.”

Show How You’ve Grown

• Started as a Marketing Assistant and was promoted to Marketing Coordinator within 1 year due to strong performance and leadership skills.

This example clearly outlines the candidate’s responsibilities, achievements, skills, and personal growth straightforwardly, making it easy for potential employers in Dubai to see why they’re a great fit for the job.

4. Your Education and Skills

When writing the education and qualifications section of your CV, it’s important to present your academic background clearly and concisely. This section should give potential employers a quick understanding of your educational achievements and any additional qualifications that make you a suitable candidate for the job. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write it:

Step 1: List Your Most Recent Education First

Start with your most recent educational achievement and work backwards. This is known as reverse chronological order. It helps employers see your latest qualifications first.

Example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The University of Example, City, Country
Graduation Date: June 2022

• Major in Finance, Minor in Strategic Management
• Thesis: “Evaluating Financial Strategies in Emerging Markets”

Step 2: Include Essential Details

For each degree or certification, include the following details:

• The degree or certification name
• The name of the institution and its location (city, country)
• The date of graduation (month and year) or expected graduation
• Major and minor subjects if applicable
• Significant achievements such as honours, distinctions, or relevant projects

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Example University, City, Country
Graduation Date: May 2018

• Concentration in Digital Media
• Graduated Cum Laude
• Capstone Project: “Digital Media Trends in the 21st Century”

Step 3: Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Certifications

If you have completed professional courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to the job you’re applying for, list them in this section as well. Mention the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of completion.

Example:

Certified Project Manager (CPM)

International Project Management Association
Completed: August 2020

Step 4: Mention Special Skills or Languages

Although this part might often be included in a separate skills section, mentioning language proficiencies and other relevant skills obtained through your education can be beneficial, especially if they are directly related to the job. Check our article on How To Include Languages In CV

Example:

Languages:

• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Intermediate proficiency in Mandarin

Step 5: Keep It Concise

While it’s important to include all relevant information, make sure to keep this section concise. Avoid adding unnecessary details that don’t contribute to your qualifications for the job you’re applying for.

General Tips:

• Use bullet points for clarity and to make it easy for the reader to scan.
• If space allows, briefly describe any relevant coursework, special projects, or theses that demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to the position.
• For recent graduates, education can be listed before work experience. However, if you have substantial professional experience, list your work experience first.

Following these steps will help you construct a clear and effective education and qualifications section on your CV, showcasing your academic credentials and relevant skills to potential employers.

5. Create a Winning CV by Matching the Job Description

Matching your CV to the job description is crucial, especially when applying for jobs in competitive markets like Dubai, where Applicant Tracking Systems are widely used by recruiters and companies in the UAE. ATS software scans and evaluates CVs based on how well they match the job postings, including the use of specific keywords and phrases. Here’s how to tailor your CV to match the work profile effectively

Understand the Job Description

• Read Carefully: Begin by thoroughly reading the job posting. Understand the responsibilities, required qualifications, and skills.
• Identify Keywords: Look for specific keywords related to skills, qualifications, software tools, and competencies mentioned in the job specification. These often include terms like “project management,” “Adobe Creative Suite,” “fluent in Arabic,” or specific industry credentials.

Tailor Your CV According To The Job Posting

• Customize the Professional Summary: Align your professional summary or objective with the role you’re applying for, incorporating keywords from the job summary. This section should immediately convey your suitability for the position.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: In your work experience section, use the same keywords to describe your past roles and achievements. For example, if the job specification emphasizes “team leadership” and “market analysis,” make sure those phrases appear in the descriptions of your relevant work experiences.
• Skills Section: Directly match your skills section with the job requirements. List skills that are mentioned in the job summary, ensuring your CV is recognized by ATS and appealing to human recruiters.

Include Soft Skills and Competencies

• Soft Skills: Many job descriptions also mention desired soft skills, such as “excellent communication skills” or “strong analytical ability.” Include these soft skills in your CV, providing brief examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in professional settings. Check out How To Include Soft Skills In Your CV for more information.
• Cultural and Language Skills: To work in Dubai, emphasizing your ability to work in multicultural environments or your proficiency in languages (e.g., English, Arabic) can be particularly important.

Formatting for ATS

Simple Format: Use a clean, straightforward resume format. ATS might not properly parse complex layouts with graphics or tables.
Standard Headings: Use standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to ensure ATS can easily categorize the information.
File Type: Save your CV in a format compatible with ATS, typically a Word document or a PDF that’s not image-based.

Proofreading and Customization

• Proofread for Errors: ATS can be sensitive to spelling and grammar errors, potentially misinterpreting or overlooking critical information.
• Customize for Each Application: Tailor your CV for each job application. The more closely your CV matches the job specification, the higher your chances of making it through ATS filters and impressing Dubai recruiters

By carefully matching your CV to the role summary and considering the intricacies of ATS, you can significantly improve your visibility to recruiters in Dubai, enhancing your chances of landing your desired role in a highly competitive job market.

Conclusion – Things To Include In a Resume For a Dubai Job

Crafting a standout Dubai resume requires understanding the unique preferences of UAE employers and recruiters. 

Start by adopting the UAE, CV format, making it professional and tailored to highlight your suitability for roles in Dubai. Include a professional photo placed in the top right corner to catch the eye, ensuring the overall CV layout is ATS-friendly and easy to read. Emphasize relevant work experiences, skills, and achievements that match the job specification, demonstrating how you fit the role perfectly.

Ensure your contact details are clear, and consider adding a link to your professional online profiles. Language proficiency, especially in English and Arabic, can significantly boost your appeal in the local Dubai market. Proofreading your CV is crucial to avoid errors that might detract from your professionalism.

By focusing on these top CV writing tips, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate, ready to take on the opportunities offered by companies in Dubai. Remember, a well-crafted CV is your ticket to standing out among thousands of applicants and securing your place in Dubai’s dynamic job market.