Jobs in Dubai: The 5 things you must avoid at all costs

These five things might stand between you and your next job. So, avoid them.

Are you in the job-hunting phase after moving to Dubai? Yes, this is a land of opportunities with many jobs, but cracking that interview might be challenging.
You'll find many lists and articles discussing things you must do before an interview, but we bring to you a list of the dreaded don'ts.

1. Don't bank solely on past experience

You are stepping into a new market in Dubai, and while you might have a rich experience in another country, it won't necessarily help you land a job in the city. While applying for the job, research the market to understand the opportunities for your role, salary with regards to the standard of living in the city and the general culture of the company. With this information handy, you can ace any interview.

2. Don't talk negatively about previous employers

While you will be asked to talk about your earlier job experience at the interview, be careful about how to frame your sentences. Do not opt for too many negations about your company or your colleagues. You might have had a difficult boss or an unproductive role, but a job interview is neither the place nor the time to discuss that. Don't forget, the interviewer is gauging how you talk about your ex-colleagues.
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3. Don't walk in without a clue about the company

While you might be confident about the interview considering you are a perfect fit for the role, do not walk in without knowledge of the firm. In today's time, there is no reason to be uninformed about the company. Thoroughly scan the company's website, social media pages, the LinkedIn profile for any updates. You should even read up about the interviewer and his experience to gauge the questions you might be asked at the interview. Also, if the company has apps or any other products, try them out. It will put you in a better position to form opinions in your interview.

4. Don't talk about your religious inclinations

Home to expats from varied religious backgrounds, Dubai is a multicultural hub. The city is known for its tolerance so any discuss on religion is avoidable. You might have conservative or liberal views but it is best to keep them to yourselves.

5. Don't ask irrelevant questions

At the end of the interview, it is a general practice for the interviewer to ask - "Do you have any questions?" This isn't a compulsion and you can politely decline rather than make a fool of yourself by asking irrelevant ones. If you have to, ask pointed question about your position in the company or your role and growth prospects. And although the interviewer might be friendly, it doesn't give you the liberty to ask personal questions.
One hanging question during the interview process is whether to ask for the salary package or wait for the employer to offer.
You can read our opinion - Jobs in Dubai: Dos and don'ts of discussing salary in an interview.
Check all relevant job postings on buzzon.com
anita@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai