Dreaming of working in the Middle East? ? Human Resources ...

?my personal views?

For the past years, daily requests on how to find a job in the Middle East find the way into my inbox. Mostly from professionals located outside the region or from those wanting to move within the Middle East.

I have been working in the Middle East for the past 12 years ? on and off. There are specific reasons why I decided to work fulltime in the Middle East;
1st ? have a heart that loves to travel and learn.
2nd ? want to develop women as professionals within their own culture and country.
3rd ? like the Middle Eastern culture (not all, but most).
4th ? good practise for my own business ? Human Resources Global Ltd.

Okay, I will start off a little negative and hopefully it will not?destroy any dreams you have about a career in the Middle East :
? For those that think the Middle East is financially much more attractive to work in, no-income tax or any other taxes ? it could actually be a severe mistake people make.
- Many jobs within this economic climate are offered on a much lower salary here in the Middle East, due to the fact that demand is high local contracts are now offered on wages that may not allow the lifestyle that one thinks one can have.
- The Cost of Living in these countries in the Middle East is increasing, inflation is getting higher.
- Many people leave within the tax year in their country and most likely will be taxable.

You give up a lot of your life to be working abroad.
Individuals need to think of moving to the Middle East and need to think on their feet, think future, think what do I want to get out of my career? Do NOT make a decision about the $ only. You will be disappointed! Did you read that there is NO $$$ sign on the reasons of why deciding to work in the Middle East?

? I know many professionals that have come to the Middle East from around the world and really loved their experience, but professionally their roles were unsatisfactory.
- No career opportunities or basic work tasks in comparison to previous careers.
- The Middle East needs individuals to hand over knowledge to local individuals, this means that in many cases no investment is made in the expats themselves. You may lose skills that are crucial for your career back home!

(I keep up my continuous professional development by online studies, seminars, networking events abroad , sharing with other in-country professionals. One does gain a lot of other skills, but it is very important to remember the above as going back to your home country after 3+ years without up-skilling may be difficult)

It will take time to find the right role, not everything is done via website and networking?
? Yet one of the best ways to apply for jobs is via websites, such as; gulftalent.com, bayt.com, monstergulf.com or via the many recruitment agencies that advertise for jobs in the Middle East.
- Although the feedback from people is that they never hear back from these recruitment channels. I have never received any offers via these channels (incl. recruitment agencies, sorry friends?) over the past 12 years (perhaps that says something about me or the channel?)
? One good tool is linkedin.com as it has direct employer contact. That is the key to getting a job in the Middle East ? Direct Employer contact.
- Professionals should direct target the employer in the Middle East with their CV, organizational career websites have many roles that are not advertised on different internet channels. Search the country and see what national or international organisations are in country.

Expectations
However candidates should not expect that they receive a job by just sending an email and following up via phone ? every day. A company has various roles with competencies and if a candidate experience and skills do not fit into the role, one will NOT get a request for interview.

Many countries in the Middle East do not allow certain nationalities in the country (ie. difficult with getting residency and workpermits) due to political reasons. HR or Recruitment Teams cannot change this, so candidates need to understand these limitations.

One of the issues in the Middle East is that you need a workvisa to work in most countries, this will mean that you need a formal offer/contract from your employer whilst your workvisa will be issued in your home country. Another reason, why employers rather hire professionals from within the country or Middle East.

If you have no experience in working in this region, you may need to take a lower position or a lower salary to actually start off. You need to be flexible about your wishes for a career and especially your location, start off wherever you can and stay for 1-2 years whilst moving on.
- I usually recruit 1-2 people for my team from abroad to give them a chance to get a career abroad, this is my way of giving back the support that I received during my career across the world.

I have read through some of the career advise given by other authors, all true!
It is a wonderful, positive and great life in the Middle East. Rewarding as one works abroad, one learns about different cultures, yet, it is also a place that is harsh ? there remain employers who try to bend and break the law ? as I experienced first hand over a year ago whilst in Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East is a wonderful place to work, if you focus on getting the job done ? know exactly why you come here, a life with many learning and social opportunities. I have enjoyed my time in the Middle East this time round, yet I am curious of where my next adventure will be ? I hope you are too?

I hope your dream within the Middle East will come true?

Human Resources Global Ltd. is an international Human Resources consultancy which offers tailor-made packages to meet organisational and individual international goals. Email Nicole at nicole@humanresourcesglobal.com

Source: http://www.humanresourcesglobal.com/2012/07/news/dreaming-of-working-in-the-middle-east/

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