In the competitive UAE job market, submitting applications online isn’t always enough. More often than not, networking can be the missing link between your CV and your dream job. Many roles in the UAE get filled through referrals or internal recommendations before they're even publicly advertised.
So, how can you build a professional network that helps you get hired faster?
So, how can you build a professional network that helps you get hired faster?
Start with LinkedIn – But Go Beyond Just 'Connecting'
LinkedIn is the most powerful networking tool for professionals in the UAE. But sending connection requests alone won’t get you far.
Do this instead:
Tip: Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their content to get noticed by recruiters.
Do this instead:
- Personalize your connection requests. Mention something you admire about their role or company.
- Engage with their posts genuinely—don’t just like, leave meaningful comments.
- Send a polite message after connecting, introducing yourself, and stating what you’re looking for.
Tip: Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their content to get noticed by recruiters.
Attend Industry Events and Career Fairs
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE cities regularly host HR summits, expos, and networking mixers. These are excellent opportunities to:
Don’t forget to carry:
- Meet professionals face-to-face
- Learn about job openings before they’re advertised
- Leave a lasting impression beyond just your CV
Don’t forget to carry:
- A short elevator pitch about yourself
- Business cards or a digital QR resume
- A positive and professional attitude
Join Professional & Alumni Groups
Whether on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, or Meetup, there are many UAE-based groups for job seekers and professionals across industries like:
Join alumni groups from your university as well—alumni are often willing to support fellow graduates.
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Finance
- IT
- HR
Join alumni groups from your university as well—alumni are often willing to support fellow graduates.
Reach Out to Recruiters — Preferably by Calling
Recruitment agencies like Agile Consultants play a major role in the UAE job market. While it’s common to message recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn or WhatsApp, these channels are often overwhelmed with inquiries—making it difficult to respond to everyone.
Calling directly gives you a better chance to make a quick, clear impression.
How to approach the call:
Calling directly gives you a better chance to make a quick, clear impression.
How to approach the call:
- Be brief and professional.
- Introduce yourself and mention the role or industry you’re targeting.
- Be ready to email your CV right after, if requested.
Tip: Avoid generic questions like “Any vacancies?”. Instead, demonstrate that you’ve done your research and have a specific goal.
Offer Help Before Asking for Help
This might sound counterintuitive, but people are more likely to help you when you’ve offered value first.
Examples:
Being active and helpful makes you more visible and trusted within your network.
Examples:
- Share helpful content or industry news with your network
- Recommend others for roles when possible
- Endorse skills on LinkedIn
Being active and helpful makes you more visible and trusted within your network.
Use Informational Interviews to Learn (and Get Noticed)
Ask professionals in your target industry if you can have a quick 10–15 minute chat to learn about their career journey or company culture.
Most will be happy to share insights and some may keep you in mind for future openings.
Most will be happy to share insights and some may keep you in mind for future openings.
Stay Consistent and Genuine
Networking isn’t a one-time event. Keep nurturing your connections, even after you land a job.
People refer those they trust and remember.
- Share your own career wins or lessons
- Congratulate others on theirs
- Stay visible by commenting, sharing, and engaging regularly
People refer those they trust and remember.
Final Thoughts
In the UAE job market, who you know can be just as important as what you know. But effective networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships that last beyond a single job search.
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