In a competitive job market like the UAE, your CV isn’t just a document; it’s your first impression. With recruiters scanning dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applications daily, a well-crafted CV can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
Here are the top 7 things UAE employers actively look for in a CV, along with practical tips to help you stand out.
Here are the top 7 things UAE employers actively look for in a CV, along with practical tips to help you stand out.
Relevant UAE or GCC Experience
Employers in the UAE prefer candidates who understand local market dynamics, work culture, and regulations. Regional experience signals that you can adapt quickly and add value from day one.
If you do have UAE or GCC experience:
Highlight it clearly under your work history. Specify the Emirate or country (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia), the industry, and the scope of your role.
If you don’t have UAE or GCC experience yet:
Don’t worry, many candidates successfully transition into the region. Here’s how to improve your chances:
Employers value readiness, so show them you're already preparing for the market.
If you do have UAE or GCC experience:
Highlight it clearly under your work history. Specify the Emirate or country (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia), the industry, and the scope of your role.
If you don’t have UAE or GCC experience yet:
Don’t worry, many candidates successfully transition into the region. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Upskill in regionally relevant areas (e.g., VAT regulations, UAE labor law, GCC procurement practices)
- Get certified in tools or platforms commonly used in the region (Tally, SAP, Salesforce, Google Ads)
- Take freelance or remote projects with UAE-based clients if possible, and include them on your CV
- Highlight your adaptability and multicultural work experience, if applicable
Employers value readiness, so show them you're already preparing for the market.
Clear Career Summary at the Top
A concise, tailored professional summary gives recruiters immediate insight into your profile. It should include your years of experience, core competencies, and industry focus.
Tip:
Avoid generic statements like “hardworking and result-oriented.” Instead, write:
“Finance professional with 6+ years of experience in budgeting, reporting, and cost control across manufacturing and trading sectors.”
Tip:
Avoid generic statements like “hardworking and result-oriented.” Instead, write:
“Finance professional with 6+ years of experience in budgeting, reporting, and cost control across manufacturing and trading sectors.”
Well-Aligned Skills Section
Recruiters often scan the skills section first to match candidates with job requirements. A well-structured, targeted list of skills also improves your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Tip:
Customize your skills to the job description. For example, if the role mentions “client coordination” and “CRM systems,” include those exact terms—if they apply to you.
Tip:
Customize your skills to the job description. For example, if the role mentions “client coordination” and “CRM systems,” include those exact terms—if they apply to you.
Achievements Over Responsibilities
Hiring managers want to see your impact, not just your job description. Listing measurable achievements shows results and initiative.
Examples:
Use bullet points, keep them concise, and quantify where possible.
Examples:
- “Reduced project turnaround time by 20% by streamlining vendor approvals”
- “Increased online engagement by 40% through targeted content strategy”
Use bullet points, keep them concise, and quantify where possible.
Structured and Easy-to-Read Formatting
Your CV should be professionally formatted, free of clutter, and easy to scan within 10–20 seconds. Avoid overly designed templates or excessive graphics, especially, if submitting via a job portal.
Tip:
Tip:
- Keep it to 1–2 pages, depending on experience
- Use standard section headers: Profile Summary, Skills, Experience, Education
- Stick to readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
- Save and send as PDF to preserve formatting
Updated Contact Information and Visa Status
Recruiters need to know your location and availability. In the UAE, details like visa type, validity, and driving license status are commonly expected.
Tip:
Include a line like this near the top or bottom of your CV:
Location: Dubai, UAE | Visa: Visit Visa (valid until Sept 2025) | Driving License: UAE valid
Tip:
Include a line like this near the top or bottom of your CV:
Location: Dubai, UAE | Visa: Visit Visa (valid until Sept 2025) | Driving License: UAE valid
Industry-Relevant Certifications and Tools
Certifications show initiative and credibility. Many roles in the UAE require knowledge of specific tools or region-relevant standards, especially in finance, marketing, engineering, and HR.
Examples to include:
If you’re currently pursuing a certification, mention it as “In Progress.”
Examples to include:
- Google Ads / Meta Blueprint (for marketing roles)
- Tally, QuickBooks, or SAP (for finance roles)
- PMP, AutoCAD, or Primavera (for engineering roles)
- CIPD, CHRP, or knowledge of UAE labor law (for HR roles)
If you’re currently pursuing a certification, mention it as “In Progress.”
A strong CV tailored to the UAE market doesn’t just list your experience—it tells a focused story of how you can add value immediately. It reflects relevance, clarity, and readiness to contribute within the region’s unique business landscape.
Before submitting your CV, ask yourself:
If the answer is yes, you're already ahead of the curve.
Before submitting your CV, ask yourself:
- Does this reflect what the job description is asking for?
- Have I clearly shown my results and impact?
- Is it formatted for quick reading by both humans and ATS?
If the answer is yes, you're already ahead of the curve.
Need expert feedback on your CV or help tailoring it for the UAE job market?
Book a personalized career consultation and get actionable insights to boost your job search.
Book a personalized career consultation and get actionable insights to boost your job search.