Writing a CV for the UAE job market: 5 Expert Tips from a Top Recruiter

• Crafting the perfect CV is often the hardest but most important part of the job-searching process.
• Oscar Orellana-Hyder, a top Recruiter in the UAE, took to LinkedIn to share some valuable CV writing tips.
• “Your CV / résumé is YOUR document, and very much your IP (Intellectual Property). So take time on creating it and work on it with pride,” wrote Oscar.
• Here are the do’s and don’ts of crafting your résumé/CV, which will help you navigate the UAE job market.

1. Essential Contact Information

• Please add your email address & mobile number that works. How are you going to get contacted otherwise?
• You would be amazed at how many CVs headhunters receive with no details.

2. No Need To Add A Picture

• A common misconception in the UAE is that you need a picture on your CV – you don’t.
• Recruitment companies take the picture off 99% of the time, it’s not worth it.

3. Include Personal Details

• Add your personal details, such as your nationality, date of birth, marital status & children and your location.
• Headhunters will ask you for all of this (obligated to inform their client), so you may as well put it in there.

4. Optimal Formatting

• Avoid jazzy colors & formatting – what you think stands out and grabs attention to your CV – may seem off-putting.
• Keep it black & white, avoid color boxes, and stick to mainstream fonts.
• Avoid pictures, graphics – save that for your PowerPoint pitch decks, not your CV.

5. Conciseness Matters

• Keep your CV to a maximum of 2 pages.
• Keep it concise and relevant. No one is interested in the job you had decades ago when you’re applying for a role in 2023 in Dubai.