10 reasons why you may not get your dream job in Dubai

With Dubai’s highly competitive job market, it can be quite difficult to make the cut among a large pool of applicants. From submitting your CV to passing through the whole interview process, every applicant has to be properly equipped to get the job.

However, even if your CV is good enough to get you through a series of interviews, and you still don't t get the job, what could be wrong?

There could be two sides to this story – rejection may be due to something unavoidable, or it might possibly be something you could have avoided.

Here are the reasons why you didn’t get that job:

1. Internal hire

There’s a possibility that you were up against someone who’s already working for the company and eager to seek another position or promotion. This is a tough competition because it’s low-risk for the hiring manager.

The internal hire can usually “hit the ground running” quickly than a new hire.

2. Networking

Hiring managers would prefer those recommended by employees than an unknown person. The referred person is viewed as the lower risk.

3. Chemistry

Sometimes it all boils down to science. If you make a connection with the employer, there’s a higher chance that you’ll get hired. If the hiring manager fails to see the chemistry and think for some reason that you’re not a good fit to the company, you obviously won’t make it.

4. Budget issues

Sales or profits could drop. The employer may not be willing to spend money to hire someone to do a particular job. Thus, they have to cancel the position or make it a lower–level job for which you, then, become over-qualified.

5. Organisational issues

Similarly, there could be some organisational issues involved. If the management decides to shift employees from one department to another, reorganise, and restructure the organisation at the time of your application, your chances are limited. Or if a new manager takes over and decides to pursue another direction. They may refuse to add new staff until everyone is fully settled.

6. Effective Networking

Do not be shy. Being an introvert may be a disadvantage to you. Find connections within the organisation and you can use it as leverage. Often, employers have an “employee referral programme” which rewards employees with incentives for referring someone who is hired.

Choose your target employers, and focus your networking activities on them. Build a profile online and look at people especially on LinkedIn. Use them effectively for job search and networking.

7. Interview preparation

There are a lot of dont's during an interview like arriving late for the interview, dressing inappropriately, texting during the interview, or saying bad things about your previous job. The worst thing you could do is walk in unprepared.

Research about the company and prepare answers to standard questions. Discuss your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to do the job.

8. Interest in the job

Again, you need to show an interest in the job and company. Prepare answers for “What do you know about us”. You need to ask good questions about the job, the organisation, and what the company does.

9. You expect to fail

When you think negative, you will lose the job unconsciously. It’s all about mind-set.

You may find rejection very discouraging. It is up to you to stay confident. Think positive. Flash a big smile, walk-in with confidence and give firm handshakes.

10. Wrong references

The last step in hiring process is to cross-check references. This can make or break you. It’s important to choose your references well so they can help you make the job offer. Stay in touch so you have their most current contact information and availability.

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