Question:
I’ve been looking for a job for some time now and I’m starting to lose hope. I can see that online recruitment is more and more popular but I’m not quite sure how to make the most out of it and increase my chances of finding the job I want. Could you please help me?
Answer:
It is true that both employers and job seekers prefer nowadays online recruitment over traditional methods as Bayt.com’s poll on ‘Recruitment Methods in the MENA 2010/ 2011’ showed, with 34.5% across the Middle East and North Africa saying that online job sites are the most effective recruitment method. One of the top reasons why is that 20.2% of professionals consider it to be the fastest, easiest, most effective way to land a job - according to that same poll. Using job sites is not as hard as you think; in fact it is very easy especially on user-friendly job sites like Bayt.com that can help you find a job in no time provided you do your part by following the steps below:
1) Create an account, build and complete your CV:
Building your CV on Bayt.com is not enough! You have to make sure all its mandatory sections are complete, as many employers do not advertise their jobs but look for candidates at their own discretion. If your CV is incomplete it is not searchable and cannot be used to apply to jobs on Bayt.com either.
2) Use the correct keywords:
Employer's searches on job sites like Bayt.com are based on specific keywords if they are looking out for select few candidates based on skills and qualifications. Therefore try as much to highlight keywords that talk about your skills and area of expertise, and match the actual position you are seeking. Your new “Workspace” on Bayt.com now offers you the possibility to assess the efficiency of your CV and whether you have the right keywords or not.
Keep in mind that Bayt.com’s latest Job Index survey revealed that 59% of MENA employers look most for the ability to communicate in both English and Arabic in a potential new employee. Being a ‘cooperative, flexible, and helpful team player’ is also a clear priority for the region’s organisations; as 48% stated it being as a necessary characteristic. ‘Overall personality and demeanour’ was also cited an appreciated attribute by 44% of the survey’s respondents, and 41% claimed that being ‘trustworthy and honest’ are extremely essential qualities as well – You might want to highlight some of those skills in your CV.
3) Keep your CV refreshed and updated:
One of the most popular ways hiring managers search CVs on Bayt is by the date they were posted. Keep your CV updated in the system by renewing it at least once every 30 days. Employers are not interested by outdated CVs in fact, they rarely come across them. Keep yours updated if you want to be noticed!
4) Apply actively:
It is true that on job sites like Bayt.com employers can find you and contact you directly, but you should also keep browsing the jobs advertised on Bayt.com and applying actively and relentlessly to all those that may be of interest to you. Passive job seekers tend to wait longer than active ones before landing their dream job. Bayt.com’s latest Job Index survey revealed that 54% of MENA employers are looking to hire in the next quarter and 67% in a year’s time, so don’t waste your chance, you could be the one they’re looking for!
