A generation ago, employers routinely hired people right out of school and were willing to provide almost all their skills. Apprenticeships and similar programs provided ways for the employees to essentially pay for the training themselves.* Today, employers who expect colleges to provide most of their skills should work more closely with educational institutions to develop the candidates they need. But what can you do as a job seeker to be in sync with today’s labor market requirements? We’ve just released the second Bayt.com Job Index Survey for this year, and here's what we can tell you:
1. Great Arabic and English skills, together. Employers are looking for candidates who have great communication skills in both English and Arabic. So, if your skills are lacking in either, consider taking some language courses. Remember, there’s nothing more coveted than a well-written, error-free CV as claimed by 21.3% of employers in the Middle East and North Africa region.** But if you're good at both, then make sure it shows on your CV, your cover letter, on the phone, and during the job interview. 2. Leadership skills. Highlight any leadership experience you might have on your CV, as employers are looking for individuals who have experience in leading teams. It would be helpful to invest in a leadership or project management course if you do not have any leadership experience. 3. Team players, natural-born marketers, and computer connoisseurs. In terms of experience, candidates who have the ability to manage a team (48%) are desirable, as are those who have experience in sales and marketing (27%) and computer skills (31%). So hurry up, and hone your skills in these three areas!
According to the Bayt.com Job Index Survey, banking and finance is the most attractive industry (35%), followed by construction (32%), telecommunications (31%), and oil, gas and petrochemicals (28%). In light of the above, you might have a marketing degree but you can also hold a marketing role in a bank or telecommunications company. So check out vacancies in these sectors as they're hiring the most!
Respondents from KSA and Kuwait are more likely to hire than others. If you were planning to relocate to either Saudi Arabia or Kuwait in the next few months then this is the time, as companies in these two countries will be more likely to hire than others!
The Bayt.com Job Index Survey also shows that the private sector (large local companies) are more likely to hire in the next 3 months (63%) and in the coming 12 months, followed by the private sector (multinational corporations) (59%). For more stats and facts, download the latest Bayt.com Job Index Survey. *Cappelli, P. (2012). Why Good People Can’t Get Jobs: The Skills Gap and What Companies Can Do About It. Philadelphia: Wharton Digital Press. **According to the Bayt.com ‘Hiring Practices in the MENA’ poll, February 2012. Photo Credit: boltron- on Flickr
