Due to the political and economic climate of 2017 so far, with the world changing all around us, it is only natural to feel tense when it comes to decisions that affect your future. Nothing quite says ‘future’ like your career.
Sometimes job hunting is like fishing. You change the line, the rod and the bait in hopes of catching a bigger fish, a trophy for you to be proud of, but time passes and the water remains still. Nothing bites. Every effort feels like a waste. Or maybe you have managed to catch fish, but none of them are the one you want, so you feel yourself fill with dissatisfaction.
Worry not, job-hunters! This pond is about to get a whole lot bigger as more jobs become available in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) soon!
The most recent Bayt.com Middle East Job Index Survey shows that many companies across the region are planning to hire very soon. If that isn’t enough to make your chest sag with relief, then the following research-based market insights will:
1. One in two companies are looking to hire within the next three months
The Bayt.com survey showed that that half of the employers surveyed are planning to hire within the next three months. When looking at the next year, prospects for getting a job look even brighter with over six in every 10 companies looking to hire across the region. The intention to hire is even higher in North Africa & Egypt at 66%, but prospects in the GCC and Levant look very promising as well at 64% and 62%, respectively.
2. The most sought after skills are all achievable
The most sought after skills for potential hires are attainable and are held in high regard. Having good communication skills in Arabic and English (59%) emerges as the top skill that employers look for in a candidate. Being a team player (50%) and having the ability to work under pressure (46%) follow close behind. Remember that you can always advance your skills by registering for courses or taking a free test to assess your skills.
3. Positive forecast for mid-career job seekers and those with managerial experience
Chances of finding a job are looking good for candidates with mid-level experience with nearly three in 10 employers stating that they are searching for employees with mid-level experience. Additionally, nearly four in 10 employers state that they are looking for candidates with managerial skills, while a quarter are seeking those with sales and marketing skills.
4. A wide range of industries are planning to hire within the next three months
While findings indicate that the most sought after educational qualifications are postgraduate degrees in Engineering and Business Management, which are at 32% and 27% respectively, there are many industries looking to hire across the board. In the Private Sector, where the hiring trend is the highest, the top industries looking to hire include Advertising/Marketing/PR, Banking/Finance, Consumer Goods/FMCG, Hospitality/Recreation/Entertainment and IT/Internet/E-Commerce.
5. The job market is attractive!
The survey shows that 41% of working respondents believe that their country of residence is more attractive as a job market than other countries, with a higher proportion of GCC residents (54%) believing that their country of residence is more attractive than other countries within the region. Furthermore, a deeper look at the job market shows that 48% of the respondents believe their industry is more attractive than others.
Last, but not least, keep faith. Having a positive philosophy and attitude about your future career is very effective for your job hunt. So remember that the future holds more opportunities and jobs than you think. Stay focused, keep your CV up to date and sharpen your skills. We’re all rooting for you.
With this new information, now is a great time to act! Build your CV now on Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 job site, where you can find over 10,000 jobs on any given day and start applying so you can be one of the hires to be chosen within the next three months. If you would like to know more, read the full report for free here.
