Vague objective statement
Instead of a vague objective statement, develop a tagline about what you do or your particular area of expertise.
Too job-oriented
Your resume should not merely be a list of the duties and responsibilities you had at each company you worked for. Provide examples about how you achieved results and success. This may be a good area to outline your strengths.
Using personal pronouns and articles
A resume is a form of business communication, so it should be concise and written in a telegraphic style. There should be no mentions of "I" or "me" and a minimal use of articles.
Listing unnecessary information
You should only include your interests and hobbies if they’re related to the job. For example, if you’re applying to become a nurse manager, you can include that you’ve volunteered at hospitals throughout college. More after the break...
Not including a summaryInstead of a vague objective statement, develop a tagline about what you do or your particular area of expertise.
Too job-oriented
Your resume should not merely be a list of the duties and responsibilities you had at each company you worked for. Provide examples about how you achieved results and success. This may be a good area to outline your strengths.
Using personal pronouns and articles
A resume is a form of business communication, so it should be concise and written in a telegraphic style. There should be no mentions of "I" or "me" and a minimal use of articles.
Listing unnecessary information
You should only include your interests and hobbies if they’re related to the job. For example, if you’re applying to become a nurse manager, you can include that you’ve volunteered at hospitals throughout college. More after the break...
Include a summary of your experiences that demonstrates your skills and achievements directly related to the position you want (This may not be applicable in all cases unless you have extensive work experience).
Font Size
The font size for resume content should be 12 points.
File Type
Your resume should be saved in a plain/rich text format. Do NOT save it as in the form of a PDF file type because it could exceed the maximum file size of 200 kilobytes accepted by many email severs.
Cultural Tips and Tricks
Salary Negotiation
Although negotiating salary, may be common in some places it is not recommended for the UAE market. It may give the potential employer a negative impression about the candidate.
Work Environment
Typically, the work environment follows a fun and laidback attitude. It’s not a typical North American culture where an average individual works five days a week from 9-5pm. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself working overtime without overtime pay.
You can't get a job without at least one interview.
1. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile, address your interviewer by name, and make eye contact.
2. Never sit until asked to do so.
3. Ensure you are informed about the position and the organization before your interview. Wherever possible get a job description or review the details of the position. Go to their web site. You should know approximately what the salary range is for the position (particularly if going through an agency). Research the organization and affiliations. Be aware of all products or services.
4. Make sure you are familiar with all dates and information on your resume. Be prepared to go into detail and to give examples of various difficult work situations you have successfully handled.
5. Make sure you know the exact location and how to get there. Get there five to ten minutes early.
6. Dress should be appropriate, businesslike and conservative. Always look successful.
7. You may be asked to talk about yourself, but keep your entire life history for non-business situations! An interviewer is interested in how you and your experience best suit the position and the company. Do not take notes, and do not be concerned if your interviewer takes notes. Never speak negatively about present or previous work situations.
8. At the end of the interview you may have an opportunity to ask questions. Express enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position. Thank the interviewer for their time. You may ask what the next step would be in their hiring process. Do not discuss money/salary during the interview, or ask about benefits and vacation, unless the interviewer brings these subjects up for discussion. End the interview with a handshake.
9. A follow-up note or thank you letter sent after the interview, if you are particularly interested in the position and organization, is a good way to keep your name visible. A follow-up call within a week is a good idea, if you have not been contacted.
10. If an agency arranged the interview for you, call them immediately. It is important for the agency to get your response about the position, before they talk to the employer. A positive response from you can often lead to a positive response from the employer. Keep in touch with your agency.
