Advice for a British woman finding a job in Dubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

Advice for a British woman finding a job in Dubai

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:19
Never rely on the "I'll look for a better job later" technique here. Once on a visa its very difficult to leave as you may have to pay heavy penalties etc. Also its nearly impossible for most people to attend interviews if you are working 6 days a week, 9+ hrs per day plus driving/training to and from work. All interviews I've had in this country were from walking in with my CV (which you also won't have time to do...) and were either on the spot, or were scheduled very last minute.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:07
Rosie, Congratulations on your engagement and on successfully finding a job! All the best. Xx
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 12:16
Congratulations on your engagement. Also, well done on having the courage and perseverance to come out here and make a go of it. Take no notice of the pessimists :) I came out here to try it for 6months and am still here 15 years later! There is still a lot of opportunity in the UAE for hard working ambitious people. I wish you every success and happiness!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 12:06
Hi ladies, I hope you are all doing well. Just as an update to this thread, I found a job last December and have been happily living in Abu Dhabi and working in a very successful, professional company since January. My income has also doubled what I was earning back in the UK. All it took was dedication, persistence and hard work. Another update, my boyfriend and I are now engaged to be married :) (guess he wasn't 'someone temporary' after all.) Thanks for all the positive posters! To the negative posters - please never put another person down due to age, background, profession, education or marital status. Have a great day!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 20:53
Rosie, Hopefully you will get to read this as I missed your initial post. Going against you is the fact that you do not have any Middle East experience. The plus side is that you are from the UK. I work for an international law firm. May I suggest that you do two things. 1. Set yourself up on LinkedIn and get in touch with recruiters that way. 2. Email the law firms direct. That way law firms do not have to pay agency fees. I know for a fact that if they like what they see on your CV you do not have to travel to Dubai for interviews. I myself have arranged vc's via our London office for interviews. The last two law firms I have worked at will not even entertain the thought of a PA whose first language is not English which is sad but true. Why is that sad? The reason I say it's sad is just because your not an English native speaking legal PA doesn't mean you can't do the job as well as a native English PA. I cannot speak for all PA positions but for legal PAs this does seem the case for international law firms. IMO, that's not a bad thing.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 20:52
Rosie, Hopefully you will get to read this as I missed your initial post. Going against you is the fact that you do not have any Middle East experience. The plus side is that you are from the UK. I work for an international law firm. May I suggest that you do two things. 1. Set yourself up on LinkedIn and get in touch with recruiters that way. 2. Email the law firms direct. That way law firms do not have to pay agency fees. I know for a fact that if they like what they see on your CV you do not have to travel to Dubai for interviews. I myself have arranged vc's via our London office for interviews. The last two law firms I have worked at will not even entertain the thought of a PA whose first language is not English which is sad but true. Why is that sad? The reason I say it's sad is just because your not an English native speaking legal PA doesn't mean you can't do the job as well as a native English PA. I cannot speak for all PA positions but for legal PAs this does seem the case for international law firms.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 07:30
Adding, you say 1 year experience however that your next time off will be in 03/2015. By that stage, it will be nearing 2 yrs, and 2 yrs, a bachelors, a certificate, this age, British, London, are very strong ticks in the potentiality box. Especially for large firms. A detail as little as your accent will be a sales point for hiring.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 07:16
I will add one thing, If you have researched this land and know how it works with regards to a lot of western behaviors and still want to head over, your age is actually on your side. youth is a golden ticket. you already have a Bachelors, one year experience in London, not only in a tiny capital, and are this age. I think companies will look at you as one who can be trained and created to be what they want you to be. For legal PAs, the best paid PAs, the larger cos will pay the correct wage. I do not know for certain, I think it is 15-25K AED. That is a good wage for a single girl. I think singles throw a lot away partying however if you are here and have a BF in tow, that will be spent differently. Try the proper paying positions first, do not go in asking for pennies. you also have the clock on side. A lot of people here do not as when they need a position, they need to accept anything as bills have to be paid… and bills are high here, esp. for those with children, I stick to what i said, you do need to read a lot as there is a lot about living here to be aware of before you travel out, alcohol licenses, drinking laws, BF/GF laws, however none of it is sch that one should not consider traveling for. It does need to be known though as there are expats who throw the laws to the wind and the end result is prison and deportation. And the way this land is growing on the international platform, it is not a place anyone would want to be deported from. It appears that you are quite switched on to what you want so Id hope the above category wouldn't apply. Need to say of it though as the international papers often advertise a different face of the land, a face that leads people to the wrong impression. <em>edited by Londiamond on 26/09/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 06:46
Rosie, Hopefully you will get to read this as I missed your initial post. Going against you is the fact that you do not have any Middle East experience. The plus side is that you are from the UK. I work for an international law firm. May I suggest that you do two things. 1. Set yourself up on LinkedIn and get in touch with recruiters that way. 2. Email the law firms direct. That way law firms do not have to pay agency fees. I know for a fact that if they like what they see on your CV you do not have to travel to Dubai for interviews. I myself have arranged vc's via our London office for interviews. The last two law firms I have worked at will not even entertain the thought of a PA whose first language is not English which is sad but true. Why is that sad?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:42
Rosie, Hopefully you will get to read this as I missed your initial post. Going against you is the fact that you do not have any Middle East experience. The plus side is that you are from the UK. I work for an international law firm. May I suggest that you do two things. 1. Set yourself up on LinkedIn and get in touch with recruiters that way. 2. Email the law firms direct. That way law firms do not have to pay agency fees. I know for a fact that if they like what they see on your CV you do not have to travel to Dubai for interviews. I myself have arranged vc's via our London office for interviews. The last two law firms I have worked at will not even entertain the thought of a PA whose first language is not English which is sad but true. Wishing you all the best. Dubai is an amazing experience. You will either love it or hate it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 21:00
Don't pay too much attention to the negative posts. There are quite a few women in Dubai who have very little to do all day. If you want to work, you will find a job here. Yes, it may take you some time and yes, in the beginning you may not be earning the fantastic tax free salary that you thought would be on offer! However, give it your best shot and you may be surprised at what you can achieve. You sound like you have made up your mind anyway, and you seem to have a very clever boyfriend. My one piece of advice from someone who has been around the expat block a few times; come with the attitude that this is where you need to be. If you tell yourself that it's OK, you can always go home if it doesn't work out, can really mess your head up. Of course, you will always have that safety net but set a target and stick to it. When life gives you lemons, chop them up and have a G&T.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 20:55
Can't add anymore on the jobs front from what others have said. But whilst you said you'd be happy to come and initially be supported by your BF you need to consider the practicalities, first of all he can't sponsor you, therefore you'd be here on a thirty day visit visa, yes you could do visa runs but without a visa you won't be able to rent a property. So if you weren't going to be living together where do you think you could live? Long term hotel accommodation would be very expensive. It's good that you are checking things out and not jumping in with two feet but I think you still need to do lots of research. After saying all this, as a 22 year old I'd say go for it if you got a job offer, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 20:24
Rosie you are 22 years old so I would say go for it! I moved here aged 34 and have stayed here for years. If it doesn't work out ( work or anyother wise) then you can always move somewhere else or go home. I wish I was 22 again ( LOL) As for living with your BF, yes it is illegal, yes people do it and some get caught others whereas others don't. Do what is best for you :-) Thank you for your advice. For those who claim I am 'following a love interest', my boyfriend is British living in London with me. It was my suggestion to move to Dubai, not his. He has only now started looking for a job after I have discussed it with him. The reason we discussed him supporting me (which would only ever be temporary) is because he will earn more out there than me initially. If we do decide to move we are aware of the laws and have already decided not to live together. For those saying I need to do my research, how do you think I have come across this website? I am looking to have new experiences in the Middle East, maybe after researching I will decide to wait and build on more work experience in UK before I go, at the minute I am simply researching and wanting to know other peoples experiences. I do not plan or wish to break any laws or offend anyone and like Sarah said if things didn't work out in Dubai I can still come back. Thank you to the Admin for posting helpful pages! :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:53
HI Rosie, We've a helpful article for you here with some questions for you to think about whilst making your decision... http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_dubai_guide_Why_Dubai_9255.aspx and in the Moving To Dubai section in general http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_moving_to_dubai.aspx You can keep an eye on our job page for vacancies too http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_jobs.aspx Most companies do want to hire someone in the country- but if you're coming to visit you can schedule in interviews at those times, or try Skype interviews. Lots of people your age move here and are very successful and it's great to get the research done before taking the plunge. Good luck with your decision whatever it is :) Warm regards, EW Admin
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:46
Rosie you are 22 years old so I would say go for it! I moved here aged 34 and have stayed here for years. If it doesn't work out ( work or anyother wise) then you can always move somewhere else or go home. I wish I was 22 again ( LOL) As for living with your BF, yes it is illegal, yes people do it and some get caught others whereas others don't. Do what is best for you :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:06
Yes, following career or BF is not anyones concern. Living here hoping to receive his sport when residency here exists is a thing better advised on.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 15:30
Thank you for judging without actually knowing the full situation. I came here for advice, some of which has been great, others should not have bothered. I will do my research from now on, thank you to those who were helpful. what advice did you not need? the bit about living wih your boyfriend being illegal or the bit about not giving up a career for someone who may be temporary?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 15:06
Thank you for judging without actually knowing the full situation. I came here for advice, some of which has been great, others should not have bothered. I will do my research from now on, thank you to those who were helpful.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:55
One packs their life in the west into a bag and travels to the Stats, they do not oak their life in a bag and head to this region without first having researched the land. Research this land. Find out the laws of the land. The first ill direct attention to is the boyfriend girlfriend thing.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:33
Thank you for your reply. I could only come at the earliest around March next year as I have no leave from work until then. But I would love to come. My plan was to find something at not an amazing pay- just something to get me out there and live on, and then whilst I am there search for something better whilst working. Do you think this would be a bad idea? My boyfriend will be working out there and he can support me if I need any help whilst I am working the lower paid job. You are coming for your boyfriend then if we cut to the chase. You need to do your research a lot better and think about your career rather than your love life. You have a good degree, use it rather than running off to some far flung land after a distant boyfriend. Why would you study such a specific subject and not use it to build a career? Here you will be competing for a legal job with ladies who have master’s degrees coming out their ears! Have you thought about the teaching profession? You really need to think about this a lot harder and think about your future.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:29
SL - whats the typical EA/PA package? And also top end. No UAE experience around 15k Top end which is usually paid by corporates around 25k The average is 18-20k a month
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:24
SL - whats the typical EA/PA package? And also top end.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:16
http://www.monstergulf.com/ http://www.gulftalent.com/ http://www.careerjet.ae/ 98% of administration / secretarial roles are held by those from the sub continent at vastly reduced wages comparative to what a western employee would expect (can live on!!), although it's not unheard of for westerners to secure reasonably paid high level PA or EA type roles. I think you'd be better staying in the legal field and contacting all the legal co's here direct (easily googleable). But as Izzy states, applying from the UK will be tough, you'd need to be here for interviews. Could you come for 3 or 4 weeks to investigate and attend interviews?? Thank you for your reply. I could only come at the earliest around March next year as I have no leave from work until then. But I would love to come. My plan was to find something at not an amazing pay- just something to get me out there and live on, and then whilst I am there search for something better whilst working. Do you think this would be a bad idea? My boyfriend will be working out there and he can support me if I need any help whilst I am working the lower paid job. I would say be careful taking a lower paid role until you find something better as companies don't take to kindly to that. They don't really like job hoppers if that makes sense. It is always best to be here to look for jobs as networking is your best bet. As the other ladies said you are competing with ladies who will take very low salaries, who have UAE experience, are on their Husbands visa or speak several languages. There is still a demand for Western nationals however to get a decent paying EA/PA role you need several years UAE experience. The days of EA/PA getting huge salaries are now a thing of the past. Good Luck
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 11:25
Agree with Lotti, and those few EA/PA jobs that are attractive in terms of wages and benefits (most are local hires on a husband's sponsorship)are filled by very experienced people with years of relevant experience.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 11:20
http://www.monstergulf.com/ http://www.gulftalent.com/ http://www.careerjet.ae/ 98% of administration / secretarial roles are held by those from the sub continent at vastly reduced wages comparative to what a western employee would expect (can live on!!), although it's not unheard of for westerners to secure reasonably paid high level PA or EA type roles. I think you'd be better staying in the legal field and contacting all the legal co's here direct (easily googleable). But as Izzy states, applying from the UK will be tough, you'd need to be here for interviews. Could you come for 3 or 4 weeks to investigate and attend interviews??
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 11:15
Try here http://millerhay.com/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 11:12
you have no ME or UAE experience, and very little UK expereince. It will be a tall ask to get something from the UK.
 
 

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