The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job in 2024

​ Landing a job in 2024 will require a strategic and organized approach. In the current, competitive job market standing out requires more than just ticking boxes; it's about crafting a personal brand that resonates with potential employers.

Here's our compact, comprehensive guide to help you navigate the job market successfully.

Polish up your CV & LinkedIn profile

This might be the deciding factor between being noticed or ignored.

CV Tips:

• Length: Keep it within 2-3 pages.

• Design: Ensure it's easy to read with a clean, professional layout.

• Content: Highlight specific achievements using quantitative results where possible.

• Customization: Tailor your CV for each job application, aligning your experiences with the job requirements.

• Language: Replace clichés like ‘I am motivated’ and ‘flexible’ with examples that demonstrate your skills and individuality.

LinkedIn Profile:

• Photo: Choose a clear, professional headshot.

• Summary: Create a compelling personal narrative that captures your professional essence.

• Achievements: Regularly update your profile with recent, relevant achievements.

• Recommendations: Request endorsements from colleagues and managers to build strong credibility. This acts just like your very own online review.

Treat your search like a full-time job

Dedicate full-time hours (9-5) to your job search or whatever hours suit you best. This includes researching, applying and preparing for interviews. Build yourself a strategy for the day/week and stick to it!

The more effort you put into your job search the more likely it is that you will find the right role for you. Avoid using ‘Easy Apply’ on LinkedIn. You want to showcase your unique values and skillset. Easy apply does not do this well.

Connect with Recruiters

Reaching out to specialized recruiters is a vital step in your job search. They will have access to a wide range of job opportunities and insights into what companies are looking for in candidates.

Utilize LinkedIn to find and connect with them and try to arrange a meeting in person.

You could also ask for recommendations in your professional network - we hear Discovered are a great place to start!

As the saying goes, it’s often not what you know but who.

Check out job boards

• Regularly browse job boards and company career pages.

• Set up alerts for jobs that match your criteria.

• Useful ones to check include our very own Discovered website - www.discovered.ae/jobs as well as LinkedIn, Indeed, Google Jobs and Gulf Talent.

Network, network, network

Dubai and most major cities are the perfect place to attend networking events. There are so many to choose from happening most days of the week.

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or quick handshakes at events. It's about building lasting connections. Whether you're mingling in person in Dubai or attending a virtual seminar, the goal is to leave a lasting impression. Utilize platforms like Meetup.com and LinkedIn Groups to find these gatherings.

Ensure that you are connecting on LinkedIn with the people you meet from the events and drop them a message so that you are front of mind.

Upskill

• Take advantage of free online courses to acquire new skills or improve existing ones.

• Platforms like Coursera, edX and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses to suit everyone.

• Identify your current skills and compare them with the job descriptions in your industry. Are there any skill gaps or areas for improvement?

• Keep up to date with industry news and relevant trends.

• Don’t forget to shout about your new skills - add them to your LinkedIn profile.

And remember a willingness to keep learning is a sought-after trait to have!

Follow up

Follow up 24-48 hours later...

After submitting your application or attending an interview, send a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest and thank them for the opportunity.

This could put you a step ahead of the rest! and show that you are ‘all in’ for the position.

​

Remember, your job hunt is as much about strategy as it is about persistence. Equip yourself with these tools and you will be ready to go out there in the new year and nail it.