Working class hero—Gauging the region’s outlook on job hunting

Working class hero—Gauging the region’s outlook on job hunting

Considering a new job? You’re not alone, with 4 out of 5 in the UAE and KSA are thinking about making a move. Some of you are just a little too picky with the kind of jobs you want.

August 18, 2011 2:53 by p.deleon

For those who had the pleasure of searching for jobs in the GCC, there are two things that they would have heard consistently throughout their search: “It’s summer so anyone in charge of hiring is be out on vacation.” and “It’s Ramadan so recruitment will be a bit slow.”

And with the region still bruised from the global recession, companies are either offering minimal salary packages or not hiring at all.

So what are the job hunters going through right now? What about people who have jobs and what to make that change?

According to this week’s Pulse Populi, graduates from 2010 and 2011 are significantly more likely to still be without work and constantly on the lookout for a job—a dangerous indication of an increase in unemployment rates.

Disappointingly, working in the public sector is still the primary goal for most UAE nationals, which is probably why they show the highest percentage (56%) of feeling a lack of confidence in finding a new job when compared to Saudi nationals as well as expats in Saudi and UAE. They are most likely not considering positions in the private sector and choosing to pit against strong competition for the few public sector seats.

Meanwhile, those who are working in the private sector are lot more confident about the prospect of finding a new job. This is most likely attributed to the confidence that comes from having a database of contacts that may be able to give them a lead in to a new job.

Check out our infographic below to see the rest of the survey results. (Click image for a larger view)