Close to half of women working in the UAE believe that men and women in the country are treated equally at work, and 54 per cent cannot think of any situation where they were favoured or discriminated against because of their gender.
This is according to the Bayt.com Status of Working Women in the Middle East survey from December 2014.
This equal-opportunity job market makes the UAE the ideal place for hard-working, career-minded women to move up the career ladder. However, our research on jobseeker behaviour in the region has shown that, too often, women think that working hard is their only way to get a raise or promotion or the job they want.
It is not a false assumption, but women need a more sophisticated approach to drive their career forward. Whether you’re searching for a new role, trying to turn an internship into a job offer or climbing the ranks in a permanent job, here are some tips to boost your female power at work:
Don’t wait for things to happen
Proactivity is the way to impress. Employers like staff who can add value, and not just tick the boxes off their day-to-day tasks. You need to get on with the work you’ve been set, but if you have a new idea or can see a way of improving things, go ahead and spell it out. So come up with suggestions at work and always challenge the status quo. Likewise, grab any challenges that may come your way, even if they mean extra work or taking on a project that’s outside your comfort zone – your efforts and creativity will be rewarded.
Know your rights
Bayt.com’s white paper on first jobs for young women in the Middle East shows that there is an information gap between young women and employers when it comes to women’s rights and benefits. We recommend that you research employment policies, as they may vary between countries, and discover your rights when it comes to wages, maternity leave, health coverage for you and your family, and more.
Keep an updated portfolio of your work
Often young women get distracted or overworked and forget to keep track of their work. It is imperative to have your CV and portfolio handy at all times. Make sure you save everything you have ever worked on. Companies look for people who can bring in a fresh perspective so make sure your work and experience are always up to date. A great way to display your professional achievements and expertise is by creating an online profile where employers can easily view your work and download your CV.
Find what skills are in demand
When you start a new job search, it is important to understand the market in your country and learn what skills and qualifications are in highest demand. Look at the market trends and read articles, guides and research reports. Other options include career maps – specialist online tools that allow you to identify the skills that are most needed in the market by using filters such as years of experience and level of education, and then comparing your skills with the ones already in supply. It will help you to stay competitive and always a step ahead of everyone else.
Advance your skills
In this age of digital learning and digital communication, it is advisable to supplement your learning with online courses to help you upgrade your expertise. Your options are wide and you can take them at your own pace. You can then display a certificate of completion on your online CV at the end of the course to stand out among other applicants for any given job.
A final word
After ranking first in the Middle East for respecting women, the UAE has just raised the bar for female participation by increasing the number of female ministers in its cabinet.
Year after year, the country has proved to be a haven for professional women working across spectrum.
Apply for jobs in the UAE now and be among the thousands of women who have built a life for themselves and their families.
Lama Ataya heads the marketing department at the Middle East job site Bayt.com
