It is often believed that Qatar has one of the most attractive job markets in the Middle East. The sectors with most employment opportunities are considered to be Oil & Gas and the Construction industry. Both the fields require hiring managers to hire highly talented and professional engineers who are not just technically sound but are also prepared to handle any situation that may appear in front of them.
With its focus shifting to building a non-oil based economy, there has also been an increase in the number of engineering jobs in Qatar in new and different fields such as software development, chemical engineering, etc. This has put Qatar in the employment map for expats making the job market in the country highly competitive.
Source: Pixabay
Every day hundreds of new expat job seekers walk out of Doha Airport to embark on their journey to create excellent careers and lead a lifestyle of luxury and comfort. In a scenario like this, it would not be shocking to see numerous engineers fighting it out to land their dream jobs in Qatar. For that to happen, you need an engineering degree from a good college. However, that’s not the only thing you need in order to stand out and grab the attention of the hiring managers.
Here is a list of things that employers in Qatar find most valuable and look for in their engineer candidates:
Grades:
Getting an engineering degree from a good college is important. However, that’s not enough. Equally important is to consistently score good grades. It shows that you are serious about your choice of career and have mastered certain skills. Many companies put a specific GPA as their eligibility criteria. If you are below that number, then your chances of landing a job are ruined. Additionally, most companies also decide the salary packages on the basis of the GPA scored by their candidates. So, this is a good incentive to work towards your grades.
Experience:
Just like every country, it is a little tough to land your first job as a fresher in Qatar. Employers look for at least some experience before hiring an expat engineer. So, it is better to gain some experience before landing into the country even if it an internship or a project that you undertook on your own. It is easier for the employer in Qatar to trust you with the work they have to offer to you.
More technical skills:
The technology is ever-evolving. This is especially true in the case of fields like software development where every day new technologies and languages are introduced. It is not necessary that the company you are applying for a job at will use the same technology that you learned about at the time of college. Thus, it is necessary that you keep honing your skills by learning about new technologies. It will definitely give you a competitive edge over other job candidates.
An inquisitive mind:
There’s an old proverb which says that ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ While dedication towards work is highly appreciated by employers in Qatar, it helps a great deal when they see a well-rounded individual who not only possesses an in-depth technical knowledge but also has a wide range of interests. If you are open to learning new things and enjoy engaging in different activities such as writing or organizing team events, you will instantly become attractive in the eyes of the employers.
Soft Skills:
Being a pro in technical skills can only take you so far. When you are working in an organization with loads of people, you need to possess certain soft skills so that you are able to deliver projects smoothly and efficiently. More than delivering work, employers also want to see you contributing to the organization. So work on your soft skills such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills and your ability to work in a team of professionals. Moreover, don’t forget to mention these skills on your CV with real life examples.
When you know what skills are most in demand, it is easier to work on yourself and become the candidate employers would happily hire. Hope this list acts as your personal guide and assists in building your skills so that you get loads of job interviews calls. So, don’t wait. Work on your skills and put them in your CV to grab your dream engineering job.
All the best!
—————————
About Megha Raizada –
Megha Raizada is a professional writer working with the premium job portal Naukrigulf.com. She has a keen interest in the global job market, but also loves to keep a track of everything interesting happening around the globe. You can reach her at Twitter and Google+.