Finding a job today requires more than just a good CV. With the market more competitive than ever, especially in fast-growing regions like the UAE, job seekers need a focused, strategic approach. Christian Cruz, Recruiter at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, offers his top advice to help candidates stand out in the crowd.

Christian has been based in the UAE since 2013, with over a decade of experience in recruitment. Previously working as a recruiter for Al Fahim and TÜV NORD Middle East, he has seen firsthand what makes a job seeker rise above the rest. Beyond his corporate role, Christian volunteers his time conducting workshops and coaching professionals on how to navigate today’s job market.

Here are his 7 most important job search tips, practical, real-world advice drawn from years of experience helping people land roles across industries.

1. Tailor Your CV—Every Time

Generic CVs don’t get interviews. One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same resume to multiple roles. Recruiters often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen for keywords related to the job description. If your CV doesn’t reflect the language and requirements of the posting, it may never get seen.

Tip: Review each job post and adjust your summary, skills, and experience bullets to match. Use numbers and action verbs. For example: “Increased regional sales by 28% over six months” is far more impactful than “Handled sales.”

2. Make LinkedIn Work for You

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression and often, it’s the first place recruiters go after seeing your application. An incomplete or outdated profile is a missed opportunity.

Christian recommends:

• A strong headline with your role and industry.
• A compelling summary that explains who you are and what you bring.
• Detailed job experiences with keywords and measurable results.
• Skills endorsements and relevant certifications.

Also, engage with posts, comment on industry trends, and build your network because LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards active users.

3. Apply Smarter, Not Harder

It’s tempting to apply to 50+ jobs a week, but volume rarely equals results. Recruiters can tell when a candidate is sending out mass applications.

Focus instead on:

• Jobs that align with your skills and goals.
• Quality over quantity: a well-written, customized application gets noticed.
• Including a short, relevant cover note, even if optional,

4. Upskill and Certify—It Pays Off

Christian is a big believer in continuous learning. “Upskilling is not just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s how you stay competitive,” he says.

In the UAE and globally, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who show initiative and a commitment to professional growth. Adding certifications in your field not only boosts your knowledge—it gives you credibility.

Examples of high-value certifications:

• Project Management: PMP, PRINCE2
• HR & Recruitment: CIPD, SHRM
• Digital Marketing: Google Ads, HubSpot, Meta Blueprint
• Finance: ACCA, CFA, CPA
• IT & Data: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, CompTIA, Python, SQL, Power BI

Set a goal: one certification every 3–6 months can significantly shift your job prospects.

5. Be Interview Ready—Always

Getting the interview is just the beginning. Many candidates lose opportunities because they don’t prepare well enough.

Christian’s top interview tips:

• Research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects.
• Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method.
• Know your CV, every bullet point is fair game for discussion.
• Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

Confidence comes from preparation. Even a mock interview with a friend or coach can help fine-tune your delivery.

6. Network with Intention

Networking isn’t just for extroverts or senior professionals. It’s one of the most effective ways to uncover job opportunities especially in the UAE, where personal referrals are often how positions get filled.

Here’s how to network effectively:

• Attend industry events, job fairs, and webinars.
• Join local LinkedIn groups and online communities related to your field.
• Message professionals politely—don’t ask for a job upfront, but ask for advice, insights, or a short virtual coffee chat.

7. Stay Consistent and Positive

The job hunt is rarely quick. It can take weeks or months to land the right role. The key is to stay consistent in your efforts and maintain a positive, learning-focused mindset.

Christian advice job seekers to treat the search like a job:

• Set daily or weekly goals (e.g., 5 tailored applications, 3 networking outreaches, 1 course module).
• Track your applications in a spreadsheet.
• Reflect on feedback and continuously refine your approach.

Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

Christian Cruz’s mission is simple: connect talent with opportunity. Through his volunteer work and professional insights, he empowers job seekers to take control of their careers with confidence, strategy, and the right mindset. If you’re actively job hunting, remember: it’s not just about finding a job. It’s about presenting yourself as the best candidate for the right job and that requires preparation, positioning, and persistence.