

For many UAE job seekers, the hunt for work feels exhausting. Hiring seems stalled. Rejections pile up. Employers often fail to provide any response. The application process operates in an automated manner, which creates a feeling of detachment as no one reviews the work done for each application.
The Glassdoor community poll shows that more than 70% of workers who participated in the poll express negative feelings about their job search this year. In competitive markets like the UAE, which attracts global talent, this pressure becomes more intense.
A big part of the problem happens before a CV reaches a recruiter. Mohamed Bahaa, Operations Director at TalentOne, said, “The volume of applications and increased use of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and AI filtering means many CVs are screened out before reaching a human. Recruiters now prioritise highly relevant experience, role-ready skills, and candidates who can add immediate value.” For many jobs in UAE, that means strong candidates are filtered out early simply as their CV does not match what the system expects.
Bahaa added that candidates need to be more targeted and visible. Using the right keywords for the role helps search tools and AI surface profiles. Tailored CVs, a strong LinkedIn presence, and direct engagement with recruiters and industry networks can improve visibility in crowded pipelines.
Karuna Agarwal of Future Tense UAE points out that relying only on applications misses a key part of hiring. The candidates who wish to stand out from others need to build professional relationships with important people while demonstrating their abilities to potential employers before job openings become available.
In a communication-driven market, referrals still cut through noise. Trusted recommendations can move a profile past automated screens and into human review.
Treat online applications as one tool, not the whole strategy. Focus on relevance, visibility, networking, and referrals to give your profile a real chance in 2026.