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Majority of UAE professionals ready to change jobs

The research report included responses from 600 professionals in the UAE, and offers valuable insights to empower companies to more effectively find the best talent in the emirates.

86 per cent of respondents in the UAE are open to being contacted with the right opportunity. KT file photo

Dubai: Almost 90 per cent of the professionals surveyed in the UAE are ready to change their jobs and more than 60 per cent are searching online, according to a LinkedIn survey’s findings.

Another survey revealed that companies in the UAE are struggling to retain key talent within the financial segment, and are now offering to increase remuneration to avoid losing them. A survey of finance leaders in the UAE by recruiter Robert Half found that 33 per cent of them have increased counter offers in a bid to retain their key employees.

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, on Monday announced the findings of its 2015 Talent Trends survey into the experiences and perceptions of candidates as they search for jobs, and the factors that will make them consider a new role. Some of the key findings included the fact that, while not actively looking for a new role, 86 per cent of professionals surveyed in the UAE are open to relevant job opportunities, and 63 per cent of all candidates are using professional social networks as part of their search for their next role.

The research report included responses from 600 professionals in the UAE, and offers valuable insights to empower companies to more effectively find the best talent in the emirates.

“Our data shows that there is a huge premium placed on the interview experience: first impressions count, and this can be a pivotal moment in the relationship between company and candidate,” Ali Matar, head of LinkedIn Talent Solutions, MENA, said in a statement.

The survey shows that today’s job-search is moving online. 63 per cent of respondents use professional social networks to identify the next opportunity, the most popular online destination for job seekers. The good news for employers looking for the right candidate is that 86 per cent of respondents in the UAE are open to being contacted with the right opportunity. This is higher than a global average of 78 per cent. Fifty-six per cent of respondents base their career decisions on the salary package offered, more than professional development (30 per cent) and work-life balance (28 per cent). The vast majority of professionals (83 per cent) would be put off a potential employer by a poor interview experience, even with a company they like. Conversely, a positive interview experience would change the minds of 87 per cent of professionals who previously weren’t interested in the company.

More than 50 per cent of professionals said that they saw the first meeting with their prospective manager as the most important interaction during the interview process. A conversation with leadership is also appreciated by half of the respondents. There are some simple ways for companies to improve the overall process for candidates. A follow-up after the interview process is a priority as for 94 per cent of the respondents, whereas only 41 per cent said that they have experienced this from companies they’ve interviewed with. Interestingly, 77 per cent of professionals prefer to receive good news on the phone, and 65 per cent of them would rather receive bad news via email. Companies that have spent time building their follower base on LinkedIn will also be happy to note that 81 per cent of respondents would be more open to hearing from companies that they are already following.

Matar said: “With the growing importance of employer branding to employers worldwide, this is an easy win for companies looking to improve their reputation among talent in the region.”

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com