Don't stop now

For any new readers, you can check out some of the previous stuff we’ve put out here.

• The Cover Letter is dead. Replace it with this. Click here.
• Do this and let jobs come to you. Click here.
• Why you should go all in on LinkedIn. Click here.
• Nail your next interview with these 5 tips. Click here.
• Make sure these three things are not on your CV. Click here.

Firstly, where has this year gone??

It’s absolutely flown by so far and entering the tail-end of the year, it's natural people start to look towards December as a natural conclusion to the year.

To anyone hoping for a lull and things to start quieting down - you might want to rethink your approach.?

From our side here at MCG Talent, we’re bracing ourselves for what is usually one of the busiest periods of the year.??

Some people might find this surprising given that Christmas, like Summer, is usually a time that heralds a bit of an exodus among the expat population in the UAE.??

However, I am looking at our facts and figures for Q4 2023.

??Last year we had processes running in the UAE up until the 22nd of December - the Friday before Christmas.

??We made placements here in the period between Christmas and New Years - showing that things don’t shut down fully.

??October and November were two of our busiest months by several metrics including job briefs received and interviews recorded.

Early indications show that we are expecting something similar for this year.?

Just because expats might eye up a return home for Christmas, doesn't mean the wider region grinds to a halt.

You might be surprised to know that we had an interview take place on Christmas Day in Saudi Arabia last year.?

It will also be of little surprise to realise that events like Ramadan and Eid have more of an impact on processes than the Christmas break.?

During Ramadan the region experiences reduced working hours for the duration and Eid is a public and private holiday in the GCC.

Christmas here is not a public holiday and for some firms (usually the more local ones) it’s business as usual with staff expected to report to work.?

Going into November, more start dates will move to the New Year. That is an inevitable change and one which the market prepares for and expects.?

Outside of this, business moves as normal and it's known for being one of the busier quarters.

For people looking for something new or to get into the region, now isn't the time to wind down, it's the time to push and take advantage of the market sentiments.

Companies will win new projects, experience resignations and need urgent replacements. That doesn’t change and even less so in a part of the world that isn’t fully aligned with Western holidays.?

It’s a good time to get a headstart on the new year and put yourself front and centre for opportunities as they come available.?

Even as the time draws closer to 2025, all of the actions you take now, will pay dividends in the New Year.

If I was actively looking for a new role, I’d be looking to:?

• Maximise my 100 LinkedIn Connections every week between now and the end of the year.
• Build a strong network for when the time comes that you are looking.?
• Book one coffee a week with a senior figure in my Industry or desired field.?

All of these would leave you better equipped to take on the job market in 2025.

BEFORE YOU GO:?I'm on Instagram and will be active trying to give an insight into life in the UAE. Drop me a follow here !

Thanks for reading #10 of the LinkedIn Newsletter series. To get these sent directly to your inbox, alongside our live roles for the week, click here .