What to consider before accepting an offer in the Middle East?

What to consider before accepting an offer in the Middle East?

Written by Aditya Raha, Business Development Manager, Dubai, UAE

Aditya Raha is an Oil, Gas & Chemicals recruitment industry expert who has spent over 8 years recruiting in the MENA & APAC region for major oil & gas companies. He has supported major upstream and downstream oil & gas operators, services companies. Aditya provides clients with first-class recruitment services such as direct hire, executive search and contract/temporary workforce solutions.

In our previous article we provided you with advice on how to find your next career opportunity, so what is next? You have attended an interview and have been offered the job. Aditya has some advice you should consider before accepting.

Are you getting a good offer?

Before accepting a new job, you need to make sure that your offer is competitive and will provide you with the financial resources to support yourself and your family. The best method for confirming the competitiveness of your offer is to get more offers. You can run your own comparison check on various job boards and compare your offer with the salaries offered for similar roles by other companies. Salaries can vary significantly between countries, cities, levels of experience, etc. so we advise you to compare with similar roles in the same location and experience level. Dependent on your specialization, it is likely you will need to accept a lower salary if you do not have any previous work experience in the Middle East.

You need to factor in the cost of living when considering your offer to ensure the salary package on offer will cover housing and schooling in the Middle East. Renting property in the region is still expensive in comparison to some parts of the world with landlords requiring large deposits or full payment. However, since 2015 there has been a sharp decline in rent prices. Construction has been aggressive and the demand has become much less, bringing the prices down almost 50% in some areas. Landlords are now more willing to negotiate, resulting in reasonable prices with flexible payment schedules.

Can you bring your family?

We advise you to confirm this with your future employer first and ask for confirmation in writing that you can bring your family. Understand whether the employer will be covering any of the costs related to your family members; e.g. visa costs, medical insurance, relocation, annual leave tickets, and educational allowance, etc.

What do you know about your future employer?

When looking at a move to the region, always do your due diligence, by researching the company offering you a job. Find out as much as you can about the company and their circumstances. This is done via online research, your network of contacts, or the recruitment agency you have applied through.

What skills do you need to succeed in the Middle East?

Succeeding in the Middle East often requires different skills than those you may have currently. Most importantly, you must have very good communication skills in order to be effective in your job. English is the predominant business communication language throughout the Middle East. However, the level of English can vary significantly. Understanding and adapting to this is one of the basic success factors for anyone who wants to be successful.

What are your motives for taking a job in the Middle East?

When accepting any job, you need to consider your motives for taking the job and whether these motives can be met. The most common motives for accepting a job in the Middle East are:

1. Money – Middle East is a good opportunity for earning and saving money.
2. Experience – If you do not have any international experience or have just entered the labor market, then the Middle East is a good place to start.
3. Lifestyle – Unfortunately, this is often the most deceptive motive for moving to the Middle East. Working and living here is very different than visiting the region as a tourist.

Is it good for your career?

Accepting a job in the Middle East is good for your career if you lack international experience. This will give you an opportunity to strengthen your resume and gain an invaluable exposure to working with the people from all parts of the world. However, if you are already a renowned international specialist or want to advance your career in the domestic labor market only, then taking a job in the Middle East might not be the best thing for your career. 

What if the new job does not work out?

You need to be ready for the realistic possibility that your new job might not work out for any number of reasons. This is not the end of the world. People change jobs in the Middle East much more often than in the other parts of the globe. Make sure that before you accept a job, you check your employment contract thoroughly to ensure that you can change jobs without having to return to your home country.

Is the Middle East a safe place?

In general, the Middle East is a safe place. Especially, if you move to one of the Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar or Saudi Arabia). Staying vigilant and being aware of unsafe areas and situations is always a good idea.

Are you ready for a lifestyle change?

You have to be ready to adjust your lifestyle when moving to the Middle East. This starts from the little things like food and weather but also includes other habits; e.g. entertainment, social network, family support, etc.  Consider this before making your final decision.

Are you willing to make a commitment?

The decision to move to the Middle East is not something that you should make lightly. The potential rewards that could be waiting for you in the Middle East are significant, but they will require some commitment and sacrifice. Make sure you that you are ready for this. 

Who are TRS Staffing Solutions?

TRS Staffing Solutions, established in 1984 is a global engineering recruitment agency, specializing in sectors such as maritime, oil, gas & chemicals, construction, manufacturing, technology, automotive, mining, power and renewable energy. We staff many of the world’s largest projects. TRS offers clients temporary, contingent and direct hire recruitment solutions. Regionally, our offices were established in the Middle East in 2006.

If you are looking for a job in the Middle East, get in touch with Aditya Raha or visit us via www.trsstaffing.com or +971 4 446 6198.