CV scanning software has become commonplace, which means you’ll need to make it through a screening stage before you can impress a potential employer in the UAE.
To give yourself the best chance, a well-written CV is key, along with enough strategy to please the bots and a great personality to engage a hiring manager.
We provide an example of how to write a great CV in the UAE, plus a job application CV template to help you get a head start.
Related: How to write a good cover letter
How to write a good CV
Formatting and length
A good CV is easy to read with clear key career highlights. We recommend avoiding long paragraphs or sections of text. Try to use bullet points and avoid adding too much detail to each section. Keeping your CV fairly short is also a good idea. For junior and intermediate roles, two sides of A4 is more than enough. Senior roles may require a bit more detail, employers can expect anything up to three sides of A4. The ideal format is a PDF, so remember to export your CV when you’ve finished writing and checking it.
Related: Job hunting in the UAE: 8 steps to success
Logical flow
Writing a CV for a specific job application requires an ability to prioritise crucial information over the ‘nice to haves’. Here’s the logical flow most successful CVs follow:
1) Personal information
Personal information should be the first thing a hiring manager sees when looking at your CV, so make sure your full name and contact details are at the top of the first page.
2) Personal statement
A short and punchy personal statement helps potential employers get to know you before they read about your experience and qualifications. Try to write four or five lines outlining your career aspirations, as well as the value you’ll bring to the company.
3) Work history and qualifications
Open with your current or most recent role and work backwards, making sure you include details on any gaps in your CV. Hiring managers will look for information on your responsibilities, qualifications, and specific achievements.
4) Interests
Cultural fit is important for a long and happy career with a new employer. show them what your personal life looks like by using the interests portion of your CV to explore some of the things that interest you outside of work.
5) References
End your CV with two or three references your interviewer can contact after your meeting. Include names, contact details, and job positions for each referee you’ve noted (don’t forget to ask their permission first).
Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Sending your CV over with basic errors can work against you, especially if you’re applying for a role where good communication or close attention to detail are essential skills.
Before send your CV, run it through helpful software like Grammarly, or ask a friend or relative to read it over.
CV template example
Our recruitment experts have drawn up a CV template example to help you with job interview success. To use it, just add your details into the template, check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, then save as a PDF.
[Your name]
[Contact number]
[Email address]
Personal statement
[Write a personal statement that outlines your current role and responsibilities. Share details on your career goals and motivations, plus information on recent career achievements or KPIs.]
Skills and achievements
- Write a short bullet point list of the key skills and achievements you’ve accumulated in your career.
- For better success, match them to the job description of the role you’re applying for.
Work history
Most recent/current job title, Company name
(Start date – end date)
- A short bullet point list of the key achievements and responsibilities in this role.
Job title, Company name
(Start date – end date)
- A short bullet point list of the key achievements and responsibilities in this role.
Job title, Company name
(Start date – end date)
- A short bullet point list of the key achievements and responsibilities in this role.
Education
[Name of university or higher education facility]
(Enrolment date – graduation date)
- A short bullet point list of the grades/qualifications attained
[Name of college or school]
(Enrolment date – graduation date)
- A short bullet point list of the grades/qualifications attained
Personal interests
Write one short paragraph about your interests and hobbies. Try to keep these brief and use your discretion about what may or may not be appropriate to include!
Find jobs faster
Let our proprietary AI quickly match you with the types of jobs you’re looking for. Try Robert Half's AI matching technology today. Add your latest CV to get AI matched with open positions.
Once you have your CV written up, put it to good use — upload it to the Robert Half website or search for your next opportunity and apply with confidence. For more information on writing a CV or cover letter, visit our CV & Cover Letter Advice page today.
