I often read as well as receive direct queries from individuals on how can they obtain a job in Saudi Arabia. These are individuals who are presently not in Saudi Arabia and in many cases have never been to Saudi Arabia. However for various reasons, feel strongly that they would like an opportunity to go and work in the Kingdom. The following are practical tips and guidelines to help facilitate ones search for that ideal Saudi position and what to expect once an offer is received!
First and foremost have a professional resume. Ensure that key accomplishments are clearly stated. Have a strong objective statement such as why you want to work in Saudi Arabia, what position you seek and why you are the most qualified individual for such a position.
Circulate your resume. Put it on the usual web sites and/or message boards. Some useful places to submit a resume for employment in Saudi Arabia include:
Career Builder – this web site is utilized by many Saudi companies and institutions seeking candidates.
Bayt.com – this web site specializes in advertising positions and opportunities in the Middle East region and always has a variety of differing types of positions available in Saudi Arabia.
Monster.com – this well known web site also has search engines and links for jobs in Saudi Arabia.
Executive Jobs in Saudi – as the name states, this web site specializes in positions in Saudi Arabia.
Clarendon Parker – an international recruiting firm with a local office in Riyadh.
Helen Ziegler – the best web site for those who are seeking a position in Saudi Arabia’s medical industry.
Aramco – with US Headquarters in Houston and locations throughout Saudi Arabia, this is one of the largest of expat employers in Saudi Arabia’s oil industry.
It is further suggested that instead of waiting for an employer to find your resume, bring your resume to the attention of a target employer instead! There are directories which identify American companies which have a presence in Saudi Arabia. And if one works in a specific industry, again there are global directories organized by industries too. Use these directories to identify potential employers. And of course as with any perspective opportunity – DO YOUR RESEARCH. Know the company, know its mission, vision and values. Is it a public or private company?
This segues to the next step which is for any interaction with a prospective employer, do not simply send your resume and hope for a response. In many cases a good cover letter will give a lesser qualified candidate an edge over a more qualified candidate who only submits the resume. Let the employer know why you are interested and why the employer should hire you. This is the time to not be shy and advertise your strength and skills. If you do not consider yourself number one for an opportunity then why should a Saudi employer? (or any employer)
The initial contacts with a prospective Saudi employer may likely be through email which should lead to scheduling of a telephone interview. In all dialogues (email and voice) be professional. Do not try to be cute or gushing or showing off ability of Arabic. Answer questions candidly which illustrate your experience, understanding of the position and sensitivity to the Saudi culture.
Once selected for a position in Saudi Arabia, it is absolutely essential all the “ducks are in row” and by that I mean have your paperwork in order. Requisite documents include passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), shot record, degree, certificates, letters of reference, employment verification for starters. It is not unusual to be asked to present letters of reference and employment verification from all past employers. And Saudi Arabia is more formal than the States in the sense that reference and verification documents should be on the company letterhead and ideally with a raised stamp/seal and an actual rather than stamped signature. Educational documents, employment documents will need to be certified by the issuing state, authenticated by Department of State and then authenticated/attested by the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.
Once accepted for a position in Saudi Arabia it can take from one month to up to 9 months for all the processing to be completed. Be patient, it will happen!
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Carol, Great article.
Saudi Arabia can be a wonderful place for an expat to earn money, tax free, after which, one can leave with enough cash to retire or at least put a nice downpayment on a home. However, one needs to be sure that they are employed by a highly reputable company. The contract needs to be iron-clad. It’s a good idea to go online and chat with other expats who have worked for that particular company to get an ‘inside view’ so to speak. Don’t forget that you are on a 90 day trial at first, so it’s a good idea to wait before setting down roots and becoming stuck if you are sent home.
5 months and counting… I’ve been taught quite a well deserved lesson in patience.
It seems quite strange waiting so long because in Aus employers are always very keen to have you start ASAP so I feel quite bad that its taking so long – even tho my employer keeps telling me this is normal. Being in constant contact with my employer and my agent at the embassy has helped tho and its out of my hands now.
I think I now understand the phrase “Insha’Allah” and will definitely be a lot more relaxed by the time I get over there. It will happen when its meant to happen.
oh plz dont brag about aus,how cool it is and how good jobs are there,load of BS.
aus one of worst places to work and have a job,
if u dont like saudia,way things are here,dont come here and get lost,
no one needs u here,u want high pay with low quality of work u give.
@ ali
:s what sort of comment is that??? needless to say it was amazingly rude too, plus expats usually offer a good quality development of their jobs…
ali: I don’t know where you took that sentiment from my comment. I am very excited to be coming to Saudi. I’m not there yet and that was what I was writing about.
I apologise if anyone else reads my comment and thinks I was being rude. Just letting you know that it does take time and that that process in itself can be a rewarding lesson in patience. I can’t wait to get over there, but I guess its not my time yet.
@Stacy – there was nothing at all rude or improper about your statement. Most of the time I put Ali’s messages directly to spam because every single one is usually full of some kind of a hatred. He seems to be very anti-western regardless of the topic or who has posted.
That was extremely rude of ‘ali’ and totally unacceptable.
@Stacy:
I, a Saudi guy, welcome you to Saudi Arabia with arms open wide. Please do let me know once you arrive here and I’ll arrange for a welcome gift delivered to your place of residence. I mean it. You can get my contact information from Carol.
Wishing you a pleasant stay.
yikes! what Ali said is rude , so he doesn’t represent in any kind of way the Saudi people , i love what Nader said , that’s the kind of thing that is nice to say , and if you are going to live and work in Riyadh i am your girl i can show you around and give you the proper welcoming, you will love it Insha’Allah, i have an Australian friend-Sean – who went back to Australia last summer( tears) and he really loved it here. I say this not just to Stacy to all of you guys who came recently or to the ones who are about to arrive ,i am more than glad to be your guide around my lovely city Riyadh , and remember that Ramadhan is two days away so i am your girl if you want to have an inside look of what Ramadhan is , my mom cooks wonderful stuff so i have to warn you about your weight lol
welcome to KSA stacy .
@Nader, Al,
Both of you are GREAT and showing the type of hospitality Saudi Arabia and Saudis are known for!
Al – I am not back in Saudi yet but I so look forward to meeting you on return.
Nader – I can indeed vouch for you and your lovely lovely family too!
i am looking forward to meeting you too. it is going to be lovely .
Absolutely!!
Is there a website to find Wasta related to jobs?
(pun intended. may be not)
@Aamer – I’m not quite following what you mean…can you explain a bit more please?
As salam alaikum I want to get a job over in saudi and i would like to talk to someone from there to in lighten me about the country,so can a female email me so we can talk insha allah
As salam alaikum Iwant to move to saudi and get a job in the medical field and I would like to talk to someone from saudi and tell me about the country so can someone email me
Saudi Arabia is quite literally a HOT SPOT for jobs. Just imagine getting to feel the luxury of working in a BURJ AL ARAB, or for that matter, THE PALM ISLANDS… AND WHAT NOT!!!
Really, the right job and it could be a life changing event. Only if you could bear the heat though !!!!
Carol, I was referring to one your earlier posts about Wasta in Saudi; about how people use it in various walks of life.
It was all for fun.
@Aamer – thanks for explaining!
Hi guys, read some nice comments and found people here very supportive. I hope one of you can help me find reliable ways (website / agent / recruiter) to find job in Saudi Arabia. I am mechanical engineer with automotive background with PMP certification and LEED AP.
Thanks and good luck to all who are starting in KSA!
Imran
@Imran,
I suggest if you have not done so, use some of the links provided in the blog post which allow you to look at available jobs and some also allow you to upload your CV.
Good luck, Carol
Carol, thanks for prompt reply. I did see those links under blog, most of them are what I’d tried in the past but never got any response. That’s why I was asking for specific agent / recruiter who work with candidates to hunt the job. I’ll still keep looking on these sites however if any one knows about something more direct and responsive, please let me know.
Thanks again,
Imran
I am a Saudi living in khobar and i just noticed a lot of American families showing up more and more
To honest I like the blend with more and more new nationalities
For all Americans what to work and invest to make this land better we all Saudis welcome you all
^_^
Thank YOU Ibrahim for the warm welcome to American expats.
Asalamu Alaikum
I would like to know , if its possible to get a job teaching English in KSA with an online degree (from an accredited university, Athabasca University). I have recently completed m CELTA but would like to broaden my horizons. Thanks for any help in advance.
Salam Alaikum Amal and Marhaba (Welcome) to the blog.
In response to your question, I recommend for you to contact http://www.teachsaudi.com where you would be apprised of the various options available to you.
Best Regards, Carol
i wil be very happy if this my requist hase consederret it is job i am lucking at saudi arabia
Job opportunity
OPERATIONS MANAGER – INDUSTRIAL WASTE SERVICES – O&G PETRO POWER – SAUDI ARABIA http://bit.ly/7ITAmk