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
i am looking for a job in saudi with my husband who is an electrical engineer, he is good in automechanic too and im an office clerk .We are a muslim and we want an employer who is a muslim or american.Hope you can help us find a job.thanks
you can email us here at sorianojo_72@yahoo.com
hi, anybody here knows any agency from the U.S. or Canada that are deploying health care professional to saudi?
Check out Helen Zeigler and Associates based out of Canada.
Assalamailekum everyone,
My husband is in jeddah since last 6 months, he is
MBA with 3 years experince . Has been looking for jobs
But really sad to say no responce yet everything comes to
A stop at point of vaasta “reference”of any person .
Really going through hard time. If anyone can help
Would be a favour. May Allah reward u with success and
Prosperity in ur wealth.
Jazakallah
Hello,
Thanks for this great article. I am currently looking to relocate to Saudi Arabia for employment. I’ve used Bayt.com and GulfTalent.com but I’ve never received a single response.
Trying to figure out what may be the issue, Im looking for a position in IT, have a BS in Computer science, and additional 6 years of experience.
Can it be my resume? I’ve been using the same resume for employment in Saudi Arabia as I do for employment in US. This maybe too much to ask, but would anyone be willing to take a quick glace and see what I may be missing on the resume?
It would be appreciated, but I would definitely make sure the favor goes around
Thanks.
Fahad
Hi Fahad,
I always recommend tailoring your CV to the job for which you are applying. In addition to circulating your CV on the various web sites, seek out specific jobs. You might wish to try the National Guard Health Affairs or King Faisal Specialist Hospital web sites since these are large organizations with many non-medical positions. Aramco is another suggestion. Lastly, participate in professional networking sites too such as http://www.linkedin.com.
Good luck!
I am a US citizen and confused on what attested means? If someone could explain it to me (and why/how it is different than notarizing) I would truly appreciate it!! I do not currently live in the USA and assume it would be very difficult to do from outside the US.
Thank you Bedu for all of the information you share. I have just read all the posts you have For November 2007 and am now going through all your other entries!
Dear Fellows. I have been searching for a job in Accounts, Finance or Audit here in KSA. But to date nothing seems to be coming. I have 12 years of experience, with SAP exposure and working environment of MNC’s. I also have been registered with BAYT.com but since my registration i.e. 12 years I never got any call from them. Also are other famous job boards. I need your support to please cooperate with me to find any compatible job. Thanks and regards.
please cntct me. .need an admin/dvlpt/sales job. .
Hello every one,
first of all i would like to thank you all for your responses to the above post because these responses have given me a better idea about saudi and their hospitality, And
Btw Im Laxman from India, i have mastered in business administration(MBA) in Marketing and Hr. currently i want to go to saudi for a job, can some one please help me knowing the opportunities available for an MBA graduate in the areas like advertising/media/marketing/FMCG.
thank you in advance:)
thanks and regard
I am looking for employment opportunity in Saudi Arabia, if anyone knows of a good staffing agency in US that caters to placing candidates in Saudi Arabia please email me at fahd.nazir@global.t-bird.edu
I am a postgraduate in water resources management and looking for job a job opportunity in middle east nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi in water sector dealing with water treatment or irrigation practices.
For further reference Please email me at vijay.wrm@gmail.com
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae
I am here in Riyadh and love this place. I have been fortunate to meet wonderful people and discover an interesting city. i have loved travel and adventure since i was a child and this place keeps me stimulated each day. I am working and thank god with warm, fun people that keep me laughing all day. At the same time, I am getting alot done professionally as I also do my MBA online.
I want to encourage people to come here and you will find networking with people from all over the world. I reccommend signing up with your embassy here because they will direct you to social functions as well. Dont hesitate to email me please if I can help in any way. Good luck.
B
http://www.careerjet-saudi-arabia.com/ – Saudi Arabia has job listing website database to deliver you the job vacancies throughout the world.
coachjayday@aol.com I am interested in possible moving to Saudi Arabia to work in the construction industry. I have a General Contractors license in the State of Florida but it is not active. I have 30 years in the construction industry. I was working as a Project Manager for Structural Contractors South Inc. for 1 1/2 years and managed multimillion dollar project and at times over 150 men. I kept the projects at a 30 to 35% profit for the company. We were doing work in the disaster areas and eventually I worked myself out of a job. I am 55 years old but most people think i am in my forties. Please feel free to email me at the above email address. Thank you for any help you can throw my way.
Sincerely,
Jay W. Day
r sir, my name is shahid hussain i done my master in business adm, and i also did diploma in information technology now im in k.s.a and finding a suitable job
Assalam-o-Alaikum dear sir. Sir i belongs to Pakistan and i have a great love nd respect of Saudia Arabia. I m completing my education nd want to go to Saudi Arab because there are sacred places nd i want to take a permanent settlement after the completion of my education. so I m requesting from all Arab traders nd other people to give me a chance of a job. Thanks
Assalam-o-Alaikum dear sir. Sir i belongs to Pakistan and i have a great love nd respect of Saudia Arabia. I m completing my education nd want to go to Saudi Arab because there are sacred places nd i want to take a permanent settlement after the completion of my education. so I m requesting from all Arab traders nd other people to give me a chance of a job. Thanks. my email add is sherazyousafzai44@yahoo.com
I am A Food Scientist by profession,I’m in need of job in saudi Arabia.IF there is anyone who can help,please mail me Thankyou
Hello sir,
My name is Niyat
I am from eritrea
I born in jeddah saudi arabia
i finished my o’level
But still i didn’t found for a job
Please bro & sis Find For Me For A Job…
hi everyone, i want job in Saudi Arabia. My Qualification is M.Sc Organic Chemistry (GOLD MEDALIST) from Pakistan n m doing job as Chemistry lecturer in Govt. College for three years but total experience in Education Field is 7 years…. looking for job in saudi Arabia
Hi my name is abdulrahman and I am 15 year old and I am looking for work in saudi arabia
i want to work as a homeopathic dr in saudi arybia
I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information.
As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team.
I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name].
I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities.
Experience
*complete high school in Ethiopia Addis Ababa
*Basic fares &ticketing from Yemeni a
*Intermediate fares ticketing from Yemeni a
*Advance fares ticketing from Yemeni a
*Basic fares Galileo ticketing from yemniya
*Dangerous goods awareness for passenger handling
*Sales skills gulf air
*Saber product training
/*New fares constructing rules
*Saber electronic ticketing
-*Electronic ticketing work shop
*Future for quality technical consultancy (manhal) certificate
*Planning preparation and measurement of quality objective
*Basic fire fighting traing certificate
*Customer service certificate
*Computer course window word excel power point
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.
I went to Saudi Arabia and worked for three years. if you want the money, no problem, you will get it, paid 2 months vacation, done. housing, travel, education, insurance…..you get it all. but remember, nothing for free. you will lose your freedom. How: first, they take your passport and lock it in a safe. if you want to travel you have to get a visa every time you leave. God forbid if emergency happend back home, you might not be able to travel right away. if your wife is not working, she will be locked at home until she rots. women in Saudi Arabia is like an alien, every body want to look at her. I am a muslim and married to a western wife, and every man was looking at her as if she is a piece of meat from House of stakes in TX. You know, even I started to get minded sick and started to stare at other women. No Saudi will allow you to come to his house, especially if they are married, but they will be more than happy to come to your house and wish to see your wife.
I can talk for two days about this ………….good luck
i often read as well as receive direct queries from individuals on how can they obtain a job dubai or other cities. These are individuals who are presently not in uae and in many cases have never been to uae. 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 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 dubai or other, what position you seek and why you are the most qualified individual for such a position.
i have been in the travel industry the last 15 years i am from yemen
tel contact 713810479
assalamu alaikum
i am a BTech qualified in Electronics and Communication .And having around 4 year experience in Telecom field as BTS Engr.Now i am looking for job in saudi..What should i do? can anybody help me. or any suggestion.
Wow!
How does an article titled “how to get a jon in SA” end up as a place for people to leave job ads is baffling. Needless to say, for those who are coming, and speak and understand the “Ingrish” language, these are the things to be aware of. Most people are similar to this board, they start of nicely and end up floating endlessly. So what must you do as the original poster requested, tons of patience and then some. Then you need to be unassuming. However go with your instinct, if the shoe fits, well you know what I mean. But there are alot of tunnel visionaries here and if they are not at your work place you do not have anything to worry about.
Best of luck and to those looking for jobs, i suggest you learn to read backwards. elgoog ti.
Bedu, hope you are well, love your site. K.I.T