Job seekers in the UAE are finding that submitting high volumes of applications is no longer a reliable strategy for landing an interview. As employers face a surge in applicants for every vacancy, many are increasingly relying on AI-powered screening tools to filter candidates, making it difficult for those who use generic, one-size-fits-all CVs to gain traction.
Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Group Chairman of TASC Outsourcing, notes that a primary challenge is the lack of alignment between a candidate’s profile and the specific requirements of the employer. He explains that individuals who fail to tailor their applications to each role often struggle in crowded talent pools. Furthermore, because many screening systems prioritize specific keywords over actual capability, candidates who understand how to optimize their profiles for algorithms often outrank those who may be more qualified but lack experience in navigating these automated systems.
The current recruitment landscape is also influenced by a recent slowdown in hiring. The Naukrigulf Hiring Index reported a 23 percent decline in UAE hiring during April and May compared to the same period last year. This trend was particularly evident in entry-level and lower-paying roles, which were impacted by regional geopolitical uncertainty.
Avinav Nigam, Founder and CEO of TERN Group, suggests that this downturn was driven by timing rather than a lack of confidence in the UAE economy. He notes that when geopolitical uncertainty arises, businesses often pause long-term commitments like hiring. Consequently, companies have frequently opted to delay recruitment rather than cancel it entirely.
Data from the Naukrigulf report highlights that entry-level candidates face the most significant competition. Vacancies offering salaries up to Dh10,000 per month saw the sharpest decline, falling 26 percent year-on-year. Positions paying between Dh11,000 and Dh20,000 dropped by 22 percent, while higher-end roles offering between Dh41,000 and Dh80,000 experienced a more modest decline of 11 percent. Nigam observes that companies are prioritizing senior hires who drive revenue and manage core functions, while deferring entry-level recruitment to protect their resources during uncertain times.
The rise of one-click application features has exacerbated the volume problem. Shahdadpuri points out that professional and managerial roles can attract hundreds of applications within days. Nigam adds that because applying now takes only seconds, a position that previously received 200 applications might now see 2,000, causing many strong candidates to be buried by the sheer volume of submissions.
Despite these challenges, certain sectors remain active. Shahdadpuri highlights that industries aligned with the UAE’s long-term economic priorities continue to generate demand. These include technology, artificial intelligence, financial services, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. There is also ongoing interest in professionals skilled in consulting, compliance, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
To improve their prospects, job seekers are encouraged to adopt a more targeted approach. Experts advise tailoring every application to the specific job description, highlighting measurable achievements, and investing in skills such as AI, digital literacy, and data analysis. Additionally, networking remains a vital tool for finding opportunities, particularly within the relationship-driven market of the UAE.
In other regional developments, Apple has unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, alongside the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Meanwhile, the CEO of Dubai Airports reported that the facility dealt with 17 missile strikes during the war. On the political front, Donald Trump stated he believes the war in Iran will end immediately following the US midterm elections, while also commenting on observed activity at Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain and urging Tehran not to escalate the situation. The report also notes that apple debuts iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max: Check UAE prices, pre-order dates. The report also notes that stay up to date with the latest news. The report also notes that with companies postponing junior hiring while continuing to recruit for critical leadership positions, recruiters say entry-level professionals are facing the greatest challenges. The report also notes that and from what I’ve seen, I agree,” Nigam said, the data says entry level was hit hardest. The report also notes that it protects what it cannot afford to lose, when a company is uncertain. The report also notes that everyone applies for everything, when applying takes 10 seconds. The report also notes that a role that used to get 200 applications now gets 2,000, he said, adding that the “good candidates” get buried due to the system and not their performance. The report also notes that a candidate who knows how to optimise their profile for an algorithm will consistently outrank someone who is genuinely better at the job but does not know how to play that game,” he said.
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