Company Details

Company industry: Renewable Energy

Company headcount: 25-30

First placement made: 2018

Division: Business Support (Receptionists)

Number of placements: 13

The Challenge

In 2018, our client began looking for a recruitment partner to support them with administrative hires. At the time, they were seeking a receptionist to ease the pressure on existing staff and wanted a candidate who could grow with the company. Having not worked with other agencies previously, they turned to Tiger Recruitment to provide the right solution.

The Solution

We quickly introduced a strong candidate who matched not only the immediate need for reception support but also had the potential to progress into more senior responsibilities. This hire proved highly successful, remaining with the business and advancing within the organisation, where they continue to be a valued member of the team today.

Since then, we have continued to partner with the client exclusively for administrative recruitment. Each receptionist placed has gone on to take on more senior responsibilities, creating a clear progression pathway within their team. Our approach of understanding the role requirements and providing high-calibre candidates has ensured a seamless recruitment process every time.

The Impact

The client notes that our service has consistently made them “look good” to their team and leadership, thanks to the calibre of candidates delivered. They value the efficiency of our consultants, the speed of response, and the assurance that submitted CVs always align closely with the job description.

By continuing to use our temp-to-perm offering, the client has been able to secure exceptional talent who not only meet their immediate requirements but also contribute to their longer-term growth.

Client Feedback

• “The calibre of people who come through is fantastic, I know I won’t be sent someone who isn’t right for the role.”
• “Tiger are really efficient, responsive, and always deliver quickly, even in emergencies.”

Looking Ahead

Our relationship with this client continues to strengthen, with introductions being made to other organisations through their professional networks. The trust built over years of successful placements has established Tiger Recruitment as their go-to partner for administrative roles.

Disclaimer: This case study is based on the experience of a real client. For confidentiality reasons, their identity has been withheld. If you would like to speak directly with one of our clients about their experience working with us, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange an introduction.

The post Case Study: How One Reception Hire Sparked a Long-Term Partnership appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Inclusive hiring has always been at the forefront of my mind throughout my career. Prior to becoming a recruiter, my interest stemmed from my own lived experience, from reflecting on inequalities during maternity leave and supporting my neurodivergent daughter to witnessing the wider impact of movements like Black Lives Matter. When I stepped up into a leadership role, my experiences evolved into responsibility, I now had an obligation to use my position to drive meaningful change.

I’ve worked with professionals across a number of industries but one area I’ve seen a consistent need for change is neurodiversity in hiring. For most employers, the confidence to act on their desire to change is often lacking. HR leaders have such a crucial role in closing this gap.

So what can HR leaders do to build confidence around Neurodiversity in Hiring?

Be vulnerable

A couple of years ago, I shared a LinkedIn post about neurodiversity in hiring, and by doing so I was unexpectedly inundated with messages from individuals who I had encouraged to share their own experiences. A senior candidate who had applied for a role I was advertising reached out to say the post had given them the courage to disclose their neurodivergence to the employer, which was something they hadn’t spoken about since she was in school. With reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process they were able to display their suitability for the role and as a result, were offered the job. I saw the impact of simply being transparent and learnt how valuable it is to share your own experience, because it might encourage someone else to do the same.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Most employers are eager to support neurodiverse candidates, but often aren’t sure how. Some say the terminology is daunting, or are afraid they might say or do something to offend. Others just aren’t sure what accommodations might look like in practice and worry it might just cause confusion. Encouragingly, this is beginning to change. More businesses are educating employees on bias in job adverts and including positive action statements explicitly welcoming neurodiverse applicants. But it’s not just about what you say that will have the most impact, but how you act. HR leaders should feel empowered to ask questions, seek guidance and work together to create a process that works for everyone.

Challenge the status quo

A huge part of a recruiter’s role is constructively challenging hiring processes that inadvertently exclude talent. I recently supported a neurodivergent candidate who asked for the interview questions in advance. At first, the employer felt this might give her an unfair advantage, but I suggested the questions should be shared with all applicants. Although their resistance resulted in the candidate withdrawing from the process, the next time I partnered with them, they implemented this change from the outset. I worked with them to prepare the questions further in advance, to allow them to be distributed. As a result, the interviews were more structured and insightful, and the panel was better prepared.

Similarly, I worked with a leading non-profit to rework their recruitment process for a director of people role. Instead of submitting their CV, applicants were given the opportunity to answer three questions, in a written or spoken format. Candidates also experienced inclusive language, an adapted format and received job packs. They were given clear fixed timelines for each stage of the recruitment process and were provided with financial support for travel and additional childcare costs required to attend the interview. Most importantly, the interview process featured structured questions with clear criteria, levelling the playing field for each of the applicants. As a result, the successful candidate was neurodivergent and they have since played a pivotal role in applying the same changes across the organisation.

Consider the working environment

Candidates who successfully navigate an inclusive recruitment process, don’t necessarily thrive in the workplace. More often than not, employers place so much importance on the accommodations made during the interview that there’s not much support once they start their job. As a result, a new hire feels let down and may struggle to perform to the best of their ability. On a basic level, employers should consider the working environment, offer flexible working arrangements, provide clear onboarding documentation and regularly check in on what’s working and what isn’t.

Start Small

Businesses often fear making adjustments for candidates because they think it’s expensive and time-consuming. However, it’s possible to make simple changes to the recruitment process that cost nothing. Employers can create a psychologically safe environment by merely asking the question, “Are there any reasonable adjustments required?” This will make them more comfortable disclosing their neurodivergence, even if it’s at a later stage in the recruitment process. Other examples include providing interview questions in advance, offering extra time for tasks or providing clear, structured communication.

I’ve seen firsthand how transformative inclusive hiring can be, for both the candidate and employer. A candidate I worked with has since launched a neurodiversity committee at their organisation, another helped reshape an entire onboarding process. As HR leaders, we don’t need to have all the answers but we must be willing to listen and learn. As a result, we create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, which is beneficial for all.

The post How HR Leaders Can Build Confidence Around Neurodiversity in Hiring appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Gone are the days of Mad Men-style secretaries, where touch-typing and answering the phones were the top priority. The PA role has changed drastically over the last 20 years and it’s showing no sign of stabilising anytime soon.

In a world of start-ups, virtual businesses, and international ventures, it is becoming more and more popular for companies to need ‘all-in-one’ roles that cover the position of receptionist, PA, office manager, and other functions, leading to the development of a hybrid role.

The traditional PA vs. a modern day PA

At the turn of the century, the PA role looked very different to what we see today. What was previously a reactive role is now a vital support position to businesses and leaders alike. Although many aspects of the traditional role, such as diary management and booking meetings, have remained, a PA or EA often works at the heart of an organisation, playing a key role in all areas of a business. . In fact, a survey by the Guardian, found that 16% of PAs and secretaries said their boss regularly takes their recommendations on business decisions.1

In a fast-moving and uncertain world, managers are realising that support staff are a highly skilled and adaptable resource that can be deployed strategically across various departments to consolidate existing teams. Rather than limiting themselves to hiring for ‘siloed’ roles, companies are therefore seeking out these ‘hybrid PAs’, who are just as comfortable organising data, running events or managing marketing campaigns, as they are taking minutes and arranging diaries. The significant increase in demand shows they’re making a huge difference to business success.

The hybrid PA in Dubai

Businesses need to find ways of maximising revenues and one such way is to have PAs take on more responsibilities.

According to our data, the receptionist/EA role is the most popular iteration of this, a result of smaller offices needing someone to cover all responsibilities while keeping their headcounts down. We are also seeing EAs take on project management responsibilities, such as events or conference arrangements, negating the need for events managers.

As the workplace continues to change, PAs need to adapt to keep up with this shifting market. The role is no longer static, meaning candidates looking to excel in this career path need to take advantage of learning opportunities and potential for upskilling wherever possible. Perhaps this means taking on a new project in your current role, or looking for a new role that has a little more variety. The stronger the skill development, the better placed candidates will be in the job search.

If you are an experienced PA and are looking for exciting opportunities in the UAE take a look at the roles we have here.

1 https://www.theguardian.com/careers/personal-assistant-diary-management

The post How the PA role is changing in Dubai appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

While recruitment activity has slowed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still job seekers who are being offered fantastic new positions. If you’re one of them, congratulations! This may well mean that you find yourself in a video call with HR for an exit interview soon.

Volunteering your general feedback about your employer can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience, so if you’re asking yourself “how should I handle an exit interview?”, we’ve provided eight do’s and don’ts to help you prepare.

What to do in your exit interview

Do: Prepare like you would for any interview

Treat this interview as you would any other and prepare accordingly beforehand. Google some sample exit interview questions that are typically asked and practise answering them. Regardless of why you’ve chosen to leave, it’s important to provide thoughtful answers that will help the company improve in the future.

Do: Act professionally

You should remain professional right through to the very end. It will keep the door open for potential opportunities in the future and won’t diminish your chances of receiving a positive employer reference.

Do: Discuss the positives

Try to highlight the positive aspects of the role you’re leaving, even if it’s been the worst job you’ve ever had. It can be anything from the benefits package to the office facilities. This will help to balance out any negative points that may become apparent during the course of the conversation. It also displays a high level of professionalism and awareness on your part.

Do: Exit on good terms

When all is said and done, the aim is to leave the interview room on good terms. Make it clear that you are thankful for every opportunity the company has provided. Even if there is some resentment on your part, it’s better to leave on a positive note and have a clean slate for your new job.

What not to do in your exit interview

Don’t: Vent with no constructive feedback

Avoid discussing colleagues and petty grievances. In fact, avoid mentioning colleagues unless you’re specifically asked to do so. If it does come up, stay clear of slander and only provide reasonable examples that support a valid argument.

You can discuss your ‘suggested areas of improvement’ for the company, but it’s important to remain tactful in your approach.

Don’t: Brag about your new role

Your interviewer will probably ask about your reasons for leaving. While you may be jubilant about leaving, it’s important to avoid boasting as it’ll come across as discourteous. Just keep it short and to the point. For example, if you’re excited that this move is a step up in your career (with a considerable salary increase), you could mention that the new position gives you more responsibility than your existing one.

Don’t: Raise issues that the company cannot address

Any good employer will be looking to improve the workplace using your feedback. As such, you’ll want to refrain from expressing sweeping statements with no rational explanation. They’re not actionable and don’t give off the best impression of you. While preparing for your interview, try to come up with suggestions for how certain situations could be improved in the future.

Don’t: Be unresponsive

You’re probably familiar with the term, “if you have nothing good to say, don’t say it at all”? While this may be great advice in general, don’t apply it to your exit interview. Being unreasonably tight-lipped could be viewed as patronising and won’t help the process. The interviewer will respect your honesty as long as you keep it relevant to the exit survey questions being asked.

If you’re looking for a job, we continue to update our live job listings daily. Make sure to also check out our insights page for helpful resources to help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author bio: This article was written by Check-a-Salary^[1] . Check-a-Salary provides insight on earnings collated across multiple sources for every position in the UK.

^[1] www.checkasalary.co.uk

The post Do you struggle with exit interviews? Here are eight dos and don’ts to help! appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Learning at Work Week is a timely reminder of the value of continuous development. But meaningful learning doesn’t always come from formal training programmes or online courses. Often, it’s practical experience and conversations that lead to the most impactful professional growth.

Whether you’re early in your career or looking to move up the career ladder, here are five practical ways to enhance your development at work.

1. Shadow a Colleague in a Different Team

Gaining insight into how other teams operate can expand your understanding of the business, improve cross-functional collaboration, and potentially uncover new career interests.

Even a brief shadowing session can offer valuable perspective and sharpen your understanding of how the wider business operates. Gaining insight into another team’s priorities and challenges can directly enhance the quality and impact of your work. For example, if you work in marketing, spending time with the customer service team can reveal any recurring consumer queries. You can then tailor your messaging, content, or campaigns more effectively.

Tip: Try shadowing a role that challenges your understanding. It may highlight skills you’d like to develop or spark interest in a new direction.

2. Keep a Weekly Reflection or ‘Learning Log’

Allocating time at the end of each week to reflect on a challenge, mistake, or accomplishment can reveal patterns in how you work and think. This habit encourages accountability, builds self-awareness, and helps turn daily experiences into learning opportunities. You can use this as a checklist to avoid making the same mistake again.

Tip: At the end of each week, reflect on what went well, what could have gone better, and what you would do differently next time.

3. Identify a Process You Can Improve

An effective way to grow professionally is by re-evaluating your regular routines. Taking a step back to question existing processes, no matter how small, can reveal opportunities for greater efficiency or collaboration.

Is there a recurring team task that could be streamlined? Perhaps meeting schedules could be better coordinated, reports shared more effectively, or handovers could be clearer. Proactively identifying and refining these processes not only supports your team’s success but also demonstrates strategic thinking and initiative.

These small improvements can lead to meaningful impact, and the ability to spot them is often a strong indicator of leadership potential.

Tip: Try finding a process that helps streamline activities for your manager or team. This way, your work will be visible, so you can track its impact.

4. Help Others Learn

Helping others learn is a great way to test your understanding of a topic or skill. If a colleague approaches you or your team with a question, consider how you could use your existing skillset or conduct your own research to help fill knowledge gaps within your organisation. You can share your insights by offering short, upskilling sessions for the wider company. Perhaps you have a particular skill in building your personal brand on LinkedIn, which you think could benefit others across the business. Alternatively, you can offer to help train new starters as part of their onboarding process, or provide mentoring for junior staff.

Tip: This is an effective way to demonstrate your leadership skills if you’re looking to progress into a managerial role in the future.

5. Speak to a Professional You Admire

If you want to expand your knowledge proactively, try reaching out to someone whose work you genuinely admire. That could be a colleague in a different department or a professional on LinkedIn.

You might ask how they approached a recent challenge, what tools they use to stay productive, or what advice they’d offer someone looking to develop similar skills. Most professionals are more than happy to share their insights, and this kind of informal learning can build your confidence, strengthen relationships with colleagues and create new industry connections.

Tip: Try to speak to someone outside of your usual circle; this way, you’re pushing yourself to speak to people you wouldn’t usually.

Final Thoughts

Professional development isn’t confined to online courses or structured learning programmes. Some of the most impactful growth happens when we proactively seek out small opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with the broader picture of our work.

This Learning at Work Week, we encourage you to think differently about how you grow and take ownership of your development in a way that’s practical and sustainable for you. Powerful moments of growth can be sparked by curiosity, courage, and the decision to learn differently.

If you’re eager to upskill in a new role and take your next career step, submit your CV or browse jobs with Tiger today.

The post Five Meaningful Ways to Learn at Work – Without Signing up for a Course appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Research around leadership styles and gender has gained traction, with Bloomberg UK suggesting that companies with more women on executive boards are ten times more profitable. In the UK, female representation in leadership positions across business, politics, and the public sector continues to increase.

According to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now hold 43% of board positions in FTSE 350 companies, but what makes women in particular excel as leaders, and how can we continue pushing for equitable leadership teams? More importantly, how can individuals early in their careers take steps toward leadership despite systemic barriers?

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership Styles

Studies conducted in the UK indicate that women frequently adopt a democratic and transformational leadership style, prioritising collaboration, mentorship, and team development. The Chartered Management Institute suggests that women tend to steer clear of authoritative approaches and are more inclined to engage in compassionate and empathetic leadership.

Research published in the British Journal of Management proves that female leaders generally excel in emotional intelligence, a trait linked to higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and workplace cohesion. This kind of leadership style is predicted to set individuals apart in an era of AI, where adaptability is increasingly desired in hiring processes and will become vital for business success.

Diverse Leadership Outperforms Competitors

The effectiveness of women’s leadership approaches has been demonstrated across various sectors. Reports by McKinsey UK have continuously found that companies with diverse leadership teams, including women in senior positions, perform better financially and have stronger organisational cultures.

Case studies of female-led businesses have shown that female leaders are more likely to place a stronger emphasis on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and ethical decision-making. These factors contribute to improved employee retention and innovation, particularly in industries where teamwork and creativity are crucial.

Closing the Gender Leadership Gap

While the rise in women’s board representation is a landmark achievement, the picture is far less balanced when it comes to executive leadership. Only a fraction of FTSE 100 companies have a female CEO, and across industries, women are still hitting a glass ceiling when it comes to the most senior decision-making roles.

This gap is not due to a lack of capability or ambition. Many talented women still struggle to break into top roles due to outdated leadership models, unconscious bias, and a lack of structured progression pathways. However, those in earlier career stages can take proactive steps to position themselves for leadership opportunities.

How to Progress into Leadership

If you’re currently in a non-senior role and looking to progress, here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Seek out sponsorship, not just mentorship: Mentors provide advice, but sponsors advocate for you in key decision-making spaces. Identify leaders in your organisation who can actively support your career progression.
2. Develop leadership skills early: Take on projects that allow you to lead, whether it’s managing a team initiative, mentoring junior colleagues, or presenting at meetings.
3. Communicate your ambitions: Many employees assume that promotions will come naturally with hard work, but it’s essential to make your leadership aspirations known to managers and decision-makers.
4. Build a strong professional network: Surround yourself with peers and mentors who inspire you. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage in conversations that elevate your presence.
5. Be strategic about career moves: If your current organisation lacks clear progression pathways, consider roles in companies that prioritise internal mobility and leadership development.
6. Challenge outdated leadership stereotypes: The perception of leadership is changing, and diverse styles are increasingly valued. Don’t feel pressured to conform to traditional leadership models—your natural leadership style can be a strength.

Barriers to Executive Leadership Are Still Systemic

While individuals can take action, systemic barriers remain. Some key challenges include:

• Limited access to sponsorship: Women are less likely to receive career-advancing sponsorship compared to men, despite mentorship being widely encouraged.
• Rigid career pathways: Traditional leadership trajectories favour uninterrupted career progression, often disadvantaging those who take career breaks or work flexibly.
• Outdated leadership stereotypes: Women must often navigate narrow expectations of leadership styles to be deemed suitable for top roles.

Driving Real Change

The business case for change is unarguable. Businesses with diverse leadership teams are more adaptable to market shifts and significantly better at attracting top talent. To further push for change, business leaders can:

• Shift from mentorship to sponsorship: Senior leaders should actively champion women with high leadership potential for promotions.
• Redefine leadership norms: Recognise and reward a broader range of leadership styles beyond the traditional ‘alpha’ model.
• Offer flexible leadership pathways: Ensure career progression structures accommodate different working patterns, rather than favouring linear career trajectories.

The research is clear: gender-equitable leadership is a proven driver of business success. As more businesses dismantle systemic barriers and embed truly inclusive leadership pathways, the opportunities for women to step into executive and C-suite roles will increase exponentially. However, for those at the start of their careers, taking small, strategic steps today can lay the foundation for a future in leadership.

The post Women Now Hold 43% of FTSE 350 Board Roles, But Executive Leadership Still Lags appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

There is no single starting point on a personal assistant career path, and successful PAs can find their way into the role in very diverse ways. However, for those people with a clear desire to pursue a PA career, there are several organisations that offer learning and development opportunities tailored to the profession.

Employers should take note of these higher education institutes, both as a marker of experience and initiative in a PA candidate, and as potential partners for their internal learning and development programmes.

In this blog we’ll look at some of the best personal assistant courses. If you’re an aspiring personal assistant and wondering how to become a PA, you may well be nervous about being underqualified for the job. We’re here to put your mind at ease, and show you exactly what actions you can take to secure your dream PA job. For employers, this is designed to give you an idea of what to look for on candidate CVs, and what to offer in .

Do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?

Before we delve into some fantastic options for PA education, let’s first address a common question: do you need a degree to be a personal assistant?

The short answer is no – many PA roles will require education up to A-level only. The long answer is: it depends on the particular PA job. In more formal and high-pressure workplaces such as corporate finance, private equity, or family offices, an undergraduate degree may be a prerequisite, while the more interesting and higher-paid PA positions will of course be more suitable to a candidate with a degree.

However, there are alternatives to a degree that can be just as powerful when it comes to PA jobs. This is why we advise you to consider the below personal assistant courses: someone with these under their belt is more likely to be successful and see long-term career progression.

London Business School (Dubai courses)

The prestigious London Business School runs a group of courses in Dubai, specialising in management and leadership. These are a fantastic choice for PAs looking to advance into positions of greater responsibility, such as Senior PA, OM, and EA.

Zabeel International Institute

Zabeel International Institute’s executive secretary training course is an excellent primer course for PAs, EAs, office managers, and secretaries. Their qualifications focus on administrative skills and employability, helping to produce graduates with the right mindset for a long and successful career.

Capital

Capital run an online executive secretary course for graduates looking to gain further qualifications for senior administrative positions. The Executive Secretary Diploma is approved by the Knowledge And Human Development Authority, making it a desirable employee benefit for career-minded personal assistants.

Looking to become a PA?

Personal assistant courses should be a consideration at any point in your career as a PA, due to the ever-changing nature of the role. However, at the outset of your PA journey, you should draw on any qualifications you have when aiming to impress a hiring manager. Read our guides to personal assistant CVs, PA personal statements and PA cover letters for insider tips on how to make your experience shine!

When you’re ready to apply for your next PA job, head to our job search page.

Looking to hire a PA?

If you are looking for the best way to hire a personal assistant, read our ultimate guide to hiring a PA. When you are ready to start the hiring process, get in touch with your requirements.

The post What are the best personal assistant courses? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Commonly raised at half-year or annual appraisals, it may come as a surprise to hear that many people don’t actually set achievable career goals (or understand the value in doing so). At Tiger, we’ve found that the process of setting career goals can be clouded by misconceptions and misunderstandings, even among experienced professionals with many years under their belts[1].

To help you set achievable professional goals and establish where you want to be, we’ve decided to bust a few common myths on this subject.

Common questions asked about setting career goals

Not everyone can have career goals, can they?

So, let’s start with the most obvious myth – only people high up the hierarchy should take the time to set career goals. They’re reserved for the top managers, CEOs and anyone else who has a huge title that precedes their name.

Not true! Setting career goals is something everyone should do, regardless of their position, experience, or industry they’re working in. Whether you’re a designer fresh out of college, a pastry shop owner, or a CFO of the biggest bank in the world, you’re entitled to take time to figure out exactly what you want out of your career. So, no matter where you are, grab a pen and start writing!

Professional development goals require a lot of time and energy, don’t they?

While developing your goals is going to require some time and effort, it’s often the very task of creating them in the first place that seems so overwhelming. Many people give up before they even begin, which is a mistake!

To help you get started, it’s important to spend some time simply thinking about where you want to be in one, five or ten years (depending on the scope of your goals). Having a firm idea in place of where you want to be will make it that much easier to come up with a few achievable goals.

I should follow a certain process, shouldn’t I?

It’s true that there are some established tools, methods and patterns that you can use when you set up your career goals (or any goals for that matter) — one of the most famous being the SMART method^[1]. Using a method like this is definitely very useful, especially if you’re a beginner and this is your first time setting goals.

On the other hand, using these well-worn strategies can also be limiting, especially if your goal is innovative or unique. If you find that your goals simply don’t fit into a pattern and you need to draw outside of the lines a little, that is completely fine.

It’s not enough to simply set them, is it?

The (perceived) mountain of establishing your career aspirations is quite high. Unfortunately, this is only the first step. Following through is much more important since it makes all the difference in the end. So, how can you make sure that your goals don’t just stay written on a piece of paper?

One thing you could do is have a buddy – a partner, a friend, a coach – someone who will follow through with you and who will keep you accountable. Another important thing is to break down your goals into smaller actions to follow through every month, week, or even day. That way you’ll be able to see whether or not you’re making progress and you can easily correct yourself if you’re going down the wrong path.

It’s better to just focus on my current situation, isn’t it?

When setting career goals, most people tend to focus on their present issues. Let’s say you’re looking for a job and your first goal is to get hired at a good company. Logically, you would sharpen up your CV^[2]and focus on improving your LinkedIn page. While these are great initial actions, it’s also important to look at a holistic approach to your goals. In this example, a person looking for a job should also think about how industry events, networking, improving their portfolio and learning additional skills will help them in the long term.

Even if you’re not looking to move on from your current role, don’t underestimate the value of looking at all your options. For example, if you want to expand your client base, posting regular articles on LinkedIn will help you become known as a thought leader for your particular niche.

Try to think outside the box when considering your career aspirations, because sometimes the best opportunities come to us unexpectedly. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that, no matter what our original plans were, a positive mindset and adaptable goals can present new opportunities to improve our situation and grow even further – through a new role, a new relationship or simply a new activity.

Author bio: Michael Deane has been working in marketing for almost a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made him knowledgeable on many different subjects. He has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit. You can read more of Michael’s work at Qeedle^[3].

[1] https://career-intelligence.com/career-misconceptions/

^[2] www.wikihow.com/Set-SMART-Goals

^[3] www.upskillcoach.com/blog/12-tips-resume-social-media-cv-online-presence

^[4] www.qeedle.com/licensee-vs-franchisee-which-works-best

The post Career goals: Separating fact from fiction appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

With over 200 nationalities, the UAE is a melting pot of cultures, experiences and people. Emiratis make up roughly 20% of the population, while expats from Europe, Asia and Africa consist of the other 80%, emigrating for career progression, an improved quality of life and the chance to increase their earnings.[1] The booming expat population, and the effects of the pandemic, continue to place a strain on an already-saturated job market, making each job application more competitive than ever. This has seen salaries drop, as many jobseekers are willing to take on roles for a lower salary in order to stand out from the crowd and win a lucrative position.

With this is mind, jobseekers should ensure they are getting the basics of the job search right in order to stand out from the crowd. To help, here are our top tips to increase your chances of securing a job in the UAE!

Understand the market

It’s important to understand what the market looks like before applying for jobs. If you plan to move into the region, do your homework first. You should know the cost of living, how much you could potentially earn and what opportunities could be on offer. If you don’t have any MENA experience, you may need to carefully consider why a business might employ you over someone who does. Unfortunately, we see many jobseekers wanting to move into the region without knowing much about living or working here, so it’s important to prepare as much as you can beforehand.

When it comes to salaries, it’s essential to educate yourself so you know what you’re asking for is in line with expectations. For example, top level industry-specific EAs can earn AED 25,000 (GBP 5150) a month, but if you have moved over with no local experience, it is unlikely you will find something at this level. EAs who have recently immigrated should expect to take a role on for around AED 12,000 (just under GBP 2,500) per month. This will allow you to get your foot in the door, gaining useful experience to then transfer into a higher paying role.

Read the job description carefully

While it may tempting to apply for every role you see advertised, this isn’t the way you’ll find your dream job. In fact, by applying to roles where you don’t meet the clearly specified criteria, it not only wastes your time, but it also leaves you feeling disheartened by the mounting rejections. Even when you think you may have enough experience for the role, if you don’t have the right qualifications, you won’t even be considered. For example, if a role requires +10 years of accounting experience and an ACCA qualification, there’s no use applying if you’ve not even completed your ACCA exams.

So, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your capabilities by only focussing on the roles that match your experience. In the UAE, you should expect to hear back from a role you apply for within five days (if not sooner!). If you don’t hear back in this time, assume you aren’t the right fit and keep looking.

Format your CV

Your CV is a potential employer’s first impression of you, so it needs to pack a punch. It should be no longer than two pages, clearly set out and justified. It should be clean and uncluttered, as this makes it much easier for recruiters or hiring managers to read. In the UAE, it’s common practice to include a photo, but make sure it’s not a selfie (a professional-looking headshot is best).

As always, it is essential that your CV is free of spelling and grammar errors and includes a personal statement, your professional experience (with both responsibilities and achievements), education and any other skills, such as languages. It’s also important that your CV is up-to-date. For example, if you left a role in October 2020, don’t list it is ‘current’. This little detail could make all the difference. If you’re worried about being seen as ‘available immediately’, don’t be! This could actually make you more attractive to a prospective employer.

The power of a cover letter

Unlike the UK, a cover letter is a necessary part of any application in the UAE. However, it’s not enough to include a generic letter – you need to tailor each submission, highlighting your ability to do the role. This is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the perfect person for the job, with specific examples about how you satisfy the criteria.

Network offline and online

Networking is such an important weapon in a jobseeker’s arsenal. You never know where an opportunity will come up, or where a conversation could take you! Therefore, keep an eye out for any jobseeker networking events in your city or other opportunities to meet employers, such as job fairs and career expos.

If you’re networking online, LinkedIn is a great place to connect with those already working in your industry. Ensure that your details are up to date and accurate, with your latest positions, responsibilities and achievements. It’s also a good idea to look at other social media, like Facebook. For example, if you’re from the UK, the Brits in Dubai Facebook page [2] can be a fantastic resource.

While you’re online, take the time to clean up your social media profiles. One of the first things a hiring manager or employer will do is look you up online, so it’s best to remove any unprofessional photos or content. It’s also worth checking your privacy settings and adapting as needed.

Pick up the phone

With so many jobseekers looking for roles, companies are receiving thousands of applications on a daily basis. Make sure you’re memorable by following up with a phone call – a simple introductory call will differentiate you from the crowd and give you yet another chance to impress.

Register with a recruitment agency

Another great way to ensure you stay ahead of the crowd in the job hunt is to register with a recruitment agency. Your consultant will be able to provide advice on your job-seeking efforts, as well as put you forward for any suitable roles. Recruitment agencies like Tiger often work exclusively with high-profile companies, providing a direct pathway to lucrative careers.

Word to the wise – if you’re using recruitment agencies in your job search, you shouldn’t agree to be put forward for the same role by several different recruiters. You may think this will maximise your chances of being called in for an interview, but it actually has the opposite effect as hiring managers will be more likely to discount you.

Prepare for your interview!

A hiring manager has seen your CV and welcomed you in for an interview – congratulations! Don’t throw away your chance by not preparing accordingly. Make sure you research the company, position and industry prior to the interview and have a think about your answers to potential interview questions. If interviewing in person, look up your route beforehand and make sure you arrive with plenty of time – it’s much better to arrive early and go for a coffee nearby, instead of rushing in a few minutes late. If interviewing virtually, double check the calendar invite to make sure you log in on time.

Should you be looking for a new role, get in touch with Tiger’s Dubai office.

1. HTTPS://WWW.EXPATEXPLORER.HSBC.COM/SURVEY//FILES/PDFS/COUNTRY-REPORTS/AE.PDF

2. https://www.facebook.com/groups/britsindubai

The post Job-hunting in a saturated market – how to stand out from the crowd in Dubai appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Dubai is a cultural melting pot, a cosmopolitan oasis built in the harsh Arabian desert. This rapidly growing new city has become the major success story of the Middle East, heralding a new era of economic development in the region.

But what is it actually like to live there? While it may have become an icon for its lavish and sometimes brash architecture – and lifestyles to match – the reality can be a little different. Here are just some of the things you’ll need to consider.

Tax Free Salary

The high tax free salary is one of Dubai’s major draws for expats looking to relocate. However, the rising costs, expensive rents and high school fees can be major expenses to consider. The day- to-day costs have been slowly creeping up but the salaries have not increased to match this.

Lifestyle

Dubai is one of the best places for foodies; there are thousands of restaurants across the city serving cuisine from all over the world. From high-end restaurants like Nobu to cheap Pakistani canteens like Ravi’s, there is something for everyone and most of the restaurants will deliver to your door.

There is a misconception about alcohol in Dubai – contrary to popular opinion, there are thousands of bars that are open to expats. You do, however, need a special licence to buy alcohol from an alcohol shop; these can be obtained fairly easily through your company once you start work. There is a monthly limit on the amount you can spend on booze each month, dependant on your salary.

There are loads of things to do in Dubai if you are an outdoor enthusiast, but only in the winter, as the summer is way too hot. You can take road trips into the mountains in one of the other Emirates, Ras al-Khaimah, while Oman has fantastic rock climbing and hiking.

You can take a scuba diving trip to Musandam, where you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the likes of whale sharks, mola molas, turtles, and a wide range of tropical reef fish. Kite surfing is also very popular in Dubai, with lessons readily available and designated kite zone areas on the beaches.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, you can head down to Al Ain, where there is a huge man-made surf pool and white-water rafting facility. There are also lots of fantastic water parks, such as Wild Wadi and Aqua Adventure, perfect for spending the day frolicking in a tube on a lazy river

On the other hand, if animals and wildlife is more to your taste, there are several places to choose from, including Desert Islands Resort, Al Ain Zoo, Emirates Park Zoo, Atlantis Aquarium and Qasr Al Sarab.

Dubai Strategic Business Location

Many businesses in the region take advantage of Dubai’s strategic city location, bridging East to West. Not only is it a stepping point to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the region, but also can be strategic to expanding businesses into North Africa and the Far East.

How to find a role in Dubai

It is always easier to find a role if you are already in Dubai, especially for business support roles. Dubai’s job market is extremely competitive and if you do want to show you are committed it is better to fly out on a visit visa while you look for a role. Please contact Zahra Clark for more information about finding business support roles in the region.

The post Is Dubai the city for you? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people and businesses. Challenges arising from the coronavirus have resulted in many workers finding themselves with less work than usual. If you’re currently out of work or have more free time due to the pandemic, why not make the best of it?

You can use the extra time as an opportunity to gain new knowledge and improve your job skills. To help you get started, we’ve put together the best free online courses to complete during the pandemic.

Introduction to Marketing

https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-marketing

Although your chosen career path may not involve marketing; having a base-level of knowledge of this part of business is always an advantage. The Introduction to Marketing course from Alison is a great way to learn about marketing management fundamentals. You will get the best of both theoretical and practical elements, while learning about the different strategies and platforms for marketing.

After completing the course, you’ll understand how marketing works for different types of businesses. The course only takes a few hours to do, so it’s a quick and easy way to get to grips with the basic principles of marketing.

Introduction to cybersecurity: stay safe online

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/introduction-cyber-security-stay-safe-online/content-section-overview?in_menu=1190776

Cyber security is a massive focus in any company and it is the responsibility of everyone in the business to stay safe online. This free online course from the Open University helps you gain essential cyber security skills. The lessons learned will be a great benefit in both your work and personal life, especially if you work in a business support role. It’s likely you’ll have access to sensitive company information, so it’s essential for you to learn how to be vigilant while online.

In the course, you’ll learn how to protect your digital life, whether you’re at home or work. The course has been developed with support from the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Programme and is endorsed by the CPD Standards Office, proving its expertise and reliability. Finally, it is an excellent way of showing professional development, as your current or future employer will appreciate how conscientious you are about cyber safety.

Harvard free online courses 

https://online-learning.harvard.edu/subject/business

Some of the top educational institutions in the world have responded to the pandemic by offering free online resources, including Harvard University. Harvard free online courses are available across many subjects and within their business courses category, you will find a great choice of free material.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the basics of accounting, or how to improve your business leadership skills, you will find a course to suit. Also, as one of the best business schools world-wide, Harvard is an impressive name to have on your CV.

Free business course online

https://www.oxfordhomestudy.com/courses/business-studies-online/free-business-course-online

If you’re looking to advance your career, this free online business course is an excellent first step. As an introductory-level course, you’re given a set of lessons to help you understand how a business functions. Being able to apply this to your work gives you a greater understanding of all levels of business hierarchy.

The course covers everything from business models to human resource management. Not only will it help you in your daily work, but it also shows any potential employer your commitment to improving your skills.

Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19

https://www.coursera.org/learn/manage-health-covid-19

When it comes to improving your skills, it doesn’t just have to be about work or your CV. As we go through this unprecedented time, our mental health becomes more important than ever, with several free mental health and wellbeing courses created to help cope with the pandemic.

The Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19 course has been created in collaboration with the Psychology Department of the University of Toronto. You will explore how to manage anxiety, find tools to cope with crises and look at the effects of isolation. The course also covers how to manage the consumption of news, along with control measures to protect against depression.

This is only a selection of the hundreds of resources online to explore. Anything that helps you make the most of your free time is worth completing, whether it’s something to further your career aspirations, or something to aid your personal development. If you’re considering a new role when restrictions lift, or you’re looking to recruit the right candidate to fill a position, Tiger Recruitment is here to help. Contact us today for more information.

The post Five free online courses to try during lockdown appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

With the current situation forcing us to work differently, you may now find yourself carrying out your daily tasks in new ways, like participating in video meetings. Instead of all gathering together in the office for daily or weekly check-ins, most of us are now using this medium to stay connected while working remotely.

If you’re new to the art of the video call and not sure of video meeting etiquette, we’re here to help. With our top 10 tips for video conference meetings, you can make sure you get it right next time you log on to Zoom.

1. Get ready on time

While we know it’s standard with any meeting to be on time and ready to go when the session is scheduled to start, it’s even more important for a video conference. This is because you will need time to set up the technology and connect your video and audio. If you jump in late, you can’t just slip in the back of the room – everyone will be able to see you, which is very distracting for the person speaking.

2. No backgrounds

Find a tidy and professional space at home where you can sit in front of a plain wall or background. Wallpaper or artwork with busy and distracting patterns is a no-go, as well as using a video background. Remember, this is a professional Zoom video meeting, so there’s no need to impress everyone with your decor or tech skills.

3. Frame yourself properly

There may be times when you find yourself staring at the forehead or nostrils of a co-worker during a video meeting – you don’t want to be that person! Before joining the call, take a few seconds to ensure your face is in the frame at a straight angle. If you’re using Zoom, there is an opportunity to check this while waiting to enter a conference call.

4. Find a quiet place

As is the case with the current situation, many of us find ourselves working from home with our partners, housemates, children and pets. While we know this doesn’t make for the quietest of offices, you will need to choose a place with no distractions to attend the video meeting. Go into a separate room if possible and make sure there are no other noises, like the TV or voices. If there’s someone else working from home with you, try to plan your meeting times to be at staggered time slots to avoid two video calls in the same space.

5. Make sure you’re well lit

Poor lighting will make the video quality poor and grainy – this is video meeting 101. Try to make sure the space you’re using has enough light so you are seen clearly. If you have a window, position your laptop or webcam in front of it so you’re naturally lit. If not, try to ensure the room’s walls are bright and use multiple light sources where you can.

6. Wear work clothes

It’s definitely tempting to hang out in your comfy clothes now you find yourself at home all day. However, if you have a Zoom video meeting scheduled, you should wear work-appropriate clothing. It will not only look more professional, but it will help you get into the right mindset for the meeting.

7. Mute yourself when not speaking

Even if you’ve found a quiet space for the video meeting, you’d be surprised by what the microphone can still pick up! Turning yourself on mute when you’re not talking will remove any distractions or annoying noises for other participants. This is especially important for conference calls with many participants, as the sounds from everyone’s homes can create quite the cacophony.

8. Look into the camera when you speak

Very important on our list of what to do in a video meeting! Looking into the camera when you’re speaking is the equivalent of looking into someone’s eyes in person, so it’s an essential practice. If you’re looking elsewhere as you talk, it can look unprofessional and be distracting, even if you don’t mean to be. Remember, your face is clearly visible for everyone to see, so the group will notice things they can’t pick up in person.

9. Don’t stare at yourself when someone else is speaking

It can be tempting to look at your camera feed during the meeting, especially to check how you’re presenting to everyone else in the meeting. However, if you’re staring at yourself when someone else is speaking, it can seem like you’re not paying attention. If you find it’s impossible to stop staring at yourself, put a post-it note on the screen where your face is shown to eliminate the distraction.

10. Pay attention

You may think you’re great at multitasking and are able to check emails or work during a video meeting, but the other participants will know. Give all your attention to the meeting, as you may miss out on any important information shared as well as come across as rude or inconsiderate.

If you’re looking to recruit new members for your team or now find yourself looking for a new job, contact Tiger Recruitment today. We are a leading recruitment agency for matching individuals and businesses in permanent roles.

The post 10 top tips for video meeting etiquette appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Fly through your next PA interview with these top tips!

Interviewing can be a daunting task, particularly when there is significant competition among job seekers. We understand that great jobs in Dubai can be few and far between, and – like anything – preparation is key. Take comfort in the fact that your prospective employer is obviously impressed by your experience and your CV. All that’s left to do is wow them with your presence and detailed experience. As a reputable job agency in Dubai, we’re experienced PA and executive assistant recruiters who have the inside track on how best to stand out from the crowd. Think about taking on board the below tips before you approach your next interview – hopefully they’ll help you seal the deal!

Do your research

First things first, do your research! We recommend starting with researching your interviewer(s) and/or line manager. You can do this quite easily on LinkedIn and by googling their names. Finding out about your interviewers just gives you a little bit of knowledge that could be useful in context. For example, if your interviewer has spent a number of years with the company and progressed through the ranks, you could ask, “When doing my research, I noticed that you have been here a while and have had quite impressive career progression. What advice would you have for me if I wanted to do the same?”

Similarly, it’s important to research the company itself. Check if they’ve recently been featured in the news, find out the company size and look into the company values and mission statement. All of these useful snippets can be used to weave into the conversation. Demonstrating that you have completed your research shows the interviewer that you are thorough, considered in your approach and enthusiastic about the role at hand – all of which will pay dividends when it comes to deciding on the selected candidate.

Put your best shoe forward

One of the key reasons for interviewing candidates face-to-face, rather than hiring a personal assistant based on the CV, is to assess how you present.

First things first: wardrobe! Even if you know that the office has a more casual dress code, always attend your interview in more formal attire. Iron your clothes, if they need it, and polish your shoes. Ladies, please wear minimal jewellery and make-up.

Next up: body language! Did you know that you have just 30 seconds to make a positive first impression? Most of this will be based on your body language, so make it count! When you meet your interviewer(s), ensure you are standing and show them a warm smile. The hand shake should be firm. While sitting down for your interview, keep your body language open. Hands should be placed on your lap or on the table, rather than crossed against your chest.

Lastly, try not to let nerves overshadow your personality from shining through. Your prospective employer wants to see how well you might fit into the team environment, and they will (as most people are) likely be drawn to a warm and engaging personality rather than someone who gives one-word answers and doesn’t smile.

Match your experience to the job description

When preparing for your new job in Dubai or wider Middle East, print out the job description and review the responsibilities and desired skills listed. For each of them, think about previous experiences you’ve had where you can demonstrate a competency in that area. Ideally, you’ll go armed into the interview with a handful of strong examples that you can incorporate into your responses.

For example, if the job description lists complex travel arrangements and a desired skill for ‘juggling multiple priorities’, draw on an example where you perhaps had to organise a multi-stop trip for a previous principal and mitigated a crisis of airline cancellations, delayed meetings and transfer problems. Explaining how you responded in a crisis, all the while ensuring the principal had a great trip and experienced as seamless a trip as possible, will show the interviewer that you absolutely meet those set criteria.

_____

Ultimately, it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Try practising your interview techniques with a friend or family member. Additionally, use your recruiter and ask them for advice on what the hiring manager might be looking for! Any good recruitment agency in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or the wider Middle East will help you prep for your interview properly!

To find your next perfect personal assistant job in Dubai, submit your information to our database here.

The post Interviewing for a personal assistant job in Dubai? Read our tips! appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

If you’re looking to move to the MENA region for a new role, why not consider Saudi Arabia? While in the past, the Kingdom has enforced conservative social laws that expats may find hard to adapt to, these are now relaxing. Alongside this, we believe that Saudi Arabia will give Dubai a run for its money in terms of growth and development. Here are four reasons why you should consider looking for your next secretary job in Saudi Arabia.

Upturn in the Saudi economy

The International Monetary Fund has projected the Saudi economy will increase its GDP over the coming twelve months[1]. While Dubai and the greater UAE has long been a centre for business in the Middle East, we’re predicting the Saudi market will overtake it in the future. This will in turn encourage business opportunities for companies setting up in Saudi, resulting in increased positions for those looking to progress their career.

Involvement in giga-projects

Right now, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a massive-scale development plan named Vision 2030[2]. The main driver behind this plan is to diversify the economy, as it previously relied on oil for its wealth. The focus is now turning to other sectors such as tourism and transportation. These developments, known as ‘giga-projects’, are in progress – bringing with them exciting roles. These range from luxury tourist islands to entertainment cities. If you want to gain experience in large projects, this is the right time to move into the region.

Increased bonuses

If you’re looking for a job in Riyadh, it won’t be unusual for you to receive an end-of-year bonus equivalent to two or three months’ salary[3]. When compared to average bonuses in Western countries like the UK, that is a lot more money in your pocket at the end of the year. It’s no wonder that expats often take home quite a considerable savings pot. While the government did introduce an expat fee in 2017, this doesn’t outweigh the impressive salary and bonus package available if you make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Well-established international community

If you take a job in Saudi Arabia, you’ll be able to experience a thriving expat community. In fact, expats account for over 75% of the Saudi labour market[4]. This makes many aspects of life in a new city a lot easier. For example, if you’re looking to put your children into school, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are many to choose from. You’ll be able to find the UK curriculum, the International Baccalaureate, the US model or the International Primary Curriculum taught across the city in international schools. Also, many expats live in gated communities known as compounds that contain everything you might need – shops, restaurants, entertainment centres and schools. These areas are also more tolerant of social rules and allow like-minded people to meet easily.

Tiger Recruitment is one of the leading business support recruitment agencies in Saudi Arabia. Submit your details online or look at our live job listings to start your job search today!

[1] https://www.reuters.com/article/g20-saudi-cenbank-sama/update-2-saudi-economy-set-to-grow-this-year-driven-by-non-oil-sector-central-bank-idUSL5N2AM03J

[2] https://www.driver-group.com/europe/news/the-giga-projects-of-saudi-arabia

[3] http://www.kingpininternational.com/news/article/5-reasons-relocate-saudi-arabia/

[4] https://gulfbusiness.com/expats-account-75-jobs-saudis-labour-market-report/

The post Four reasons to consider a secretarial job in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Being organised at work will have an immediate positive impact on your productivity. It can help you produce a better quality of work, make fewer mistakes, and work more efficiently. Prioritising and getting organised also helps to reduce stress and overwhelm.

Albeit not all of us are naturally gifted with supreme organisational skills, it is possible to improve them by following a few simple tips.

Here are our six top tips to help you stay organised at work and get more done.

Create a master ‘to do’ list

The first step in getting organised is to create a master list that documents all the tasks you need to complete. It can be a daily, weekly, or monthly list.

Depending on your role, a weekly list may work best. Weekly lists will supercharge your organisation and productivity and give you the flexibility to make amendments as and when is necessary for your role.

Write down everything that needs to be done in a specific week and assign certain tasks to each day.

Prioritise your tasks

Strategic prioritisation is essential for getting everything done. You need to arrange tasks according to their deadline, the amount of time required to complete them, and the focus they will require.

It may be more effective to work on tasks that require high levels of focus when you’re at your most productive and leave tasks that require less energy for another time of the day.

Avoid multitasking

Multitasking is one of the biggest obstacles to productivity. It’s essential to focus on one task at a time to produce a high standard of work and get as much done as possible.

Unless something urgent needs your attention, block out time in your calendar to carry out focused work. Set aside time elsewhere in the day to check your emails and make phone calls.

Organise your workspace

As the saying goes – tidy desk, tidy mind. It can be your physical workspace, such as your desk, and your digital one, such as your laptop, inbox, etcetera.

One of the biggest time-wasters in the workplace is trawling through hundreds of emails, folders, or documents when looking for something, simply because files aren’t organised efficiently on your laptop.

Create SOP’s

Standard Operating Procedures consist of the step-by-step processes that you need to follow to complete specific tasks.

This step is crucial to reduce the likelihood of making mistakes, and it helps to be precise and efficient when managing your workload.

Keeping a folder with all the different SOPs required for your role means you’ll have all the information you need to perform your role successfully to hand, readily and easily accessible.

Master time management by implementing one of these popular techniques

Time-management techniques can help you to manipulate time and get more done.

You may want to try:

– The Pomodoro technique: you select a task you need to focus on, set a timer for 25 minutes and work solely on that task. After 25 minutes, you take a short break (typically 5 minutes), then start again for another 25 minutes.

– The ‘Eat that frog’ technique: Championed by motivational speaker and productivity expert Brian Tracy, the goal of this method is to analyse the items on your list and organise them according to their difficulty. The idea is that you tackle the most challenging tasks first.

– The Kanban technique: this is an effective workflow management method for visual learners. On a board, your notebook, or your laptop, create three sections: to-do, in progress, done. Then write your tasks and move them across the sections based on their progress and completion.

If you’re serious about supercharging your organisational skills, you could also benefit from a time management app such as Todoist or Toggl Track.

Increasing your organisational skills will not only help you to stay on top of your workload, it will also maximise your chances of excelling in your role. If you implement these tips gradually into your workday you’ll start to see a noticeable difference in the quality of your work and in the results you produce.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Feel free to read more on our Insights page.

Are you ready to write the next chapter of your career? Get in touch with us here, and one of our consultants will be happy to help.

The post Six tips to improve your productivity and organisation at work appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

20 years ago, most workers would leave school or university, find themselves a job and work their way up the ladder, staying within the same company for five, 10 or even 20 years. As such, the idea of ‘longevity’ on a CV stuck, as employers looked for employees who could demonstrate their loyalty.

The idea of longevity is now a thing of the past, thanks to a millennial sensibility that’s seen the average jobseeker spend less than two years in each position as they career hop. This is especially true of PA recruitment in Dubai.

So, what does this job jumping mean for employers examining CVs now?

The stats

Tiger’s 2021 UK Salary Review revealed that 40% of staff were planning on leaving within the next 12 months. Similarly, a survey by Gallup found that half of millennials show less willingness to stay in their current job [1]. The same survey revealed 60% of millennials say they are open to a different job opportunity.

This shift, led by the younger workforce and encouraged by the global recession in 2008, has seen the norm shift from a ‘job for life’ to workers who aren’t afraid to move on, search for new opportunities, a pay rise, better benefits, a sense of purpose or simply reaching the ceiling in their organisation. Even despite the financial uncertainty of the pandemic, many are willing to move on due to the way their organisation handled the crisis.

What does this mean for hiring managers?

With all of this in mind, the approach to job hoppers must now shift. The definition for ‘hoppy’ has now changed – a candidate changing jobs every two years is the new standard, provided that they can validate their reasons for leaving. Therefore, the baseline for loyalty must change – instead of judging on longevity, hiring managers need to examine the scope of work completed by the candidate in their role and the impact they were able to have on the business. Instead of wondering ‘when will this candidate leave?’, it is up to the hiring manager to harness their ambition and highlight what the business can do to encourage their growth and career progression. At the end of the day, which would you rather – a high-performing candidate that excels over 18 months before moving on, or a candidate that does what they’re meant to and nothing more for five years?

The benefits of job-hopping

There are many reasons that a candidate may change jobs more regularly than before, some of which will be outside their control. Post-2008, most support staff roles in the banking and financial services industries, for example, are based on two-year or 20-month contracts.

A candidate with numerous stints in a range of workplaces has usually experienced different working styles, personalities and processes, meaning they’ll be able to adapt to new procedures easily. Their depth of knowledge and skillset also tends to be wider, as they have encountered a variety of programmes and techniques.

Often, candidates who do move jobs within two years are doing so for progression, or for an opportunity for professional development. This demonstrates a drive for self-improvement and a desire to keep learning, which only bodes well for a business – an employee willing to upskill and develop their knowledge will bring this back into the business.

What to look for instead

When hiring a personal assistant or other support staff, it’s important to focus on the experiences they’ve had, rather than how long they’ve had them. An EA that’s worked in a fast-paced private equity firm may have experienced a much steeper learning curve and been exposed to much more than, say, a PA who has stayed in the same role for 18 months. Therefore, when looking at CVs, look for the skillset that you know your role needs. Should it be appointment-heavy, look for PAs and EAs who have dealt with multiple or ever-changing diaries. If the role requires knowledge of an office move, look for previous experience in this area.

It’s also worth discussing with your recruiter, or the candidate themselves, the reasons for a candidate’s jumpy CV. Understanding their reason for leaving can go a long way in understanding their career goals and the value they could bring to your business.

—

Looking to hire? Tiger works with candidates from a range of industries and backgrounds. Get in touch to see how we can help, or read our comprehensive interview guide for employers. 

[1] https://www.gallup.com/workplace/231587/millennials-job-hopping-generation.aspx

The post What should a good CV look like? Re-defining job hopping appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

As a personal assistant, to say you complete a plethora of different tasks would be an understatement. While it may seem overwhelming at times, technology can help to complete some of these tasks quickly and efficiently. From managing diaries to arranging events and transport, embracing new technology can serve to increase productivity and reduce errors. As one of the leading recruitment agencies in Dubai, we’ve put together three technology trends and tools to help you in your day-to-day working life.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Certain tasks can be repetitive and time-consuming. By using specific AI technologies, however, you can reduce how much time is spent on these, enabling you to focus on more strategic tasks. Using AI can also help to reduce the risk of human error, such as double-booking meetings or buying plane tickets on the wrong day. Technologies like x.ai, for example, can schedule multiple calendars and coordinate optimal times for meetings for you[1]. The software responds to meeting requests via email and suggests times that suit all participants based on time zones, time between meetings and your principal’s desired meeting time.

In a trend report conducted by Advanced[2] in 2019, 34% of administrative professionals stated that they have some exposure to AI technologies on a daily basis (up from 26% in 2018), thus proving it’s becoming more popular.

Specialised cloud software

Specialised cloud software offers a number of benefits and is generally easy to use, with one benefit being increased flexibility. As a PA with a busy schedule, cloud software allows you to access your files from anywhere in the world.

Cloud software is also better for the environment compared to a paper-based system[3]. Where you may have previously churned through hundreds of sheets of paper a week when reporting, managing expenses or arranging travel, using cloud software can minimise this. This could be using something as simple as Google Drive, or a more specialised system like Workday (finance) or Splunk (IT).

Collaboration software

Good communication is essential. You’re required to liaise with a number of different people internally and externally, so using collaborative applications and software could make your job significantly easier. Applications such as Slack[4] allow you to share files and receive responses from colleagues instantly. Individual or group conversations are possible – and everything is searchable in Slack so you can quickly catch up on past conversations.

As you can see from the above list, embracing technology when completing your daily tasks may prove to be extremely beneficial for your overall productivity. It will also free up your time to work on tasks that require a human touch, like managing an office move, or communicating with your Principal’s clients.

Looking to Hire a PA?

Tiger Recruitment is here to assist. We specialise in matching individuals and businesses with the perfect PA to meet your unique needs. Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the right fit for your lifestyle and business. For more insights into PA recruitment, read our ultimate guide to hiring a personal assistant.

[1] https://x.ai/how-it-works/

[2] https://www.oneadvanced.com/trends-report/

[3] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/going-green-10-ways-to-make-your-office-more-eco-friendly-and-efficient/

[4] https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/

Written by Beckie Jordan for Advanced

The post The top technology trends for PAs appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

When it comes to understanding what makes a good PA, it’s one thing learning about the tasks of a personal assistant, but to gain the full picture you’ll need a firm grasp of the top PA skills that support those tasks.

These range from administrative to time management and interpersonal skills.

The best personal assistants possess a balance of hard and soft skills that allow them to handle the admin side of the job and, as the name suggests, the personal side. Let’s look at what these personal assistant skills are.

Organisation and timekeeping

The first skill that will see a PA sink or swim is their ability to multitask. Staying on top of the workload is a must for any job, but because the daily duties of a PA are so varied and often at the mercy of other people’s schedules, they will need to have a knack for organising, prioritising, and sticking to deadlines. We recommend getting to know the many useful apps and tools for PAs that will help a PA manage multiple projects and calendars.

Clear communication

A personal assistant must filter out the barrage of noise coming their manager’s way, and pick out only the most pertinent points to feed through to them. The manager will want quick and concise updates that they can then make a decision on, so learning to ‘cut to the chase’ when speaking or writing should be a priority for a PA.

Attention to detail

Having a good eye and memory for small but important details is a superpower of personal assistants. Working at a fast pace on a mix of tasks means crucial information is always at risk of being lost, be it data for a report, flight times, or a top client’s email address, a PA will need to stay vigilant at all times.

Tech-savvy

While a PA won’t need to be a tech guru to do their job effectively, general computer and software fluency is essential. Programmes like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint will be a permanent fixture on their desktop for tasks like expenses, comms and presentations, while businesses will also expect a PA to be able to pick up their internal systems quickly.

Be a people person

The number one soft skill for the role of PA is sociability. As the first point of contact for their manager, PAs occasionally deal with frustrated or angry colleagues and clients, not to mention the manager themselves. So, the best PAs have a thick skin, calm temperament, and the ability to connect with all sorts of personalities, ensuring even the trickiest situations can be resolved.

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If you’re planning to apply for a PA job, being able to demonstrate these skills will greatly improve your desirability to a hiring manager, so don’t forget to include them on your personal assistant CV.

If you are looking to hire a personal assistant, read our guide to hiring a PA for a comprehensive rundown of every aspect of the recruitment process.

The post Five personal assistant skills you need to succeed appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Personal assistants may be known for their resourcefulness and can-do attitude, but even the best rely on a little help from smart tech to boost their productivity. These online services are becoming more and more vital with the rise of remote-working PAs and EAs.

In this list, we’ve highlighted the top software and apps designed to complement the most common personal assistant duties, including:

• Diary management
• Project management
• Travel & accommodation
• Expenses
• Comms

All the personal assistant resources listed below have desktop and smartphone versions, can be integrated with other apps and, best of all, have a free tier! So, what are the best PA and virtual assistant tools?

Diary management: Calendly

A big part of the personal assistant role is keeping on top of the manager’s diary. With new client appointments, team meetings and event invitations coming in from multiple platforms every day, a coordinating tool like Calendly is indispensable. It can integrate all online calendars into one place, and allow contacts to view a manager’s availability and book in a meeting – all without the long emails back and forth.

• Top tip: Include a link to Calendly in your email signature to make it even easier for contacts to secure a free slot.

Tidying up the to do list: Trello

Trello is hugely popular across industries and professions, and for good reason. It’s a customisable, easy-to-use, shareable task manager that helps teams work seamlessly together. PAs can organise theirs and their manager’s day-to-day tasks in a simple, visual style that will help to prioritise work, separate different projects, and set deadlines.

• Top tip: Are you currently using spreadsheets to create project plans and to do lists? Trello lets you convert these into its card-based system simply by copying and pasting it in.

Travel itinerary: TravelPerk

Booking and managing travel and accommodation can be a messy business. Shopping around for the best airline and hotel deals often means you end up juggling emails from different travel companies for every leg of a business trip. Enter TravelPerk: a one-stop shop for plane, train and hotel bookings! Personal assistants can view all tickets, amendments, and cancellations on their desktop or mobile, making one of the most stressful aspects of the role manageable.

• Top tip: For B Corp certified companies like Tiger, sustainable travel is a must. Use GreenPerk to not only offset your carbon footprint, but make meaningful contributions to environmental projects around the world.

Balancing the books: Expensify

With Expensify, PAs can create automatic expense reports, input physical receipts via photos, and even sync with apps like TravelPerk to import digital receipts. Cutting out tricky manual inputting makes this a real time-saver.

• Top tip: The optional Expensify Card can be used as a replacement for company credit cards, with customisable spending limits and smart fraud protection.

Flawless writing: Grammarly

Corresponding with clients and other senior partners on behalf of their manager is a significant responsibility for a PA. They will need excellent writing skills and an understanding of tone of voice. Grammarly is the perfect tool to help with this. Not only does it catch any grammatical errors that could reflect badly on the manager, but it will also suggest revisions to the writing to make it clearer, more concise, and appropriate to different audiences.

• Top tip: Use the ‘tone detector’ to choose between formal, neutral, and informal tones of voice – because we all let our emotions slip into our writing sometimes!

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With these tools in their arsenal, a PA will free up hours of time spent on admin, and in turn help their manager be more productive.

If you’re a PA starting to use these tools, don’t forget to add them to your CV! Refer to our personal assistant CV template for extra tips on getting ahead of the pack.

If you are looking to hire a personal assistant, read our guide to hiring a PA and get in touch with your requirements.

The post Five Essential Personal Assistant Tools appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

As the leading PA recruitment agency in Dubai and beyond, we’ve worked with thousands of individuals in PA jobs. From start-ups to global corporations, finance to creative industries, we’ve seen the whole range of job specs, giving us unrivalled insights into salaries across the market. So, whatever the job may look like, we can give you the best advice on what to expect of a personal assistant’s salary.

What is a personal assistant?

Personal assistants can be found in every industry, performing a highly valued role. Whether they’re working with a business manager or an UHNWI in a private capacity, PAs are vital for making their principal’s working lives smooth and efficient.

Of course, the day-to-day life of a PA in the creative sector may look quite different to one in investment banking, but the core duties of a personal assistant remain the same:

• Work and personal diary management
• Being the point of contact on phone and email
• Travel and accommodation booking
• Booking meetings
• Preparing presentations and meeting materials
• Taking minutes of meetings

These time-sensitive and pressure-filled tasks favour assistants with a particular set of personality traits, such as clear communication, initiative, discretion and timekeeping. The best PAs have these traits in abundance and thrive in this fast-paced position. But that doesn’t mean they should be happy to do it for an uncompetitive salary!

How much do personal assistants make?

When it comes to the salary of a personal assistant, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, the salary will depend on the industry, the level of seniority, whether the role is remote or office-based, and whether it’s a corporate role or a private PA job.

Below you will find some guidelines on the most up-to-date personal assistant salaries.

Personal assistant salary based on industry

Financial services companies are known to be paying the highest salaries to PAs in the market. The salaries in this industry can typically range from AED20,000-AED30,000 per month.

In addition, this industry usually provides great benefits and bonuses for their employees.

The personal assistant salaries in the tech industry can range between AED18,000-AED22,000, in the creative industry between AED15,000-AED20,000, and in the non-profit/charity, and education sectors pay between AED12,000-£15,000.

Average PA salaries based on seniority

The salary of a personal assistant will also be affected by seniority of the role. On average, for an entry level/junior office role with the prospect of progressing into a PA role, the salary will be around AED18,000-AED20,000 per month.

Private personal assistant salary

If being a private PA is your goal, expect to see quite a different range of salaries for this role. That’s because the pay will be affected by several factors, based on the principal’s requirements.

Some of these factors might be:

• If the role involves a lot of travelling
• If it requires 24/7 availability
• If it’s a traditional family office PA role

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these requirements affect the salary bracket, meaning salaries for private PA roles can range from AED25,000 to AED40,000 per month.

If you’d like more information on PA salaries in Dubai and the MENA region, you can request a copy of our Salary and Benefits Review.

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If you’re looking to hire a PA, read our ultimate guide to PA recruitment.

The post What does a PA earn? Here’s everything you need to know appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The role of personal assistant is a demanding one. It requires a PA to match the pace and rhythms of their manager’s day-to-day schedule, while also staying several steps ahead of them. To achieve this balancing act, we generally find that PAs need some key character traits.

Communication

Strong written and verbal communication is crucial for a PA. Everyone has their preferred form – email, text, phone call, face-to-face – even when dealing with a largely uncommunicative manager. No matter the manager’s preference, a PA must ensure that they are relaying all information back to them.

Some executives prefer for their PAs to attend all meetings with them. If this is the case, it’s crucial for the PA to make thorough notes to discuss post-meeting. They will then be able to pull them apart and prioritise action points. If it’s a virtual meeting, the advantage is that a PA will be able to record it to refer to afterwards.

If a PA does not attend meetings with their boss, it’s best practice to sit down together afterwards to discuss everything that has been touched on.

A PA will also often represent their boss to key stakeholders or be required to ‘gatekeep’. For this reason, we typically look for a PA’s communication style to be diplomatic, discrete, and for them to remain calm in the face of high pressure.

Example interview questions around communication:

1. Can you give us an example of a time when you had to relay complex information to someone in simple language, and how you achieved it?
2. How would you approach a conversation with a frustrated colleague or client on behalf of your manager?

Resilience

A resilient PA will quickly become an invaluable support to their team. Most of us, at one time or another in our careers, will occasionally be presented with the challenge of dealing with tricky situations and people. These might be clients, managers, time-sensitive projects or make-or-break presentations. PAs, however, see all of these regularly.

Not taking things personally is key, quite simply because they’re so frequently in high-pressure situations and more often than not (rightly or wrongly), on the receiving end of a frustrated individual or team.

Example interview questions around resilience:

1. How do you manage your stress levels in high-pressure situations?
2. Can you give an example of a time when you have juggled multiple deadlines?

Efficiency

It goes without saying that a great PA must be organised. They will implement organisational structures into their work and stick to them. By keeping their work life neat and tidy, a great PA will maintain a clear head and be ready for all situations.

Email management often plays an important role in a PA’s typical day: by organising all their emails into set folders, they can be broken down by sender or task and stored in each folder. Alternatively, there are apps to help automate inbox and diary management, ensuring that all emails are on hand when they are needed.

It goes without saying that every PA monitors their to-do list with pinpoint accuracy. Every time a new task comes up, PAs should think about its priority within their workload, then place it accordingly in the list. This reduces the chances of forgetting something and will help with time management.

Taking on the most difficult and time-consuming tasks at the beginning of the day minimises stress levels and maximises the standard of work.

Example interview questions about efficiency:

1. How do you organise your workload?
2. Tell us about a time you improved the efficiency of processes at work, and the results.

Proactivity

If nothing else, a PA must be proactive. It’s vital that they can stay ahead of their manager, regardless of the situation. This often means reviewing the meetings their manager has at the beginning of the week, and ensuring that all requirements, such as travel, agenda and rooms, are considered ahead of time.

There may be a time when a manager is out of the office or away on annual leave, leaving the PA to manage their affairs. As the first point of contact for clients and contacts, they will need to maintain high levels of professionalism to ensure that they are acting exactly as their boss would do in each situation.

Example interview questions about proactivity:

1. Can you give us an example of when you foresaw a potential issue and were able to avoid it ahead of time?
2. What methods do you use to stay on top of upcoming deadlines and events?

Positive attitude

Not only can the PA role be incredibly stressful at times, but a busy team will look to their PA as a constant. So, a successful PA must be able to approach every situation with optimism, working logically through each problem to find a solution. By keeping calm and staying upbeat, they will be able to complete tasks to a higher standard.

A PA is often required to represent their manager and company either on the telephone, via email, or face to face. Therefore, they need to be comfortable engaging in small talk and networking, always remaining polite and courteous. A PA will also be expected to stay positive and have that can-do attitude at all times, as this will play a huge part in staff morale.

Examples interview questions:

1. Describe a time when you faced a setback. How did you address and move past it?
2. Describe a challenge you’re most proud of overcoming?

Self-motivation

Personal assistants work with time-stretched senior managers, so cannot expect praise every time they complete a task on their to-do list. Self-motivation is therefore key to PAs being able to progress with their workload.

The most effective PAs will set themselves goals for the working day, aiming to complete a certain number of tasks on the list before taking the next coffee break. Working hard may look like it is going unrecognised, but it is always noticed.

Examples interview questions:

1. What do you do to get yourself into a work mindset after a break?
2. Describe a time when you set a challenging goal for yourself. How did you stay motivated to achieve it, and what were the outcomes?

Discretion

Discretion is one of the most important behaviours of a personal assistant, particularly private PAs. They will be exposed to a myriad of personal and professional confidences as a PA, and this unique characteristic will see the best assistants go far in their careers. A gossip might find their credibility is tarnished early on, while those who understand confidentiality will shortly prove themselves to be indispensable.

Example interview questions:

1. In what ways have you maintained confidentiality while working in a team environment, and how do you ensure that information remains secure and protected?
2. How would you handle a situation in which you discover a colleague’s confidential documents left behind in the office?

Looking to hire a PA? Read our guide to hiring a PA and get in touch with your requirements.

Looking for a PA job? Tiger Recruitment can help. Submit your details or see our available jobs now.

The post The traits of a successful PA appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Asking your boss for more money can be a nervous conversation for many people. However, with proper preparation and research you can both improve your chances and plan out your next step, whatever the outcome. Here are five things to know before you begin the conversation.

1. Know the business

Make sure you know what the company’s policy is on pay rises. Some will only consider them at annual reviews whilst others will have pay grades that are reliant on an employee’s position within the company. If there is an employee handbook it may contain details on this. Otherwise consider the best person to ask, be it your manager or a more experienced colleague. Either way, if it goes against company policy your chances will be slim. By finding out ahead of time, you can save yourself what could be an awkward conversation.

2. Know the market

Ensure you understand who else is out there who could take your role. For example, if you’re a PA and someone with a similar level of experience could be available at your current wages, it’s not necessarily in your employer’s interest to meet your wishes. By knowing the market you can be realistic about the likely outcome of your request but also benchmark what you believe you should be earning. Equally, if they turn you down without reasonable consideration you will know what else is out there and can consider moving on to find your desired salary.

3. Know your value

While you may be valued at a certain price on paper, think about what else you offer the business. If you have built up intricate knowledge that will be hard to replace, demonstrate it. Be ready to talk about your achievements in your role and how you’ve benefited the company. If your job description has changed or been added to, ensure this is acknowledged. Be fully prepared to explain what you personally offer the business and why it’s in their best interest to keep you.

4. Know the details

Once you’ve checked you’re working within company policy, are being realistic with your request and have noted why you believe you deserve a raise, it’s time to get your details in order. Be clear, concise and plan what you’ll say, working out a conversation framework ahead of the meeting. Try and pre-empt any questions or challenges your employer may put forward and have a response. And, though it may seem obvious, know how much you’re asking for, ensuring you can explain how you arrived at that figure.

5. Know your next move

There are several likely outcomes from a pay rise request. Be ready to respond to all of them. In the best case scenario, your employer says ‘yes’. This is where you’ll need to know exactly how much you’re asking for and why. Your employer may counter so be prepared for this as well. If you are willing to accept less than your initial request, know by how much. If not, explain why.

You may hear a response that starts “No, but…”. Listen carefully to their reasoning here. It may be the case that they want to but are unable due to cut backs or cash flow issues. If this is the case you may be able to agree a time to next discuss the issue or find out what you need to do to reach an agreement now. Worst case scenario is a flat no. Be polite and gracious, and enquire into what steps you could take for a pay rise to become a consideration. You can then decide if these are worth your while. If not, it may be time to move on.

Are you looking for an employer who knows your value? Send us your CV or get in touch to discuss your next move.

The post How to ask for a pay rise… and get one appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

How to Write a Letter of Resignation

If you’re wondering how to resign from a job, the best first step is to have a verbal conversation with your manager notifying them of your intention to resign, and that you will be sending in your letter. This can be an opportunity to provide any detail that doesn’t belong in your letter if you should so choose.

In addition, if you need to negotiate or discuss anything such as the length of your notice period, this conversation will give you the opportunity to come to an agreement before putting the details in writing.

It can be hard to know how to best go about writing a resignation letter, but doing so correctly is a crucial step to resigning gracefully. From structure and tone to how much detail you should include, here is an outline of how to write a resignation letter.

Resignation and Final Day

The two most important things to include when you write a letter of resignation are your statement of resignation and the date of your final day. Your statement of resignation can simply say that you are formally notifying your line manager of your resignation from your role at the company.

Secondly, it’s important to avoid any confusion around when your last day is. Check your employment contract for your notice period, count forwards to identify the correct date for your last day, and clearly state this date.

It’s possible that your notice period may end up being shorter or longer than that listed in your contract. This could be for many reasons, such as the starting date in your next role, or agreeing
to a request from your employer to stay longer and assist with the transition. If your notice period is adjusted from your contractual length, ensure to put it in writing, either in your letter or in a follow-up email. This will avoid any possibility of confusion about when you will be finishing up.

A Thank You

It is courteous to include a comment of thanks to your employer. Thank them for the opportunities and support provided during your time at the organisation. If there is something in particular you would like to thank your manager for, then briefly do so. You are not required to include a statement of thanks, but it is a recommended thing to include as part of a graceful resignation.

Handover

We suggest that you add a sentence offering to assist in the handover of your tasks to your replacement. You don’t need to go into detail here, as this is something that you will most likely discuss with your manager in person. This is an optional part of a resignation letter, but it is a great way to show your manager that you intend to leave on good terms. Remember, you may need your manager for a reference in the future.

Conclusion

Finish by signing off your letter with your full name. As this is a formal letter, it can be a good idea to include your contact details in the footer (or header) of your letter.

The above are the most common points to include in a letter of resignation. Depending on the nature of your work, you may be required to include additional information. Have a thorough read of your employment contract before writing your letter and ensure that you have identified any additional points that need adding.

Things To Avoid In Your Resignation Letter

There are some things that shouldn’t be said in a resignation letter. These topics may either be better suited to a face-to-face discussion, your exit interview, or even just for conversations at home. When considering how to write a resignation letter, keep these in mind.

Why You Are Leaving

You are not required by law to give a reason for your resignation, and it is usually a good idea to avoid this topic altogether in your letter. If you have found a new role, this is something that you can choose to verbally disclose in conversation with your manager.

Your New Employer

If you have found a new role, do not disclose the details of this in your resignation letter. You can choose to let your manager know about your new role in person, but this isn’t something that you should be including in your letter.

Complaints

It’s important to leave a job on good terms where possible, and your resignation letter is not the place to be airing grievances. If you have constructive feedback to provide your employer with, this is something that can be discussed in your exit interview. If you have frustrations that you feel need venting, avoid doing so in the workplace. Letting out your emotions is what friends and family are for!

Example Resignation Letter

As a starting point, we’ve outlined an example resignation letter below. Most resignation letters these days are handed in digitally. If you are handing your resignation letter in physically, it is a good idea to sign the bottom of the letter.

Date

Dear [manager’s name],

I am writing this letter to formally notify you of my resignation as [role title] at [company name], effective [date of sending]. In accordance with my employment contract, my last day of work will be [date of last day].

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support and opportunities provided to me in my time at [company name].

Please let me know how I can help ensure a smooth transition over the next [notice period length].

Kind Regards,
Your full name
Your contact details

Looking For A Job?

Are you looking for a job? Register with Tiger today to get started on finding the job of your dreams.

The post How To Write A Resignation Letter appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Moving to a new country is an exciting and rewarding endeavour, with the potential for personal and career growth. No more is this more obvious than Dubai, a city that ranks ninth in the world for career progression amongst expats.¹

However, as with any move to a new country with a different legal system, it’s worth educating yourself on the professional differences between your home country and the UAE. This is particularly relevant when it comes to salaries and packages. As an emerging economy and business centre, Dubai is still implementing many of the structures that exist in UK workplaces. Therefore, allowances like annual leave, maternity leave and insurance are calculated differently. Benefit schemes are also not as popular as companies are yet to implement additional incentives to attract and retain talent.

That said, this doesn’t mean the concept is completely unknown to businesses across the Middle East. For example, flexible working continues to rise in popularity, with a recent study by International Workplace Group (IWG) finding that 60% of UAE employees work somewhere other than their office at least one day a week. The same study also discovered 52% work away from the office for half the week (or more), while 10% are out of the office for the complete five days.

With 82% of employers recognizing the importance of offering a wide variety of voluntary benefits², there is potential for this area to only grow.

Salary packages

Most salary packages are broken up into basic salary and benefits, which can include anything from health insurance and accommodation, to transportation allowances and flights home. Generally, a package is much higher than in the UK. For example, among junior administration workers, AED 15,000 a month (approximately GBP 3000) would be considered low, while AED 20,000 (approximately GBP 4000) for a PA would be considered standard. On an annual salary, that would equate to over GBP 46,000 tax free as there is no income tax.

Common benefits

Health insurance is one of the few universal benefits offered by Dubai workplaces, as it is legally enforceable. However, as medical premiums continue to rise, employees are increasingly attracted to extended cover that ensures the ongoing wellbeing of both themselves and their families.²

Gratuity (the UAE pension equivalent) is also enforceable and is calculated according to basic salary and tenure at the company. Employees are paid the equivalent of 21 working days every year for their first five years of service. After five years, the allocation goes up to 30 days.

Annual leave is calculated in a similar way. After six months in a new role, an employee is entitled to two calendar days a month. After 12 months’ service, it is a base rate of 30 calendar days per annum. This varies slightly in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), as employees are allocated 20 calendar days per year after just three months. This doesn’t include any public holidays, as determined by the UAE government.

Based on Tiger’s latest data, about 50% of companies offer expats an annual flight home to their respective countries, making the distance between countries a little smaller. More generally, transportation allowance is a common benefit – a 2017 Salary Survey by job site Bayt.com found that 30% of surveyed employees in the UAE were reimbursed for their travel from home to their place of work. The number was even higher in Saudi Arabia and Qatar (44% and 33% respectively).³

According to the same study, approximately a quarter of employers also offer a housing allowance to order to reduce overall living costs, as well as the opportunity to earn bonuses on top of their basic salary.

Room for growth

Family-friendly benefits are still in short supply across Dubai workplaces, with just 5% of UAE employees receiving a children’s education allowance and 1% having access to a childcare facility.

Over the last 18 months, there have been strides in the way of maternity leave allowance, with public sector employees receiving 60 days at full pay, then reduced working hours for the following four months. Men in the public sector are entitled to paid paternity leave for three days within the first month.

However, in the private sector, new mothers are entitled to 45 days maternity leave. If they have been employed by the same company for one year, it is at full pay, otherwise, it is half pay. They are also entitled to two additional half-hour breaks a day for nursing.

Companies such as Omnicom Media Group and Edleman are leading the charge in this area, voluntarily doubling the allowance to 90 days and offering additional flexible working hours.⁴ They are joined by global companies such as Facebook, Google, Hill+Knowlton and Jumeirah Group, all of who offer benefits in line with their international offices, including flexible working, career development programmes and social events.

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Tiger Recruitment can help you find a role with the right benefits for you and your family. Get in touch today!

1. HTTPS://WWW.EXPATEXPLORER.HSBC.COM/SURVEY/COUNTRY/UNITED-ARAB-EMIRATES
2. HTTPS://WWW.METLIFE.AE/CONTENT/DAM/REFRESH/UAE_REFRESH/EN/ASSETS/PDF/EMPLOYEE-BENEFIT-TRENDS-STUDY/2017-EBTS.PDF
3. HTTPS://IMG0BM.B8CDN.COM/IMAGES/UPLOADS/ARTICLE_DOCS/BAYT-SALARY-SURVEY_04-2017_EN_33991_EN.PDF
4. HTTPS://GULFNEWS.COM/NEWS/UAE/GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE-FIRMS-EXTEND-MATERNITY-LEAVE-IN-UAE-1.2184930

The post Breaking down Dubai’s salary packages appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.

The city, celebrated as a popular tourist destination, is quickly becoming home to an abundance of professionals in their dream digital jobs.

The city has a thriving business community, recognised globally for its international trade and tourism. A modern destination pioneered by innovation and technology, Dubai is constantly evolving and positioning itself as a global leader for sustainability and digital transformation.

With an already large expatriate population, Dubai offers a diverse mix of cultures, often working in collaboration to create the next best idea in the digital space.

Following investment from the UAE’s oil sector, there are plenty of tech job opportunities in start-ups across retail tech, ecommerce and logistics tech.

Strategic Location

Dubai is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal hub for digital businesses. Its central location allows for efficient and cost-effective distribution of goods and services to a large customer base. The city also has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an international airport and ports, making it easy for residents and business professionals to travel in and out of the UAE.

Robust Infrastructure

The Dubai government has invested billions in transforming the city’s transport infrastructure to support industrial and economic growth. [1] Its proximity to key trade routes, such as the Suez Canal, further enhances its appeal as a hub for international trade and commerce. For digital companies, the highly developed infrastructure supports the growth and operation of business, as materials and manufacturing resources are more accessible.

Favourable Business Environment

Dubai offers a business-friendly environment with low taxes and streamlined regulations, attracting entrepreneurs and investors alike. This tax-friendly environment has drawn in many multinational corporations to set up their regional headquarters in the city. In addition to the low tax rate, Dubai offers other incentives such as political stability, a growing economy and fast procedures thanks to its large pool of skilled labour and industrial infrastructure.

Growing Tech Scene

Dubai is home to a growing technology scene, with a focus on sectors such as fintech, AI, e-commerce and renewable energy. The city’s government has made significant investments in technology and innovation, in order to position itself as a leader in the digital space. Dubai has established various technology parks, innovation centres and start-up incubators to support the growth of technology companies and encourage entrepreneurship. One example is the newly established Expo City, which offers huge benefits for tech start-ups. The city also hosts several technology conferences and events throughout the year, bringing together tech experts, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Living Standards

Dubai is home to a diverse population, with a large expatriate community from around the world. The majority of residents in Dubai are foreign nationals, with a small percentage of Emirati citizens. Dubai offers a high standard of living, with modern amenities and a wide range of recreational activities. The city also has a thriving cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries and cultural centres showcasing the rich heritage of the UAE and other countries. Overall, the residents of Dubai are a mix of cultures and nationalities, creating a dynamic and vibrant community. The city’s cosmopolitan nature and favourable business environment have attracted a large number of professionals from various industries, including finance, technology, and tourism.

If you’re looking for a new digital job in Dubai, check out our jobs listings or create your online profile here.

[1] The First Group

The post Five reasons why Dubai is the next go-to destination for digital appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

This year has already shown how exciting the future of technology is and the enormous potential it holds for humanity. Technological advancements are coming in thick and fast, transforming the way we live, interact and work. If you work in tech and are hiring digital staff, you’ll already be well aware!

No matter how hard you try to stay on top of this flood of software, gadgets and trends, sometimes the pace of technological innovation outruns us all. So, it’s good practice to regularly set aside time to take in the tech landscape and reorient yourself – particularly if you’re a professional looking for a job in tech. We’ve been doing just that and have singled out five tech advancements that will have a big impact on your working life for years to come.

These are some of the exciting trends in technology we’re following closely:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML have already revolutionised the way we use technology, and this trend is set to continue. AI writing tool ChatGPT has been on everybody’s lips this year, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Companies from Google to Snapchat are beginning to incorporate AI tools into their platforms to improve user experience. Many other AI-powered devices and applications will follow suit, becoming ever more sophisticated, personalised and widespread, thereby improving efficiency and decision-making in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Professionals in many industries have already been discovering new ways to streamline their work with AI tools, from helping to write blog posts, to creating marketing plans, and even spotting errors in coding.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is the name given to the increasingly large ecosystem of internet-connected devices. These days, this includes everything from doorbells to watches and baby monitors, and the list is growing.

The IoT will continue to connect devices and sensors, creating a vast source of data that can be analysed and utilised to enhance various sectors, including smart cities, transportation, and agriculture.

3. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

From its humble beginnings as gimmicky sci-fi goggles, VR (and later AR) has grown massively in quality and application. With mega-corporations like Google and Meta investing heavily, these technologies will continue to improve, making it possible to create immersive experiences for users in various fields such as gaming, education and healthcare.

4. 5G Technology

5G networks will provide faster and more reliable connectivity, enabling improved data transfer and supporting the growth of IoT and other emerging technologies. As the networks are rolled out in more locations, including developing markets, the possibility for increased global trade and seamless collaboration between businesses will skyrocket.

5. Quantum Computing

At the cutting edge of tech innovation is the hugely exciting quantum computing. This ground-breaking technology will revolutionise data processing, allowing for faster and more efficient computation, with potential applications in fields such as cryptography, logistics, and drug discovery.

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Overall, the future of technology looks incredibly promising, with many exciting advancements on the horizon that will help to solve some of the world’s most significant challenges. But they will also have untold impacts on our personal and working lives. Keeping one eye on these evolving technologies will ensure you’re in a good position to seize the opportunities they present.

We work with digital and tech professionals who have the skills and knowledge to keep your business at the forefront of its field. Get in touch today to benefit from their expertise.

The post Five tech innovations you should know – and how businesses are using them appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

When applying for a PA job, you should use every tool at your disposal to make the strongest case possible for yourself. The first and most important step should be an up-to-date and compelling personal assistant CV, but don’t neglect the icing on the cake – a personal assistant cover letter.

Cover letters are not always required by an employer but, where possible, we highly advise that you include one in your job applications. Many hiring managers still use them to distinguish the most enthusiastic and suitable applicants, and they’re a perfect way to showcase your writing skills and personality ahead of an interview.

Here we’ll give you a step-by-step guide to writing a personal assistant cover letter, with a downloadable PA cover letter example.

A step-by-step guide to writing a PA cover letter

A covering letter for personal assistant jobs can be treated as an expanded version of your PA personal statement on your CV. As with the personal statement, a cover letter will highlight your relevant skills, experience and character traits that are perfect for a PA job! But it’s also a chance to show your enthusiasm for the specific job and company, and explain why you’ll be a perfect fit.

In the simplest terms, your PA cover letter should tell the hiring manager:

• Who you are and why you’re applying for this role
• Your prior work experience and the skills attained
• Specific challenges and achievements in your career and how your skills and personality played a part in them
• How those same skills and personality traits will benefit the prospective employer

It’s best practice to keep the document to around one page and use the active voice to make your writing more powerful. Sentences in the active voice describe a subject performing an action on an object, whereas the passive voice describes an object having an action performed on it by the subject. For example, the active sentence “I increased the company’s efficiency by 30%” is much more direct and punchy than the passive version: “The company’s efficiency was increased 30% by me”.

Let’s look at each section of your personal assistant cover letter in detail:

1. Introduction

This is the ‘who and why’ of the piece. Keep it short and sweet, but show your interest in the position and company.

Perhaps you’re applying because you respect the company’s commitment to sustainability, or are a lifelong fan of their products and would love to be part of the team. Whatever it is, be honest in your reasons. In our PA cover letter example, the applicant is applying for a travel company, and highlights their love of travelling as part of the reason for their interest in the position.

If you know the hiring manager’s name, address the letter to them to give an added personal touch, but be careful to do your research and match the level of formality to the company culture.

2. Work experience, skills, and qualifications

Always keep the aim of your letter in mind so, when detailing previous jobs, focus on those that will get the hiring manager sit up and take notice. For a personal assistant cover letter, these will of course be any previous PA positions but, if you’re new to the PA role, it could be team assistant, office assistant, or even customer services roles that display your people skills.

Regardless of your depth of experience as a PA, the important thing in this section is to tie any jobs and the skills involved back to the question at hand: why are you the best person for this PA job?

This is also an opportunity to note any relevant PA certifications or qualifications you have.

3. Challenges & Achievements

By this point, your impressive list of prior employers and skillset have caught the hiring manager’s attention but, if you leave it at that, their answer will simply be “so what?”

There are any number of personal assistants out there with similar credentials who are doing a passable job. You need to show a new employer that you’ve done excellent work and will do so for them too. So, how do you do that?

A simple formula to follow is:

• Describe a challenge you encountered at work
• How did you use your skills and personality traits to overcome it?
• What was the outcome and how did it benefit the business?

Try to find two or three of these achievements that highlight your adaptability to different challenges. Don’t be shy to take credit for your achievements – use ‘I’, not ‘we’. While it’s important to show you work well with others, taking ownership of your successes shows your confidence and pride in doing a good job.

4. Benefits to the prospective employer

Now that you’ve shown proof of the value you can offer to the company or individual you’ll be assisting, all that’s left to do is to circle back to the opening points of your letter – why you want this PA job, and why you’re the best person for the role. Spell it out to the hiring manager in a punchy summary to leave them with the most important points clear in their mind.

It’s great practice to make it as easy as possible to follow up. Let them know when you’re free for a call, or even suggest a day and time. Another tip is to ask someone trustworthy to proofread your cover letter before sending. As the letter is an example of your level of writing skill, you want to be sure you’ve cleaned any typos, grammar slips, or confusing sentences.

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Download our personal assistant cover letter example to see all these points put into practice.

If you haven’t already, register with us to get the ball rolling on your PA job search!

The post Four steps to writing a personal assistant cover letter appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

If you’re in a personal assistant job, you may have considered moving into a more flexible role. Flexible working has been increasing in popularity for a number of years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the idea of hybrid working to mainstream attention.

It’s not hard to see why the popularity of working from home is on such a sharp rise. Offering additional flexibility, removing the need to commute and higher levels of productivity, it is often a preferred option for many full-time workers. However, just like any endeavour, working virtually presents its own challenges, not least isolation and overworking. Below, we look at the pros and cons of remote working.

Advantages of remote working

An environment to suit you

One of the most commonly noted benefits of remote working is flexibility. It allows you to adapt your working hours based on your schedule and accommodate tasks that require being at home. It also allows you to adapt your working environment to your needs, changing the lighting, temperature, setting and background noise as needed.

More time, more money

Working from home also reduces the need for a commute, saving time and money and increasing morale – after all, who wants to spend hours travelling to and from work? These time savings can also result in a better work/life balance, as you have more time for maintaining your physical and mental health.

Master your to-do list

From a productivity perspective, virtual workers are reported to get more work done, as meetings become more effective and there are less distractions in the form of co-workers. You may also find you take fewer sick days as a remote worker, as you’re less likely to take a day off for a mild illness. Taking less time off makes it easier to stay on top of your workload and deliver outcomes effectively and efficiently.

Build your self-reliance

There are also opportunities for personal and professional development that come from independent working. Being separate from most people within your company and the influence of your colleagues will force you to become more resourceful and solve problems by yourself. For example, you might be able to do a quick Google search to solve a minor IT problem, rather than approaching the IT department as a first port of call. You might even be able to pick up a few additional skills along the way by watching online tutorials, which can help to boost your professional confidence.

Challenges of remote working

Lack of socialising

Working remotely also has its challenges. For starters, working from home is often isolating and can see you not talking to anyone for hours on end. In line with this, maintaining an employee community and connection to your colleagues can prove difficult. With no way to chat over a cup of tea or check in to see how your colleagues are faring, there are fewer opportunities to connect, engage and build a sense of camaraderie. It also reduces your exposure to the overall company mission and values, as you are removed from the office environment.

No more 9 to 5

Virtual working can make switching off difficult, as the boundaries of working hours may become blurred – is it appropriate to be answering emails at 7pm? According to research from Zapier, remote workers are more likely to overwork, as the lack of the office routine makes it harder to disregard tasks outside of business hours.

This is supported by findings from a report from the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO), which found that 42% of regular home workers dealt with insomnia, while 41% suffered from stress. This was attributed to the blurring of boundaries between professional and personal lives and the ease of which workers can complete supplemental tasks outside of traditional working hours.

Losing motivation

For some, working from home also introduces the risk of slacking off or getting distracted. Without your team or managers around you to spur you on, it can become harder to stay engaged, or perhaps that quick home task takes longer than expected, or you’re distracted by a visitor. It also restricts performance monitoring and, in some instances, can increase the danger of being overlooked for promotions and career progression.

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The pros and cons of working from home are highly influenced by personality types; some thrive in a quiet, self-motivated setting, while others work best in the buzz of a busy office. Finding the right balance is important for you to excel in your job and career.

If you’re looking for a remote working role or to transition to a virtual job, Tiger can help, register with us today!

The post The benefits and challenges of working from home appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Are you looking to kick-start a career as a personal assistant? Do you have the perfect skillset for this challenging role, but can’t quite put it into words?

We’ve all been there – it can be tricky to write about yourself in a way that shows off your best qualities. That’s why we’ve put together an ideal PA CV example and tips to help get you on the right track.

Of course, no two CVs will ever be the same. The trick to a great personal assistant CV is to take all your achievements and experience, before tailoring to highlight those most relevant to the job at hand.

What should a personal assistant CV include?

A PA’s CV should include a profile (or bio), personal details, your skills, employment history, achievements, education and interests. Your personal details, employment history, and education will always need to remain untouched, so let’s look at the areas you can use to your advantage.

Profile – the elevator pitch

The profile section of your CV is where you can really sell yourself for the specific job at hand. And just like any great sales pitch, it should be brief, compelling and to-the-point.

It’s an opportunity to shine a light on the most impressive, relevant points from elsewhere in your experience, as well as flaunt your passion for the role.

In our personal assistant CV example, the aspiring jobseeker has noted their skills, desirable traits, and motivation for seeking a PA role.

Skills – the test drive

The hiring manager will want to see that your abilities are up to scratch for the job – to kick the tyres as it were. So, you’ll need to demonstrate you have all the bells and whistles they want.

While you mustn’t change the job titles or dates in your employment history, you certainly should cherry-pick the most relevant duties those jobs entailed, and the skills they taught you.

These are known as ‘transferable skills’, and you’ll have many more than you might suspect! Our example jobseeker’s previous role as a waitress taught them to be calm under pressure, as well as the importance of timely service. Another role as an office administrator involved proofreading and travel booking, while another lists expenses management – those all sound like classic PA skills to us!

Achievements – the proof

Alongside your employment history and key responsibilities, you should list your achievements in the roles. Why? These demonstrate exactly what you contributed to your previous employer and how it benefited them. Keeping your achievements concise and to-the-point will allow your future employer to quickly envision how you might also add value to their business.

Interests – the charm

It may seem like a minor section of a CV, but writing about your interests is the most powerful way to get across your personality. The clue is in the job title, Personal Assistant – you’ll need to show why you’ll click with your principal!

You can be especially selective here, depending on the business or individual you’re applying to work with. Think about aspects of your hobbies and passions that further highlight your suitability for the role.

Our example personal assistant CV talks about taking part in football tournaments since childhood. You can frame this as being a natural team-player, with the dedication to stick at it for the long haul. Likewise, a love of travelling may not seem relevant, but didn’t that require a knack for planning, preparation, flight and accommodation booking? All music to the ears of a PA hiring manager!

By applying these tips, you can turn a stale, uninformative CV into one that hits all the important points, and does so in your own unique voice. This will immediately help you stand out from the competition, especially in such a personality-focused role as a PA.

Download PDF here:

Tiger Recruitment – Personal Assistant CV template (AE)

Ready to put that freshly polished CV to work? Apply for PA roles on our jobs board now!

The post Writing a personal assistant CV appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Career development is the ongoing process of learning new skills and improving your current ones in order to reach the next step in your career and achieve your long-term goals.

According to recent research, 55% of UK employers offer opportunities for career development, though less than half of employees utilise these resources.

Career development books are packed with valuable information and advice and can help you advance in your role, sharpen your skills, and stand out from the competition.

If you want to level up your career, check out our recommendations below.

Five top books for your career development

• Strengthsfinder 2.0: Discover your Clifton Strengths – Gallup and Tom Rath 

This book encourages readers to discover their top five talents and focus on developing their strengths.

The purpose of the book is to help you avoid investing copious amounts of time fixing your shortcomings and instead focus on your strengths with some incredible, practical strategies.

These changes are guaranteed to have a positive impact on your career.

• Dare to lead – Brené Brown 

This book speaks primarily to leaders and aspiring leaders, however, there are some useful nuggets of career advice in here for everyone.

American research professor, lecturer and author Brené Brown teaches us the importance of leading mindfully while harnessing the power of accountability and vulnerability.

She claims that successful leaders are courageous, are not afraid of difficult conversations and use empathy to establish connections with those they lead.

The book shares practical strategies to help you become a successful, high-impact leader.

• Designing your work life – Bill Burnett and Dave Evans 

In this inspiring and eye-opening book, authors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans reveal that it’s possible to transform your working life and improve your current situation without changing jobs.

They demonstrate how adopting ‘design thinking’ can enhance the level of satisfaction you derive from your current job and transform how you experience work overall.

This transformation is achieved via the adoption of a designer mindset that includes: curiosity, reframing, radical collaboration, awareness, bias to action, and storytelling.

• What got you here won’t get you there – Marshall Goldsmith 

This thought-provoking book is an excellent choice for those seeking to achieve the next milestone in their career.

The author explains that the habits and behaviours that got you to where you are today may in fact become an obstacle in the next stage of your career.

Adopting the practical methods in this book will help you to achieve greater progress in your professional life by encouraging you to work on your shortcomings.

• Invaluable – Maya Grossman 

In this practical career guide, Maya Grossman teaches you the ten skills you need to skyrocket your career.

She offers advice on becoming an inestimable employee,  developing your career and feeling fulfilled in your job.

Use the career development toolkit to apply the teachings in this book and experience an immediate transformation.

Final thoughts on the best career development books

Working on your career development is a lifelong process which will require discipline and determination, but which will also prove extremely rewarding. Looking for more inspo from the experts? Why not check out this list of seven recommended books to help inspire you personally and professionally.

If you’d like access to some additional resources that will help you reach your full potential, why not explore the New Skills Academy online courses? Our partner, New Skills Academy, offers courses and training opportunities to help you enhance your skills and career prospects.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your details today, and one of our consultants will assist you in your job search.

The post Five best books for your career development appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

We are living in a digital world, with laptops, smartphones, tablets and other devices now an integral part of our daily lives and work.

Businesses around the world have become increasingly digitalised, even traditional brick-and-mortar companies are now opting to market their business online. With all the benefits of digital marketing for businesses, this is no surprise.

Just some of these benefits include:

• Cost effectiveness: Digital marketing methods are less expensive than traditional marketing
• Targeting: Reach niche audiences in a measurable way
• Lack of geographical boundaries: Target audiences anywhere in the world
• ROI: Generate a consistent lead pipeline and higher conversion rates
• Measure: Analyse data to determine if campaigns are yielding the desired results

The future of digital marketing is bright

The digital transformation of business has led to a steep rise in demand for marketing professionals who are well versed in the digital marketing arena. Graduates and those looking for a career change are attracted to this exciting and fast-growing career path because it’s a dynamic field that is constantly evolving.

There are currently over 4000 digital marketing jobs for the UAE listed on LinkedIn. And recent LinkedIn data shows that the digital marketing sector continues to soar in popularity. Thus, if you are looking for jobs in this field, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of opportunities available to you.

Is digital marketing a dream job?

Whilst digital marketing is an exhilarating and rewarding career, it also comes with a set of challenges that you need to be prepared for if you are seriously considering this route. To successfully navigate the fast-changing digital marketing landscape, you’ll need to equip yourself with a myriad of skills and continue to improve your knowledge on an ongoing basis. Top digital marketers are always learning and upskilling to ensure they remain competitive and keep on top of emerging trends.

Pros of a career in digital marketing:

• You can earn a healthy income
• It’s a fast paced and exciting career route that will keep you on your toes
• It offers unlimited opportunities for personal and professional growth
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with an interesting mix of people and businesses
• Feeling bold? You could take the plunge and set up your own digital marketing agency
• You’ll be free to tap into your potential and use it to drive your success
• As long as you have internet access, you can work from anywhere in the world
• The balance of tasks allows you to be creative in your work as well as review tangible analytical trends
• The broad landscape of digital marketing gives you many different avenues and outlets
• You’ll have the chance to build a thriving career that will last the test of time
• You’ll never be bored!

Cons of a career in digital marketing:

• Continual learning and keeping on top of rapidly changing trends is hard work
• You may not always see the results you were hoping for
• If you find yourself in a niche that isn’t the best fit for you, it may be challenging to pivot
• You’ll spend long days sitting in front of a screen, which could cause tension over time
• Digital marketing is a demanding and multifaceted career that requires discipline and focus
• You may struggle to formulate successful campaigns, generate traffic and drive conversions, even if you think you’re doing all the right things
• Running your own digital marketing business may be harder than you think
• You may work with clients who have unrealistic expectations, creating additional pressure

If you do decide to go down this route, thorough preparation will increase your chances of success. Start by brushing up on or developing some of the key skills that are required to be an accomplished digital marketer.

Just a few of the top skills that will help to skyrocket your career in digital marketing are:

Video marketing

Are you aware that YouTube is the 2nd largest online platform after Google? Businesses who are embracing video marketing are benefiting from more traction, increased brand awareness, more traffic and more sales. Whilst you don’t need to know everything about video production to succeed as a digital marketer, the stronger you are in this area the better.

Social media

As of January 2022, there were 4.62 billion social media users around the world. A social media presence is vital for businesses who want to maximise exposure for their brand, attract and retain the attention of their audience, and generate more business. Social media offers an incredible opportunity to better understand and build relationships with customers anywhere in the world. Most importantly, it’s free! Savvy digital marketers use engaging social media content to attract and convert audiences organically and analyse campaign data to determine what’s working and what’s not.

Copywriting

To succeed as a digital marketer, you’ll need to create content that engages your audience and persuades them to take a specific form of action that ultimately leads to a conversion or sale. With as many as 350,000 tweets going out every minute, catchy, compelling content is vital to stand out in a saturated digital market. And while the amount of content being shared online is increasing, the attention spans of people are shortening. So, you’ll need to compress information into digestible bites while still conveying the right message and without losing the ability to capture their attention.

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Search Engine Optimisation is crucial in all aspects of digital marketing, so if you can demonstrate a solid knowledge of the dynamics of SEO, you’ll be ahead of the game. The organisation for whom you work may assign the technical side to a specialist SEO team, but if you have expertise in this area you can apply it to ensure you are producing optimised content that will drive successful campaigns.

PPC

PPC, or pay-per-click advertising, helps businesses to expand their reach by showing up in top spots online, and they only pay when a visitor clicks on their ad. Digital marketers drive performance by paying attention to the relevance and quality of the ad, determining which keywords to target, and the best format and channel. This requires a creative flair, polished analytical skills and an in depth understanding of the business, their goals and customer intents.

Analytics and data analysis

If you want to be a successful digital marketer, you’ll need to use data to verify, understand and quantify the degree to which the efforts of your campaigns are paying off. You’ll need to be able to interpret the data into real, actionable insights which can then be used to inform important business decisions and shape core campaign strategies. Data analysis highlights what’s working and makes it clear where efforts need to be focused.

Email marketing

To further elevate your digital career, learn how to harness the power of email marketing to build relationships with customers. A seasoned digital marketer can create campaigns that nurture subscribers and existing leads through newsletters. They create powerful experiences for their audience, tapping into their emotions and inspiring them to take action.

You’ll find countless digital marketing courses on sites such as Udemy, Lynda, Coursera, Edx, Hubspot and Alison.

If you’re interested in discovering how our consultants could help you find your first or next dream role in digital marketing, please contact us here.

The post Are you ready to be a digital marketer? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Receiving that ‘Congratulations…’ email after weeks of applications, interviews and stress can be a huge rush. You spring out of bed buzzing with energy, get to the office an hour early and work harder than ever, thrilled to have seized this dream role!

But how many of us know where this story is heading? The 9-5 becomes a 7-11, the ‘cool’ boss is at boiling point, and no one else in the office is smiling…

Just like a whirlwind romance, a new job can quickly sour after the honeymoon period. The pandemic prompted a lot of people to rethink their careers and take bold steps to change them. For some, the choice to leave one company for another has proven to be the right one. Others, however, are finding the grass isn’t always greener. In their haste to leave an unfulfilling job, they’ve overlooked the importance of doing in-depth research on a company that looks like a perfect fit.

So, how can you tell if a job opportunity is right for you? Here are some green flags to look for in a prospective employer.

Positive workplace culture

Take a look at any successful company’s website and social media. Chances are you’ll see photos of the team enjoying away days and after-work drinks like a group of old friends. This is a great indicator of a company striving to regularly bring a team together – the importance of which can be forgotten in the current excitement around hybrid and remote working. You may even wish to reach out to your potential colleagues for their own experiences in the office.

Transparent diversity & inclusion initiatives

Many companies have clearly defined policies around Diversity & Inclusion, often available to view on their website. While this is a good start, it’s worth looking at the reality in their team via social media, and by asking questions in the interview process. Reviews from employees on career sites can also be revealing. If there’s a lack of diversity, an honest answer from the interviewers is still a sign of their awareness of the issue.

Good communication and flexibility during the hiring process

Applying and interviewing for jobs is stressful at the best of times, but not hearing a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for weeks at a time can be unbearable. Regular updates from the recruitment team show there is as much respect for the candidate’s time as there is for the company’s. During this back-and-forth it’s also good practice to pay attention to how accommodating they are with interview dates and times. If a company is understanding of prior commitments in your calendar, such as the school run, it’s a good hint at how flexibly it will treat you as an employee.

Clear career progression opportunities

The classic “Where do you see yourself in five years?” could just as easily be countered with “Where do you see me?” While we certainly don’t advise being quite so forward, the point stands that a company needs to be able to show there are real opportunities for you to learn new skills and climb the career ladder beyond the role in question. Examples from its current workforce are the best proof.

Respect for work-life balance

The importance of a healthy work-life balance has been in the spotlight for a while now, encouraging employers to place much more emphasis on it in their job adverts. But this is an easy area for them to fall short in due to our 24hour connectivity and ability to work remotely. In the interviews, be sure to delve into any benefits offered like holiday, flexible hours/days, personal days, life-coaching, and mental health initiatives.

What connects all these positive indicators is the proof that a company acts on its word. If you can see the employer puts its money where its mouth is, or at the very least is transparent in its shortcomings and efforts to amend them, you can rest easy that this is a company with a human approach to business.

If you’re ready to take the next steps in your career evolution, and would like advice and help finding a role and company that will match your principles, please get in touch today.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Feel free to read more on our Insights page.

The post It’s your dream job… or is it? 5 signs that a company is a great place to work appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.