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Words Karima Farid | Photography Clint Derric EgbertFinding a job in Oman isn’t easy, but it is certainlypossible. People from all over the world choose tolive and work in Oman, which reminds us that we,its citizens, are without doubt extremely lucky to beliving in such a peaceful country.Omani jobseekers received brilliant news last weekthat His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said ordered a 150rial Omani monthly allowance for the unemployed,with 50,000 additional jobs created for citizens in theSultanate of Oman. These orders reminded us that HisMajesty is as always keen on realising the interests ofthe nation, along with bringing further prosperity andwelfare to its people.What we witnessed last week, described by somenewspapers as ‘Black Sunday’, was not a good day. Asan Omani citizen, this specific Sunday was one whereI didn’t feel safe – it was a shame. And when I sayshame, I am only referring to the property destroyedin Sohar, one of the most developed cities outsideMuscat. Today, Oman is indeed a vibrant country; weare a nation that values education and technology, aswell as continuing tradition and priding ourselves onour gracious hospitality. We are also a nation that isproud to have achieved equal rights for women andmuch more.This week, we look into the situation for Omanijobseekers and how the new orders by His MajestySultan Qaboos bin Said will change their lives for thebetter.Ms. Sally, a graduate from Modern College of Businessand Science last September 2010, who majoredin Business Administration, says: “This is a verybroad field which means I am able to work in manydepartments such as Human Resources, Marketingand more. I started applying for jobs in May 2010before I graduated in September, and still I am lookingfor work. For now, I am spending most of my timeat home reading books and surfing the internet. I go visitfamily and have outings with friends whenever they are freesince they are working and I am not. This new rule aboutthe 150 rials is going to help my father who gives me anallowance. With this sum of 150 rials, I will not need to begiven money anymore. The 50,000 job openings are also avery good gesture.”As for Um Saleh, who graduated three years ago from SultanQaboos University as a Chemical and Process Engineer,she thinks: “I am doing a small business to pass the time.Basically, I am buying items from a foreign country then Iam re-selling them in Oman. I bring items like bed sheetsand handbags, and this is my pocket money. Now, with thenew rules from His Majesty, it will definitely change my lifefor the better.”Mr Ahmed, who graduated in August 2008 from MajanCollege with a BA honours in Business Administrationand Information Systems, was searching for a job for oneyear, and finally found one in March 2009. He says: “Whilesearching for a job, I was looking for internships withcompanies, which at the least would help in adding someexperience to my resume; then I finally found a job - it hasbeen great. As for the new orders by His Majesty, this is avery important step to help the jobseekers and to provide50,000 jobs is going to help solve this problem, especiallythat the government are now going to pay 150 rials monthlyfor each jobseeker who is registered with the Ministry ofManpower. From this point of view, I want to thank HisMajesty for understanding our needs and solving theseissues in Oman.”All orders and decisions that are made by His Majesty SultanQaboos bin Said are for the citizen’s wellbeing, and we all havea responsibility not to abuse these benefits. We are allowedto express our grievances in a peaceful manner, and whenthere is peace there is definitely a common understanding.Companies have already initiated job opportunities for theunemployed, now it is up to the people to make the rightchoices and behave in a respectable manner.20
We spoke to Osama Mahmood Al Zadjali, a HRConsultant about how young Omanis can helpthemselves in their search for a job.What company do you work for?I work for the Talent2 Oman office; we are part ofTalent2 International Group, an internationallylisted executive search and end-to-end HumanResources consulting company. Some of ourextended services we roll out for our clientsinclude: payroll outsourcing (approximately 2.2milion globally), assessment centres, performancemanagement tools, as well as organisationalcommunication programmes and online and face-to-facetraining. We are an Australian publicly listed company withoffices in 40 countries worldwide.What do you think of the current situation in Oman forjobseekers?Firstly, we should break this question down into threecategories:• The Thanaweya (high school) certificate holders, whotypically knock on the doors of companies by applyingdirectly and handing over their CVs to almost every place.Generally, these types of individuals will take the first joboffer that comes to hand, which is often a disorganisedapproach to a job searching.• Then there are the fresh graduates, or Diploma holderswho forward their resumes to web-based job portals, orrecruitment agencies. This can be effective provided theindividuals keep track of where their resume is going. Aresume is considered private and sensitive information, so itis important these details are used purely for the purpose ofsecuring a position with an employer.• Finally, there are candidates who wish to switch jobs fromtheir current employer. The majority of these ‘candidates’use recruitment professionals such as ourselves, in order toprofessionally represent them to potential employers. This isgenerally considered to be the most effective way of ensuringones profile is being reflected in a true light.Do you think it is easy for citizens to find a job in Oman?The answer to this question is both yes and no. It reallydepends on the individual’s background, or what we callhard skills. This would include education, industry-specifictraining and technical ability. Soft skills are also important,as this will determine whether an individual is suitable for acertain company culture, and dynamic.For fresh graduates, it can be difficult; however with somesimple coaching on interviewing techniques, and how to ‘sell’their skills to potential employers, it is not impossible.What can an Omani job candidate, in your opinion, dobetter to enhance his/her chances of clinching a job?They need to be educated on how to represent themselvesthrough their CV and learn some interview techniques andetiquette. But before that, they need to know about theirpotential employer/company and projects in the Sultanateand accordingly create a list of potential organisations, andapply, whilst keeping a record of where their resume has beensent, and at what stage of the process it is.What do you think of the term ‘wasta’?Why would someone bother to work in a place if he/she believes it is basedon wasta? Personally, I don’t believe in it. As a former HR Manager for morethan 12 years I don’t recall recruiting anyone based on wasta. And here, Iam a consultant, and we do get hired by major clients to recruit the bestcandidates for them. I think we have to be proactive in our thinking anddon’t just say why would I bother applying for a job because of wasta? I’veheard that many times. The simple solution for those who are intimidated bywasta is don’t be!’What was it like for you when you first graduated from college, in terms offinding a job?It was a bit different at that time, because I always wanted to work in theprivate sector. The majority of graduates then wished to join the public sector,so it was a little easier for me.What message do you want to pass on to all our Omani jobseekers?Be patient, always be optimistic and train yourself to win the employers overduring the interview. Organise yourself, create a list, and do it systematically.Talent2 is always open to receiving resumes of candidates who are genuineabout their job search. We can also assist those seeking a new position inOman.To benefit from Talent2 Oman’s expertise, email your CV over tot2oman@talent2.comA CHECk–lIST FOR JOB SEEkERS:• Register with the Ministry of Manpower and get your NationalManpower Card.• Get organised with all your paperwork, CVs and certifications.• Have your CV ready at all times.• Create a list of all the companies that you wish to work for and checktheir websites regularly for new job positions.• Read daily newspapers for the latest job positions.• If you are unable to find a job, try to do something on the side likestart a small business to make some money for yourself.• If you have the luxury (like most of us) of living with family whilstlooking for a job then take this opportunity to build experiencethrough charity work, courses or any kind of experience you mightneed in your career.• Be positive and be patient.• Don’t narrow down your list of companies, or governmental positionoptions - be open.• Use your free time in a constructive manner.• Use your new pocket money wisely.21
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