Ghosting is one of the most frustrating parts of looking for jobs in Dubai. You send out applications, attend job interviews, and then… silence. No response, no feedback, just uncertainty.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many job seekers in Dubai experience recruiter ghosting at some point. But instead of waiting and hoping for a reply, take action.
This guide will show you exactly how to stop being ghosted by recruiters, get your CV noticed, and increase your chances of landing a job.
Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of CVs for each job vacancy in Dubai. They don’t have time to reply to everyone, so they prioritise candidates who stand out immediately. If your CV isn’t clear, relevant, or compelling, it might get ignored.
• You’re not a strong match for the role – If you don’t meet at least 75% of the job requirements, your CV will likely be overlooked.
• Your CV doesn’t highlight your value – If a recruiter can’t quickly see why you’re a great fit, they won’t follow up.
• Your application got lost in the volume – With so many applications, some get buried or forgotten.
• The hiring process is delayed – Sometimes, companies put hiring on hold without informing candidates.
At later stages of the application process, ghosting can be even more frustrating. A Recruiter might have reached out to you, you get excited and then they go silent. When this happens it can signal a number of things:
Now, let’s go over the strategies to make sure your CV gets seen and recruiters respond to your application.
One of the biggest mistakes Dubai job seekers make is applying to every job they see. This "spray and pray" approach rarely works.
• Find HR Managers on LinkedIn – Identify key decision-makers at companies you want to work for. Send them a personalised connection request and try to get their email.
• Contact Industry-Specific Recruiters – Sending your CV to Recruiters that don't specialise in your field will guarantee you get ghosted. They simply don't feel obliged to reply to professionals that haven't taken the time to check if they recruit for relevant roles.
• Only Apply for Well-Matched Roles – If you don’t meet at least 75% of the requirements, you’re wasting your time.
• Follow Up with Recruiters – After applying, reach out to confirm receipt and express interest in the role. We find it's best to reach out to their professional email address instead of through LinkedIn. LinkedIn mailboxes are notoriously hard to manage.
Recruiters in Dubai only take a few seconds to scan a CV before deciding whether to keep reading. If your value isn’t obvious right away, your application might be ignored.
Include your target job title along with a value proposition or key skills.
• Senior Procurement Manager | Cost Reduction | Supplier Negotiation | Contract Management
• Digital Marketing Manager | SEO, PPC & Data-Driven Growth Strategies
• Financial Analyst | Risk Management | Financial Modelling | Forecasting
This is especially useful if your most relevant experience is from an earlier job. Place key achievements on the first page to grab attention.
More is not always better. A CV overloaded with irrelevant experience, too many keywords, or excessive bullet points hides the most important details.
Many candidates in Dubai get ghosted simply because they don’t follow application instructions.
• Not following submission instructions – If the job posting asks for an email application, don’t just apply through a portal.
• Ignoring ‘must-have’ requirements – If a job states you need a UAE visa or Arabic language skills and you don’t have them, your application will likely be ignored.
• Sending a generic CV and cover letter – Tailor each application to the role.
Successful job seekers in Dubai treat their job search like a sales process. They track their applications, follow up, and take initiative.
1. Use a Job Tracker – Keep a spreadsheet of all applications, including job titles, recruiters, and follow-up dates.
2. Find the Hiring Manager’s Contact Info – If the job posting lists a recruiter, contact them directly. If not, find them on LinkedIn or call the company.
3. Follow Up Within a Reasonable Time – Wait 1-2 weeks between follow-up emails to avoid annoying the Recruiter and to give them time for new updates.
Recruiters are busy. If you don’t follow up, someone else will. Stay proactive and take control of your job search.
• Look for a name in the job advert – Some job listings include recruiter contact details.
• Use LinkedIn’s search filters – Narrow your search by job title, company, and location.
• Use email-finding tools – Services like Hunter.io or SalesQL can help locate professional email addresses.
Once you have the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s details, send a concise follow-up email.
Subject: Follow-Up on My Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up as I am very interested in the opportunity.
With [X years] of experience in [your industry], I have a strong background in [mention relevant skills]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [briefly highlight an achievement].
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team. Please let me know if there’s a suitable time to connect.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
No recruiter wants to read an essay. Get straight to the point and make your value clear.
A well-timed follow-up can make a huge difference. If a Recruiter hasn’t responded, they may have simply been too busy. Your follow-up shows initiative and keeps your name top-of-mind.
• After applying – Send an email with your application and the wait 1-2 weeks before following up.
• After an interview – Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, then follow up after the agreed timeframe.
• If a recruiter reaches out but goes silent – Check in after a week to express continued interest.
Ghosting is frustrating, but there are steps you can take to avoid it. Instead of sending out endless applications and hoping for a response, be strategic, targeted, and proactive in your Dubai job search.
• Apply for well-matched roles – Ensure you meet at least 75% of the job requirements.
• Make your CV instantly relevant – Use a strong headline and career highlights.
• Follow application instructions carefully – Don’t ignore must-have requirements.
• Track your applications – Stay organised and follow up professionally.
• Be proactive – Reach out directly to recruiters and hiring managers.
By focusing on quality over quantity, taking initiative, and maintaining persistence, you can increase your chances of getting responses—and ultimately, landing a great job in Dubai!
Articles, tips, advice and opportunities all direct to your inbox
