Abu Dhabi: New trends in job interviews to measure candidate’s talents and qualifications were seen yesterday at the eight edition of Tawdheef recruitment show in the capital.
Organisations have grown more skilful in conducting video interviews for applicants rather than asking traditional job interview questions.
“Instead of holding the candidate’s resume and keep him/her waiting for a long time with no answer. We are doing this differently by conducting video interviews, where we ask different questions. And hiring managers will have the opportunity to review several videos and compare candidates without having to remember who said what or review their notes,” Wasim Liqat, associate director of recruitment at New York University in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News.
“We promise candidates to get back to them within 14 days either with positive or negative feedback. Since the beginning of Tawdheef exhibition, we have conducted video interviews to over 60 individuals. Some of them had previous work experience and others considered changing career path,” he added.
When asked about Emirati’s participation at this year Tawdheef fair compared to the previous year, Liqat answered, “I see the quantity being less but the quality being better in terms of the candidate’s qualifications and talents. Tawdheef fair was busier the previous year.”
Thousands of Emirati job seekers have taken to the halls of the UAE’s leading recruitment show being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) with high hopes and confidence of their career prospects.
The three-day career fair, which has started on Monday and will end Wednesday, brought together more than 100 exhibitors which collectively hold more than 6,000 job vacancies for fresh Emirati graduates and professionals.
“The eight edition of the show has had an incredibly positive start, with thousands of Emirati job seekers walking the halls and meeting employers. We have received positive feedback from the organisations to meet candidates and it seems like the visitors are making the most of their opportunities here,” Hayete Jemai, director of Tawdheef exhibition, said.
Unlike Liqat, Fatima Al Mansouri, an Emiratisation specialist in the capital, told Gulf News, “I see a huge participation from both employers and employees at Tawdheef fair this year. There is an increased number of companies and organisations, which introduce the best offers to recruit talented locals.”
When asked about some recommendations to attract more local talents in the private sector, she answered, “If you are working in the public or private sector, you are serving your country the best way possible. However, there is a long-term investment as well as career growth opportunities within private sector. Therefore, I recommend all private entities to explore Emiratis’ interest, develop them, and suggest jobs which can meet their potentials to lead and confront challenges rather than offering and posting job opportunities.”
Also visiting the show was Mohammad Al Hameli, a 25-year-old Emirait job seeker, who said: “I am glad the fair is being devoted to UAE nationals this year and I am happy to see new interesting trends in interviewing candidates. I believe such new mechanism can be more efficient and effective for companies and candidates alike to gain the true measure of each other.”
Tawdheef 2014 is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
Among the jobs on offer at the event is 100 vacancies at Etisalat, 100 positions at National Bank of Abu Dhabi and other job opportunities at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD).
