Jobs in Kuwait: Here is where to find them this year

2017 is shaping up to be a good year. According to the Bayt.com Middle East Job Index Survey, January 2017, seven in 10 employers plan to hire this year. So if you’ve been having a tough time changing jobs or finding your very first one, your next career opportunity may be right around the corner!

There are a few things you need to know to be fully prepared. The survey results by Bayt.com reveal the following about jobs in Kuwait:

1. When should you be looking?

There is no better time than now! More than half of Kuwaiti employers (52%) said that they are “definitely” or “probably” going to hire within the next three months. Even more jobs will be available in the long run, with 68% of employers in Kuwait intending to hire within a year’s time. The numbers are promising. So, roll up your sleeves and start preparing your CV.

2. What positions are needed?

Fresh graduates are in great luck. During the next three months, nearly half of Kuwaiti companies plan on hiring “junior executives.” Following that, 32 percent are looking for “coordinators” and 25 percent are seeking “managers.” Moreover, 15 percent of the survey respondents said they are hiring “administrative assistants,” while 14 percent plan to hire “sales executives” in Kuwait this year.

3. Which sectors are hiring?

It seems that the private sector is the answer. The private sector has the highest intention of hiring within the next three month. More than half of large local companies, multinational companies, and other private sector companies are “definitely” or “probably” hiring in the next three months. The long-term percentages are even higher, with nearly 70 percent stating they are hiring in a year’s time.

4. What industries are offering positions?

Out of all industries that exist across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, more than two-thirds of organizations in “Hospitality/Recreation/Entertainment” and “Human Resources” are seeking employees; making them the industries with the highest hiring potential. This is followed closely by “Business Consultancy/Business Management,” where more than half (57 percent) are planning to hire new employees.

5. What educational background should you have?

In terms of academic qualification, Kuwaiti companies are mostly looking for “Business Management” graduates and post graduates (32 percent). This is followed by “Commerce” at 26 percent, Information Technology as well as Engineering, each at 19 percent.

If you come from a different background, don’t worry. There are openings in many more fields and if you have the relevant skills you can certainly make your case more convincing.

6. Do I have the skills required?

The most sought after skills in the entire MENA region are as follows: Almost three quarters of employers in Kuwait seek employees with “good communication skills in both English and Arabic,” nearly half of employers are looking for “team players/cooperative/helpful/ flexible” candidates. If you feel that you need to improve your skills, you can check out some of the online courses that Bayt.com offers to all job seekers.

7. What about experience?

“Managerial experience” - with 38 percent of Kuwaiti employers seeking it - is in high demand! But management is not all that exists. 30 percent of employers are looking for candidates with experience in “sales and marketing,” and another quarter (23 percent) are seeking candidates with “mid-level (3-7 years) experience.”

8. What now?

Don’t put off your career dreams any longer. The hiring forecast in Kuwait looks promising. With 68 percent of employers planning to hire in a year’s time, and 43 percent of them having at least 5 vacancies to fill, you have no obstacle to stand in the way of your next job search. There are over 10,000 jobs posted on Bayt.com that you can access and apply for anywhere, anytime, and for free.