How I Got My Job by Applying Directly on the Company Website

I remember it took me three months of relentless searching to finally land a job in Dubai. During that time, I applied through job websites like everyone else, but I also made it a point to diligently apply directly through company websites. While the competition was tough, this approach turned out to be one of the most effective ways to get my foot in the door. Here’s how I did it and some tips if you’re considering this approach.

Why I Chose to Apply Directly

With so many job search platforms available, you might wonder why I was persistent apply ing directly on company websites. The main reason was targeting specific companies. I already had a list of organizations I admired and wanted to work for. Instead of waiting for their openings to pop up on job portals, I went straight to their websites. Most companies, especially in Dubai, post job openings in the careers section of their websites. This allowed me to: Skip third-party recruiters, Directly showcase my interest in the company, and Ensure my application reached the right people.

My Step-by-Step Process

Here’s exactly how I got my job by applying directly on the company’s website:

1. Research and Make a List of Companies

First, I identified which companies I wanted to work for. I focused on those with strong reputations and positive reviews from current and former employees. Websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn helped me find insider information about the work culture and management.

2. Regularly Check the Career Pages

Most companies have a dedicated “Careers” or “Job Openings” page where they post their vacancies. I bookmarked these pages and checked them regularly. Some companies also offer the option to sign up for job alerts, so I signed up and received notifications whenever a new position opened up.

3. Create Profiles on Company Websites

Some companies require you to create a profile on their website before you can apply. While it can be tedious to fill out forms and upload documents, I made sure to do this for each company I was interested in. It paid off because once my profile was set up, applying to future roles was much easier. Be persistent in creating profiles on different company websites. I know it’s tedious, but hard work pays off.

4. Tailor My Resume and Cover Letter

Since I was applying directly to specific companies, I personalized my resume and cover letter for each role. I made sure to mention why I was interested in that particular company and how my skills matched their needs. It’s all about showing them you’re not just sending a generic application.

5. Create a Strong Online Presence

Many companies in Dubai look at your LinkedIn profile before moving forward with your application. I updated my LinkedIn to match the experience and skills on my resume and added a professional photo, recommendations, and any relevant certifications. Your online presence can really boost your credibility!

6. Submit and Track My Applications

After applying, I tracked each application in a spreadsheet with the date, company, and role. This helped me stay organized and follow up if I didn’t hear back within a couple of weeks.

7. Follow Up

After submitting my application, I didn’t just wait and hope. I sent a polite follow-up email to the HR department or the contact person listed on the job post. This kept me top of mind without coming across as pushy.

The Benefits of Applying Directly

It Shows Initiative – By applying directly through the company’s website, you show you’re genuinely interested in working for them. It’s not just about finding any job; it’s about targeting companies you believe in.
Less Competition – Job portals can receive thousands of applications for a single role. When you apply directly on the company’s website, there’s often less competition because not everyone takes this route.
Faster Response Time – In my experience, I got quicker responses from direct applications. The company’s HR team often handles applications directly from their site, and your resume doesn’t have to pass through multiple layers of recruiters.
Avoid Being Scammed by Online Recruiters – Applying directly through company websites ensures that your application reaches legitimate HR personnel. Many job seekers fall victim to scams from fake recruiters or shady job listings on third-party websites. By going straight to the source, I avoided all the risks of being scammed.

My Experience: The Turning Point

I applied directly to a company I had been eyeing for months. After tailoring my resume and cover letter specifically for the position, I got an interview within two weeks! And luckily, they chose me to become one of their employees. I have worked for them for most of my OFW life in the UAE, and it all started by taking the time to apply directly on their website. This experience showed me that persistence and focus can pay off in the long run.

Tips if You’re Applying Directly

Be persistent in creating profiles on different company websites: I know it’s tedious, but hard work pays off. Some sites require you to fill out detailed profiles, but once it’s set up, it becomes much easier to apply for future openings.
Keep an eye on social media: Sometimes companies post about job openings on their LinkedIn or Instagram pages before they update their websites.
Don’t ignore smaller companies: While big companies are great, smaller firms often have quicker hiring processes and fewer applicants.
Network within the company: Try to connect with someone who works at the company on LinkedIn. Sometimes employee referrals can speed up your application process.

Also Read: Employment Contracts in the UAE: What You Need to Know

Applying directly on company websites worked wonders for me. It’s a proactive approach that lets you take control of your job search. If you’re targeting specific companies and want to stand out from the crowd, I highly recommend giving it a try. That is why here in OFWs in Dubai, I am posting great big companies to apply to. Just work hard creating those profiles, and you’ll increase your chances of landing the job you want. Good luck with your job hunt!

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