The job market in Saudi Arabia is expanding faster than ever before, particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors. Vision 2030 projects, including NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Qiddiya, are generating enormous demand for skilled employees, whether they are hotel staff, chefs, architects, masons, or electricians. While there is an abundance of opportunities, many candidates still struggle to obtain the job they desire in the Kingdom, with the reason being some similar mistakes in the application process.
At Dynamic Staffing Services, we have assisted professionals with finding international opportunities for over 48 years. With that said, here are the five most common errors or mistakes we see candidates make after having observed hundreds of candidates applying for hospitality and construction jobs in Saudi Arabia, and how to prevent them.
- Not Understanding the Work Culture in Saudi Arabia
One of the largest mistakes candidates make when applying for jobs is failing to study the work culture in Saudi Arabia before applying. In hospitality occupations, an employer will expect professionalism, punctuality, and teamwork to be demonstrated. In the construction industry, an awareness of safety would be expected, along with discipline.
Saudi employers would appreciate respect for surrounding traditions and workplace hierarchy, especially if it is observable to the employer. Before you apply for a job, take the time to learn about the work ethic and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia to show the employer you are serious, adaptable, and a good fit for corporate culture.
Tip: During the interview process, you will need to get along with others as well as produce a good product for the employer.
2. Sending Incomplete or Inaccurate Documents
Numerous applicants miss out on job opportunities because they either don’t have the right documentation or there is some mistake in their application. For example, the candidate might be missing a certificate, holding an expired passport, or their experience letters are not clear, all of which will lead to rejection, even if the candidate meets the job qualifications. For jobs overseas, it is even more imperative to have the proper documentation for visa processing and to confirm employment history with an employer.
Tip: Before you submit your application and any documentation, check to see that everything is current and accurate. Here is a shortlist of documents to review:
- To have a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Educational documents and professional certificates in order
- Experience letters made in advance, and a list of references with contact information
- Medical documents and background clearance letters (if requested).
At Dynamic Staffing Services, we assist candidates by walking them through the documentation and verification process for labour to ensure ease of application.
- Not Providing Related Experience
A third error we see is that applicants submit a general resume. In Saudi Arabia, employers are interested in candidates who can contribute right from day one. For example, if a five-star hotel in Riyadh is looking for candidates to fill its hospitality roles, that hotel will likely favour candidates with luxury hotel backgrounds. Or if a construction project in NEOM is looking for workers, it will favour candidates trained in the use of modern machinery and safety and standards in the industry.
Tip: Get the best use out of your CV. Make sure to tailor it to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight and state specific duties and accomplishments, for example:
- Provided guest service with daily guest check-ins for 200+ clients in a business-only hotel (hospitality experience)
- Supervised a team of 15 welders to completion, as part of a renovation project on a high-rise structure(Construction Experience).
If the employer sees solid results, they will have more confidence that you will demonstrate similar capabilities in their organisation.
4. Ignoring Skill Upgrades and Training
As the Saudi job market grows ever more competitive, particularly due to new technologies and global standards, candidates need to enhance their skills or they will be left behind.
Workers in hospitality will need training in customer service, hygiene, and digital booking systems; construction professionals will need a better understanding of safety codes, new materials, and tools.
Tip: Take short online or in-person training courses before you start applying. Even OSHA (construction workers) or Food Safety (hospitality) certifications will greatly improve your chances.
Dynamic Staffing Services frequently connects candidates to employers looking for certified and upskilled workers.
- Applying Through Unverified or Unlicensed Recruiters
Sadly, a number of job-seekers have been the victims of counterfeit recruitment agents, offering jobs in exchange for exorbitant fees. Visa fraud, lost funds, and travel bans may all result.
Tip: Always apply through licensed and vetted agents, like Dynamic Staffing Services. We are a registered agency at the government level, with successful placements of thousands of professionals in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and construction companies.
We guarantee:
- Openness
- No hidden charges
- Verified job offers and contracts
Your safety and career are our highest priority.
Build Your Future with Dynamic Staffing Services.
The hospitality and construction industries in Saudi Arabia offer some of the best jobs for skilled professionals all over the world. By avoiding these five pitfalls, you can distinguish yourself as a confident, qualified, and prospective future employee.
At Dynamic Staffing Services, we help you through the entire process documentation, interview preparation, placement finalisation, to ensure you are job-satisfied, whether that’s as a chef, housekeeper, engineer, mason, or project supervisor, we have a job that meets your skills and career ambitions.
Contact our recruiting team at resume7@dss-hr.com or +91-11-40410000 to inquire about the top hospitality and construction industry job opportunities in Saudi Arabia today, safely, quickly, and confidently.
