Recruiting Agency or Direct Application?

thinkingQatar
By thinkingQatar

Are recruiting agencies the best route to go for an American considering working in Qatar (and if so, who are some reputable agencies recommended), or would applying directly to the company be advised?

I'm completing my MBA and a classmate from the Middle East suggested Qatar, which looks to be a great opportunity and friendly culture. Though he's given a good company name to look at (Qatar Foundation), I don't know if it's best to seek a recruiter or just apply directly to them? I would be relocating with my wife and children, so I need to make sure I can obtain the best package possible to make it worth the effort and I wouldn't know the first thing about negotiating what would be considered a 'good' package.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

By thinkingQatar• 21 Apr 2009 23:40
thinkingQatar

Thanks for the advice.

By thinkingQatar• 21 Apr 2009 23:39
thinkingQatar

Perfect - great to know...thank you!

By Xray• 21 Apr 2009 20:52
Rating: 4/5
Xray

i think direct hiring is better than through a recruiting agency but anyway the goal is to get JOB. You must keep applying for job opportunities as per you qualifications and skills on different companies websites as well as same time also enrol yourself with recruiting agencies... Newspapers classified are also not a bad idea...

By Mandilulur• 21 Apr 2009 19:39
Rating: 4/5
Mandilulur

Yes, I'm afraid that "single status" is very common! Almost all the lower paid workers from the sub-continent here are not allowed by their contract and their salaries to bring their families. Some of the oil workers who work on the rigs and then have large blocks of compensatory time off are not on family status. However, a job for an educated professional usually is given family status and is provided housing, medical, transportation and education fees for (3) children as well as paid vacation and tickets. Do not come without all the above!

Mandi

By thinkingQatar• 21 Apr 2009 19:24
thinkingQatar

Also, my wife lived in Saudi when she was a child for a few years due to her father's work there and mentioned that we'd need to make sure my employment contract was not for a 'single' status to ensure our whole family was allowed...is that common in Doha (can't imagine many married men going alone without their families)?

By thinkingQatar• 21 Apr 2009 19:20
thinkingQatar

Thank you, Mandi, for your quick replies and information. I'd not heard of the Chronicle of Higher Education, but will research that. I definitely realize a lot of homework lies ahead, but with a decade of experience behind my MBA, I'm not too concerned with the competition.

Kind thanks,

By Mandilulur• 21 Apr 2009 19:11
Mandilulur

PS, your better bet on a recruiter is one in the US. And have you tried the Chronicle of Higher Education?

Mandi

By Mandilulur• 21 Apr 2009 19:10
Rating: 4/5
Mandilulur

Well, you're off to a good start, but you've got a LOT of homework to do. I suggest you spend many hours on QL searching jobs posts and employment issues and possible institutions. I'm afraid that every other person looking for a job in Qatar seems to have an MBA so you will have to hone your CV and interview skills. Yes, Doha is a great place, but only if you are at the top of the food chain. Since you are a "native" American, I'd start by looking at the 6 American universities here.

Mandi

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