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    A Step-by-Step Guide to Networking in 2022

    No matter what industry you’re in or how far along in your career you are, networking is a skill that will always be important. Especially when you’re looking for a job.

    Over the years, networking techniques have shifted to accommodate our new digital world and all the changes that come with it. That being said, it can be hard to know which networking trends to follow and which ones to leave behind. That’s where we come in.

    As a job marketplace that focuses on getting early-career candidates hired, we know what it takes to land the job of your dreams. And we also know everything that comes before it, including effective networking. 

    But now the question begs – what does it take to be good at networking?

    Come Prepared

    Before the elevator pitch, before you shake hands, before you even say hello, you need to be prepared to have a conversation that’s going to leave an impact. While you don’t always get to choose the time, place, or person you get to network with, you can still be prepared to have an insightful exchange.

    For example, it is always important to stay on top of trending news and topics in your industry. Knowing what’s going on will help you fill the conversation and bring up relevant points for discussion. In the case that you do know the person you’re going to be chatting with, make sure you’re up to date on who they are, what they do, and who they do it for.

    Listen

    While you might be eager to make your pitch or ask your question, one of the most important tips for networking is to listen. Depending on what your end goals are, you may be motivated to network to score a job, learn more about a field, or expand your contacts. But there is no reason why you can’t do all three if you follow this one rule.

    No one wants to talk to a person who won’t let them get a word in. Plus, the more you talk, the less time they have to give you tips, information, and insight that might improve the trajectory of your professional career.

    Ask Questions

    In addition to listening, you need to be able to ask questions as they pertain to what you are discussing. If you have a really good question that you’ve been sitting on, feel free to ask. But asking questions that guide the natural flow of the conversation will not only garner you more information, it will make things more enjoyable for both people as well. 

    Some examples of questions you could ask include things like their opinion on how things are going in the industry or on certain news topics, where they would like to see the company in five or more years, and anything else that makes you seem passionate about the work you’re going to be doing. Again, use this as a time to learn information as much as you use it as a time to make an impression.

    Use the Internet!

    As creepy as it may sound, it’s pretty easy to find people on the internet these days. A simple search of someone’s name and the company they work for will most likely generate their work bio or LinkedIn profile where there will be a way to contact them. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure your account on whatever platform you’re messaging them on is looking good. So no party photos or compromising scenarios.

    These days, almost all networking is performed online. So if you haven’t already, make sure your networking techniques and digital persona are in tip-top shape and start building that network!

    Stay in Touch

    This last networking tip is one that early-career professionals always forget. Just because you’ve made a connection and had one or two interactions, your job isn’t even half over. 

    Keeping things authentic and genuine, reach out to your new connection at different times. Keep up with what they’re doing, engage with them online, maybe arrange to have a coffee at a later date, but whatever you’re doing, make sure you keep yourself close enough to be remembered but far enough to not be bothersome. 

    In time, these are all networking techniques that you can master and use to your advantage both during and after the job hunt. For more career tips and information on getting hired in 2022, check out our blog. More

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    Deals, Transaction Services – Financial Due Diligence – Intern | PricewaterhouseCoopers

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Line of ServiceAdvisorySpecialismFinancial Due DiligenceManagement LevelIntern/TraineeJob Description & SummaryA career in our Financial Due Diligence practice, within Deals Transaction Services, will provide you the opportunity to help organisations realise the potential of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures and capital markets. In short, we help some of the world’s leading companies originate, create, execute, and realise value from deals. Through data driven insights we help our clients move in the right direction ensuring maximum value for their company.Our team assist organisations with both buy side and sell side due diligence. As part of our team, you’ll help us provide both corporate and financial buyers with peace of mind by analysing and validating all the financial, commercial, operational and strategic assumptions being made.To really stand out and make us fit for the future in a constantly changing world, each and every one of us at PwC needs to be a purpose-led and values-driven leader at every level. To help us achieve this we have the PwC Professional; our global leadership development framework. It gives us a single set of expectations across our lines, geographies and career paths, and provides transparency on the skills we need as individuals to be successful and progress in our careers, now and in the future.

    As an Intern / Trainee, you’ll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. PwC Professional skills and responsibilities for this management level include but are not limited to:- Be curious and try new things.- Learn about how PwC works as a business and adds value to clients.- Think broadly and ask questions about data, facts and other information.- Support research, analysis and problem solving using a variety of tools and techniques.- Produce high quality work which adheres to the relevant professional standards.- Keep up-to-date with technical developments for area of specialism.- Handle, manipulate and analyse data and information responsibly.- Communicate confidently in a clear, concise and articulate manner – verbally and in materials produced.- Embrace different points of view and welcome opposing and conflicting ideas.- Uphold the firm’s code of ethics and business conduct.

    At PwC Middle East, we’ve set out an ambitious purpose and strive to live it everyday: to solve important problems and build trust in society.

    We’re a community of solvers that come together in unexpected ways to build trust and create sustained outcomes. We solve important problems, support one another as we grow, develop and build fulfilling careers.

    PwC provides industry-focused services for public and private clients across Assurance and Audit, Deals, Consulting, Tax and Legal. We draw on our development legacy that brings together the collective experience of over 7,000 people in our region with offices across 12 countries to solve for tomorrow.

    We’re striving to consistently deliver innovative work that builds trust and delivers sustained outcomes. And we’re proud of the strength that comes from all our different backgrounds and experiences and we value everyone’s uniqueness. We thrive in uncertainty, operate with integrity and leverage the diverse perspectives of our teams.

    If you’re looking for a place that fuels your ambition to make a difference, that matches your curiosity with continuous learning opportunities and reimagines ways of working to enable you to lead a more balanced life, then you’re a future PwCer. More

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    Specialist Recruiter- ME region | Irwin & Dow

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Forming part of the Middle East Recruitment team and based in Dubai, this position requires those with an extensive recruitment background and a highly engaging and proactive approach to sourcing candidates at Consultant level with typically 4-7 years of industry experience. Directly targeting both passive and active individuals in the region in line with the overall strategic recruitment objectives and diversity targets (such as minority groups and GCC nationals as per government mandates), this global top tier management consultancy is seeking the highest caliber of recruitment specialist with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to work in a fast paced and highly pressured environment to produce strong results and promote the employer brand across the entire region. You will act as a management consultancy industry specialist and provide end to end recruitment support techniques via LinkedIn and digital avenues to map and attract high caliber candidates into the region. Constantly tracking data and the status of candidates you will analyse this information to encourage best practices and improvements for the future, sharing this with the team to develop strong working relationships, encourage a collaborative approach and monitor the competition. As you will be screening applicants and utilizing psychometric testing to provide personality traits and insights, you will constantly review these processes and keep up with recruitment and industry technology trends. Building a quality pipeline of talent and seeing these individuals through to official offer, you will be a highly visible and interactive individual with all concerned. Working collaboratively with peers in the Middle East region to ensure consistency and brand conformity with regards to careers and candidate industry event execution, this is a highly collaborative recruitment position across all levels of seniority, where you will be a true brand ambassador.

    Excellent communication and a high level of tenacity is required in this role and it is expected that you will have a minimum of 3-4 years of recruitment experience in order to be selected for this position. Degree educated and a consistent recruitment career history where you are engaging with internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis is essential to achieve a high level of success. Those from a professional services or recruitment agency background are exceptionally advantageous and you will be rewarded with a highly supportive and motivated team, career growth and stability.

    Irwin & Dow was established by two highly experienced recruitment professionals, Tracey Irwin and Jocelyn Dow. We provide a refreshing approach by working in close partnership with clients and candidates within the Business Support, Secretarial, HR & Finance sectors.

    Good staff are key to every business. We recognise and appreciate this, having over thirty years combined recruitment and executive search experience within the region.

    Our main aim is to provide a specialist service to clients preferring to work with a bespoke consultancy.

    Our values of discretion and diplomacy are paramount and our ultimate goal is to become a partner of choice for all our clients and candidates. More

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    Events Senior Associate | PricewaterhouseCoopers

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Line of ServiceInternal Firm ServicesSpecialismIFS – Internal Firm Services – OtherManagement LevelSenior AssociateJob Description & SummaryResponsible for working with the Events Manager to plan, coordinate and execute events (in person and virtual events) that enhance the firm’s regional presence and brand name in the marketplace.Providing support throughout the entire events process, from the event design and planning stages, through to the implementation and post-event phases to measure event success.Financial – Assist with managing events to ensure budgets are met and met within specific timeframes – Work with the Finance team to manage the LPO and payment process for large scale events – Ability to look for cost efficient solutions for services related to events Customer – Assist the Event Manager by working with multiple teams across the firm and across the region to plan and deliver events – Assist in conducting pre-event and onsite communication in conjunction with the Events Manager – Contribute to the delivery of high level events that are in keeping with the firm’s brand and strategy – Ensure a very professional and high level of event delivery for Leadership Team events Internal Process – Work in line with event goals, objectives and specific implementation plans that promote the firm, defined by the Event Manager and led in conjunction with the PR, Communications, Marketing and Business Development teams – Work closely with the Design and Branding teams to ensure brand integrity and alignment for events – Work with the PR & Communications Teams to ensure alignment with communications and media strategy for events – Connect and communicate with all relevant teams to ensure event deliverables and milestones are met eg. R&Q, Business Resilience, Security, PR, Comms, Procurement, IT, Finance, Travel etc. – Work with internal teams (Design, EmTech etc) and outside vendors to introduce and develop new tools for events as required – Prepare event briefs for internal teams and support teams, and ensure everyone understands their role within the event – Liaise with internal and external speakers, preparing and sharing speaker briefs, and ensuring a professional experience is provided – Maintain and develop the Events calendar and update the team accordingly on team calls – Work closely with the design team when creating artwork for the large scale events – Assist with the development of all event materials to deliver a high quality event and provide suggestions for new quirky ideas at events – Manage event logistics onsite and assist the Event Manager with all event enquiries and requests – Work with the Procurement team when developing relationships with vendors eg. AV companies, venues, branding companies etc – Ensure the Clients & Markets storage cupboard is kept stocked and tidy, and manage requests for cupboard access – Manage requests for event materials ie. banners, backdrops, giveaways etc – Organise and manage firm photo shoots – Venue sourcing and working with Dnata across the region to select appropriate venues – Develop a strong understanding of alternative venues for different event formats Learning & Growth – Produce lessons learnt documents post-event and ensure changes are incorporated into future events – Act as a key resource to other functional areas of the business, building cross-functional relationship;  this is key to the smooth and successful delivery of firm events

    Language – Fluency in spoken and written English – Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage  Experience – A minimum of 12 months experience in event planning and delivery – Some exposure to the marketing, communications and/or PR fields – Experience in the Professional Services Industry (in a PR, Communications or Marketing capacity) is an advantage  Knowledge and Skills – Knowledge of event management activities – Experience of working at in-person events – Experience in delivering virtual events / using virtual event platforms is beneficial – Strong communication skills – Organised and the ability to multitask at a fast pace – Problem solving skills – Ability to build key relationships internally and externally – Ability to work under pressure and within tight timeframes – Excellent time management and project management skills

    At PwC Middle East, we’ve set out an ambitious purpose and strive to live it everyday: to solve important problems and build trust in society.

    We’re a community of solvers that come together in unexpected ways to build trust and create sustained outcomes. We solve important problems, support one another as we grow, develop and build fulfilling careers.

    PwC provides industry-focused services for public and private clients across Assurance and Audit, Deals, Consulting, Tax and Legal. We draw on our development legacy that brings together the collective experience of over 7,000 people in our region with offices across 12 countries to solve for tomorrow.

    We’re striving to consistently deliver innovative work that builds trust and delivers sustained outcomes. And we’re proud of the strength that comes from all our different backgrounds and experiences and we value everyone’s uniqueness. We thrive in uncertainty, operate with integrity and leverage the diverse perspectives of our teams.

    If you’re looking for a place that fuels your ambition to make a difference, that matches your curiosity with continuous learning opportunities and reimagines ways of working to enable you to lead a more balanced life, then you’re a future PwCer. More

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    TLS Manager | PricewaterhouseCoopers

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Line of ServiceTaxIndustry/SectorNot ApplicableSpecialismGeneral Tax ConsultingManagement LevelManagerJob Description & SummaryA career within Corporate Tax services, will provide you with the opportunity to help our clients meet their tax obligations while managing the impact tax has on their business. You’ll advise clients on their local and overseas tax affairs, while acting as a strategic consultant related to business analysis, managing working capital, and profit sharing for partners. You’ll also help organisations understand the pricing implications of goods and services between related parties, as well as providing advice on tax implications of deals.Our team helps our clients improve their tax function to control risk and facilitate better decision making. You’ll focus on helping businesses with tax strategy, ensuring tax compliance, increasing post tax profits, and providing application support to achieve the best corporate tax practices.To really stand out and make us fit for the future in a constantly changing world, each and every one of us at PwC needs to be a purpose-led and values-driven leader at every level. To help us achieve this we have the PwC Professional; our global leadership development framework. It gives us a single set of expectations across our lines, geographies and career paths, and provides transparency on the skills we need as individuals to be successful and progress in our careers, now and in the future.

    As a Manager, you’ll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. PwC Professional skills and responsibilities for this management level include but are not limited to:- Develop new skills outside of comfort zone.- Act to resolve issues which prevent the team working effectively.- Coach others, recognise their strengths, and encourage them to take ownership of their personal development.- Analyse complex ideas or proposals and build a range of meaningful recommendations.- Use multiple sources of information including broader stakeholder views to develop solutions and recommendations.- Address sub-standard work or work that does not meet firm’s/client’s expectations.- Use data and insights to inform conclusions and support decision-making.- Develop a point of view on key global trends, and how they impact clients.- Manage a variety of viewpoints to build consensus and create positive outcomes for all parties.- Simplify complex messages, highlighting and summarising key points.- Uphold the firm’s code of ethics and business conduct.

    At PwC Middle East, we’ve set out an ambitious purpose and strive to live it everyday: to solve important problems and build trust in society.

    We’re a community of solvers that come together in unexpected ways to build trust and create sustained outcomes. We solve important problems, support one another as we grow, develop and build fulfilling careers.

    PwC provides industry-focused services for public and private clients across Assurance and Audit, Deals, Consulting, Tax and Legal. We draw on our development legacy that brings together the collective experience of over 7,000 people in our region with offices across 12 countries to solve for tomorrow.

    We’re striving to consistently deliver innovative work that builds trust and delivers sustained outcomes. And we’re proud of the strength that comes from all our different backgrounds and experiences and we value everyone’s uniqueness. We thrive in uncertainty, operate with integrity and leverage the diverse perspectives of our teams.

    If you’re looking for a place that fuels your ambition to make a difference, that matches your curiosity with continuous learning opportunities and reimagines ways of working to enable you to lead a more balanced life, then you’re a future PwCer. More

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    HRIS Officer | Chalhoub Group

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Who we are We are a leading partner for luxury across the Middle East. With more than 600 stores, 300 brands, and over 65 years of experience in the region, we have become a major player in the beauty, fashion, and gift sectors, by offering service excellence to our partners and delighting all our customers. We are moving fast from a traditional distributor and retailer for luxury in the Middle East to a hybrid retailer bringing luxury experiences to the fingertips of customers everywhere. To fuel the next stage of our growth we are looking to build a world-class team. From physical retail through to supply chain and customer loyalty, we aim to use technology and data to continuously improve every aspect of our operations. We are looking for top talent to join us on this journey of exploring new horizons together. What you will be doing Our HR Systems Officer is responsible for HRMS system enhancement through auditing employee data, and creating/updating organization structures and reporting lines in coordination with People Partners while minimizing system down-me in coordination with the HRIS team.

    What you’ll need to succeed Implement activities under minimal supervision- Escalate complex problems to the relevant person to ensure the case/issue is closed efficiently and in a timely manner – Create/ maintain all structures in the system – Audit and approve all HR data in the Group; investigate discrepancies and ambiguities with concerned stakeholders – Coordinate with HRBPs for changes in structure and reporting lines – Manage all workflows of HR processes Generate reports to management on employee data – Participate in data migration to new software – Participate in relevant projects and community activities as and when needed What we can offer you With us, you will turn your aspirations into reality. We will help shape your journey through enriching experiences, learning and development opportunities, and exposure to different assignments within your role or through internal mobility. Our Group offers diverse career paths for those who are extraordinary, every day. We recognise the value that you bring, and we strive to provide a competitive benefits package that includes health care, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies as well as exclusive employee discounts.

    The Chalhoub Group is the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East since 1955. As an expert in retail, distribution and marketing services based in Dubai, the group has become a major player in the fashion, beauty and gift sectors regionally.

    By blending its Middle East expertise and intimate knowledge of luxury, Chalhoub Group is building brands in the region, by offering service excellence to all its partners and a unique experience to its customers through its passionate teams.

    With a growing workforce of more than 9,000 people, implemented in 14 countries, as well as the operating of over 470 retail outlets, the group’s success is attributed to its most valued asset of highly skilled and dedicated teams. Professionalism and passion are what fuel the Chalhoub Group’s competitive edge in today’s market.

    By being committed to implementing sustainable practices into their business, the Chalhoub Group has been awarded in 2013 the CSR Label from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. More

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    Core Assurance – Experienced Associate | PricewaterhouseCoopers

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Line of ServiceAssuranceSpecialismAssuranceManagement LevelAssociateJob Description & SummaryA career in our Non Financial Services Audit practice, within External Audit services, will provide you with the opportunity to provide a range of Assurance services and business advice to a variety of clients from small, fast growing clients to large entities. Our clients are often well known brands and many have broad international reach. We focus on using the latest technology to reduce the level of manual testing ensuring you’ll focus on the most valuable areas of client service and on enhancing corporate governance and the reliability of our clients’ information.Our team helps organisations navigate regulatory complexity while strengthening trust and transparency in their business. While many of the rules of business have changed, the fundamentals haven’t. You’ll work alongside senior members of the client’s management team in planning the audit process from beginning to end, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and fair presentation of our client’s information.To really stand out and make us fit for the future in a constantly changing world, each and every one of us at PwC needs to be a purpose-led and values-driven leader at every level. To help us achieve this we have the PwC Professional; our global leadership development framework. It gives us a single set of expectations across our lines, geographies and career paths, and provides transparency on the skills we need as individuals to be successful and progress in our careers, now and in the future.

    As an Associate, you’ll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. PwC Professional skills and responsibilities for this management level include but are not limited to:- Invite and give in the moment feedback in a constructive manner.- Share and collaborate effectively with others.- Identify and make suggestions for improvements when problems and/or opportunities arise.- Handle, manipulate and analyse data and information responsibly.- Follow risk management and compliance procedures.- Keep up-to-date with developments in area of specialism.- Communicate confidently in a clear, concise and articulate manner – verbally and in the materials I produce.- Build and maintain an internal and external network.- Seek opportunities to learn about how PwC works as a global network of firms.- Uphold the firm’s code of ethics and business conduct.

    At PwC Middle East, we’ve set out an ambitious purpose and strive to live it everyday: to solve important problems and build trust in society.

    We’re a community of solvers that come together in unexpected ways to build trust and create sustained outcomes. We solve important problems, support one another as we grow, develop and build fulfilling careers.

    PwC provides industry-focused services for public and private clients across Assurance and Audit, Deals, Consulting, Tax and Legal. We draw on our development legacy that brings together the collective experience of over 7,000 people in our region with offices across 12 countries to solve for tomorrow.

    We’re striving to consistently deliver innovative work that builds trust and delivers sustained outcomes. And we’re proud of the strength that comes from all our different backgrounds and experiences and we value everyone’s uniqueness. We thrive in uncertainty, operate with integrity and leverage the diverse perspectives of our teams.

    If you’re looking for a place that fuels your ambition to make a difference, that matches your curiosity with continuous learning opportunities and reimagines ways of working to enable you to lead a more balanced life, then you’re a future PwCer. More

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    Executive Assistant- Permanent and FTC contracts available | Irwin & Dow

    Employment:

    Full Time

    Representing a global management organisation with over 80 offices across the world, our client has a vacancy for an Executive Assistant within their prestigious Dubai office. This is both a permanent and 1-year Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave (therefore the successful individual for this role will need to commit to the full 12 months). The organisation prides itself on their adaptability and work ethics to ensure they attract clients from a wide range of industry sectors including energy, financial services, health care, private equity and telecoms and as such this role can offer great career growth. Reporting to the Senior EA Team leader you will work closely to support between 2-4 Management Consultants and ensure they are fully organised with complex diary management, global travel itineraries and associated documents. This is a fast paced and dynamic environment and it is imperative that you can be flexible in your approach to the role, fully committed and able manage highly confidential and fast changing movements for the Consultants. You will be a consummate professional and able to anticipate the Consultants needs and be a strong problem solver, taking decisions to maximise their time and efficiencies. You will also act as a gate keeper to field calls and emails and where possible, resolve any queries at the initial stage to manage the Consultants workload effectively.

    Our client is an employer that values its staff and creates clear objective plans and opportunities for employees at all levels of seniority. In addition, there is also an above market rate benefits package, however because of this it is expected that you are a career Executive Assistant with a minimum of 4 years’ experience supporting those at Senior Management or C-suite level in a diverse and fast paced environment in the UAE. The successful candidate must be from a professional services background and possess strong IT skills, including excel and PowerPoint and be educated to degree level. Our client is seeking a professional EA for both positions with experience across the Middle East region and the UAE. Those with immediate availability are exceptionally advantageous.

    Irwin & Dow was established by two highly experienced recruitment professionals, Tracey Irwin and Jocelyn Dow. We provide a refreshing approach by working in close partnership with clients and candidates within the Business Support, Secretarial, HR & Finance sectors.

    Good staff are key to every business. We recognise and appreciate this, having over thirty years combined recruitment and executive search experience within the region.

    Our main aim is to provide a specialist service to clients preferring to work with a bespoke consultancy.

    Our values of discretion and diplomacy are paramount and our ultimate goal is to become a partner of choice for all our clients and candidates. More