Career articles

Plain advice on CVs, interviews, skills and starting out, written for job seekers in the Arab world and beyond.

Starting an Accounting Career: Skills, Roles, QualificationsThinking about accounting? Learn the core skills employers look for, the first roles many graduates take, and how CPA, ACCA and CMA qualifications differ.
AI Skills for Today's Job MarketLearn the practical AI skills employers value: using AI tools well, writing clear prompts, checking AI output and using AI responsibly at work.
What Is an ATS and How to Make Your CV Pass ItLearn what an applicant tracking system (ATS) does with your CV and how to format, word and save it so both the software and recruiters can read it.
Changing Careers: Find and Prove Transferable SkillsPlanning a career change? Learn how to spot your transferable skills, back them with real evidence and present them clearly on your CV and in interviews.
Common Interview Questions and How to Answer ThemThe interview questions you are most likely to hear, what employers are really asking, and how to give honest, focused answers that show your strengths.
How to Write a Short, Strong Cover LetterA simple guide to writing a short, strong cover letter: a clear structure, what to say in each paragraph, a sensible length and the mistakes to avoid.
Customer Service Skills: How to Show Them in a CVLearn which customer service skills employers value most and how to prove them in your CV and interview with clear examples, results and the STAR method.
How to Write a CV With No Work ExperienceNo work experience yet? Learn how students and fresh graduates can build a strong CV using education, projects, volunteering, skills and proof.
Excel Skills Employers Expect: Basic to AdvancedWhich Excel skills do employers expect? A guide to basic, intermediate and advanced Excel for jobs, with tips on how to practise and prove your level.
How to Write a CV That Gets InterviewsA practical guide to writing a CV that gets interviews: the right structure, what to include in each section and the common mistakes to avoid.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview: A Practical GuidePrepare for your next job interview with confidence: research the employer, structure answers with the STAR method and ask questions that impress.
Job Search in the Gulf: Practical Tips That HelpPractical tips for job hunting in the Gulf: common CV conventions, networking, using LinkedIn well and spotting recruitment scams before they cost you.
How to Build a Strong LinkedIn ProfileBuild a LinkedIn profile recruiters notice: a clear headline, a useful About section, achievement-based experience, key skills and steady activity.
How to Negotiate a Job Offer Politely and EffectivelyGot a job offer? Learn how to negotiate politely and effectively: prepare, know what to ask for, choose your words carefully and keep the relationship.
How to Prove Your Skills to Employers, Not Just List ThemMove beyond a list of skills on your CV. Use tests, projects, certificates, references and results to show employers what you can really do.
The Skills That Matter Most for Remote WorkWant a remote or hybrid job? Discover the skills remote employers look for, from clear writing to self-management, and how to show them on your CV.
Resume vs CV: US, Europe and Gulf DifferencesResume or CV? Compare what is commonly expected in the US, UK and Europe, and the Gulf, from length and photos to personal details and layout.
The Skills Employers Want Most and How to Build ThemDiscover the skills employers ask for most often, from communication and problem solving to digital and AI skills, and practical ways to build each one.
How Students Can Build Real Experience Before GraduatingNo experience yet? Learn how students can build real, verifiable experience through projects, internships, volunteering and supervisor-confirmed work.
Time Management at Work: Prioritise and Delegate WellPractical time management for work: separate urgent from important, plan your week, delegate with confidence and protect focus time without burning out.