June 23, 2025 | By Fuhad Saneen
Dubai: If you’re applying for jobs in the UAE and getting no replies, you’re not alone. Between AI-generated applications, fake job listings, and overwhelmed recruiters, the hiring landscape has become increasingly complex and frustrating for jobseekers.
The Harsh Reality Behind the Silence
A new survey by global recruitment firm Robert Walters reveals that 84% of Middle East jobseekers feel their applications are being ignored. One key reason: a growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate resumes and cover letters. While meant to speed up the process, this shortcut often backfires.
Nearly 60% of candidates are using AI for job applications, with 67% of hiring managers saying they can easily spot such CVs—often due to generic, robotic language or overly polished formatting. Alarmingly, 41% of recruiters say AI-generated applications leave a negative impression.
“AI might seem like a time-saver,” says Jason Grundy, Managing Director at Robert Walters Middle East. “But hiring managers are seeking authenticity. They want a genuine reflection of a candidate’s experience.”
The Rise of Fake Job Ads
Adding to the confusion, some companies—especially in the tech and startup space—are posting job openings that don’t actually exist.
Why?
To appear active and growing in the eyes of clients, employees, and search engines.
To collect resumes for future hiring pools.
To boost Google visibility by frequently publishing new content.
To maintain morale or stakeholder confidence by seeming like they’re expanding.
Unfortunately, this makes it nearly impossible for candidates to know whether a job is real or just a branding tactic.
Application Overload Slows Everything Down
With 39% of candidates submitting over 20 applications per week, hiring managers are inundated. 55% admit that this flood has slowed the hiring process dramatically.
Even qualified candidates get overlooked, especially if their resumes aren’t tailored for the role or fail to beat Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
In addition, candidate ghosting—where jobseekers stop responding midway—is also on the rise, often due to slow feedback or multi-stage interview delays, especially from larger firms. Many MNCs can take months—or even up to a year—to complete hiring, leaving applicants frustrated and uncertain.
What You Can Do as a Jobseeker in the UAE
Since spotting fake job ads is nearly impossible and delays are common, the best approach is to stay proactive, prepared, and persistent. Here are five key strategies:
1. Don’t Fall for the “One-Click Apply” Temptation
Avoid generic AI-generated resumes and cover letters. Tailor your application to each job—it’s obvious when you don’t.
2. Apply to Jobs That Genuinely Match Your Skills
Don’t waste time on roles that don’t align with your experience. Focus on quality over quantity.
3. Show Your Authentic Self
Hiring managers value personality, career direction, and genuine passion more than overly polished perfection.
4. Be Ready for Long Processes
If you get an interview—follow through. Ghosting recruiters or dropping out midway can damage your reputation in the long run.
5. Prepare for Deep Interview Questions
Expect employers to ask things like:
“Why are you leaving your current job?”
“What might make you regret joining us?”
“What excites you about this opportunity?”
These are more than screening tools—they’re your chance to stand out as a serious, thoughtful candidate.
In today’s job market—where AI, fake listings, and mass applications collide—authenticity, patience, and persistence are your most powerful tools.
Apply widely, but wisely. Don’t get discouraged by silence. And remember: the right role is still out there—it just takes a smarter strategy to reach it.
