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Third Time's A Charm: My Shot at Emirates via LinkedIn

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Emirates is one of the companies in Dubai on every job seekers wishlist. 'Third' becomes a good fortune for me. How I was able to get in...

How LinkedIn played a vital role?

Back in January 2010, somebody from the e-Commerce team contacted me via LinkedIn for a possible e-Commerce designer/developer stint at Emirates. Everything went very well. I got 'hired.'  In fact, to my excitement, I severely injured my toe nail as I stamped with joy upon learning the good news. I've done most of the required protocols, authentications, police clearance, etc. Then I signed the contract.  Come February - a week before I'm supposed to start my work, I got a call that the employment won't pursue. The reason, Emirates was 'actually' cutting employment that time; haven't started yet, I was already redundant. It was an executive-level decision. Hurts much. How about my toe injury? :-)

Three months later, I received another invitation via LinkedIn again. This time from the manager of the UI Team of Emirates, asking me to a meeting for a possible job as UI Designer.  The meeting went really well. But they never got back to me for awhile.

Another great offer came from a small yet growing web design company. Thinking that Emirates won't get back, I grabbed the opportunity. Almost 2 months after, I got a call inviting me to undergo the formal hiring process for Emirates. With honor to my commitment with my new employer, I declined with a heavy heart.  It was puzzling why I declined.

Fast forward 11 months after, I received a message in LinkedIn from the same manager taking chance if I'd like another shot at an opportunity with Emirates.  We had a meeting - introduced me to the department manager - and everything went well.  I got offered.  Haunted by my past experiences, I'm a bit reluctant this time. I'm having a great experience with the small web design company already. I love what I'm doing. What if in the end, it goes off again? This is what's boggling me. In the end, I accepted the offer and resigned from my job.

Today is my 2nd month in Emirates. I'm working as a Senior UI / UX Designer at Emirates Group IT. What a way to get in... I will always be thankful to the manager who contacted me, and to LinkedIn for the connection. It's a bit challenging, but I love challenges - it helps me bring out the best in me.

Tips to enhance your visibility in LinkedIn

If you are on LinkedIn, make the most of it:

  1. Make your profile marketable. Enhance it with the best keywords for your career.
  2. Add your portfolios and links to your works
  3. Update your CV
  4. Get recommended, and recommend others as well
  5. Join discussions and professionals group
Don't hate it for it is boring. It can be your best tool towards your dream job.

btemplates

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! Hindi ako active masyado dito sa LinkedIn.

Gil Camporazo said...

Good you've overcome those trials in your life and be able to accept reality. The Lord has given us challenges to surpass and in the end He has something prepared for us to be thankful of. I do agree with your that it's better to maintain social networking like LinkedIn. And your suggestions are a-must for everyone who is looking for a job. Thank you for sharing this. thanks for your generosity.

Edmar del Castillo Guquib said...

wow. really inspiring. I really never thought that companies take Linked in seriously.

chino said...

Im not active with linkedin but congratulations with overcoming trials in life. Most of us are seeking greener pastures elsewhere so sana all of us become successful in our career. Goodluck

ralph said...

thanks for the tips, ion. happy for you... hoping for your success. Yahweh bless

Shirgie Scf said...

I have an account in LinkedIn but I am not getting any job offer just like you. At least now I know it is possible to get a job through linkedIn. I will now enhance my profile. I hope and I pray that somebody from SG or DUbai will get to notice my profile and here me just like you.

Unknown said...

I would take up this pointers if I wasn't so happy with Citi

julie said...

I always believe that if something is for you then it will go to you. Those are just challenges to polish you to become the best that you can be.

sionee said...

wow galing naman with how LinkedIn has helped you. I hope mabasa din ito ng mga iba na nagpaplano rin na makahanap ng trabaho. :)

Lady Patchy said...

Good for you to be working in Emirates.Just like in Qatar, Qatar Aiways is one of the company that OFW want to work with.

Blair Villanueva said...

really inspiring!

yuuki said...

I have a LinkedIn account but never really done anything, i'll try to open it one of these days...you're experiences speak for yourself kaya talagang they hunted you down...

JC said...

very helpful! good luck in your journey! :)

stacy said...

congratulations. I actually never considered to take my linkedin seriously

kiko said...

congratulations bro, iba talaga nagagawa ng LinkedIn when it comes to professional background, i have my LinkedIn account too

Jhen said...

True linkedin is a fantastic way to get your dream job--great tips! I have my linkedin too... :)

Unknown said...

Congrats Ion! This is very cool tip! Everyone should linkedin!

http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/2012/01/cafe-by-ruins.html

rjs mama said...

wow! congratulaions :)

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