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

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.