As companies receive a growing number of applications for each vacancy and increasingly use AI-driven screening systems, candidates relying on the same CV for every role are finding it more difficult to get noticed.
Applying for dozens or even hundreds of positions has become common among UAE job seekers, but recruiters say simply increasing the number of applications is no longer enough to land an interview.
With employers receiving hundreds of applications for a single vacancy and relying more heavily on AI-powered screening tools, candidates who use the same CV for every role are finding it increasingly difficult to stand out.
“The challenge today is often the lack of alignment between a candidate’s profile and the specific skills and experience employers are seeking,” Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Group Chairman of TASC Outsourcing, told.
“Candidates who rely on sending the same CV to hundreds of vacancies often struggle because they are competing in increasingly crowded talent pools without adapting their applications to match each opportunity,” he said.
His comments come as the latest Naukrigulf Hiring Index showed UAE hiring activity declined 23% in April and May compared with the same period last year. Lower-paying and entry-level roles recorded the sharpest falls amid uncertainty linked to regional geopolitical developments.
However, Avinav Nigam believes the slowdown reflected timing rather than a decline in confidence in the UAE’s economy.
“Between February and May, the region experienced a level of geopolitical uncertainty that nobody had a playbook for. When uncertainty rises, the first thing any sensible business does is pause long-term commitments. Hiring is a long-term commitment,” Nigam said.
He added that many companies postponed recruitment decisions rather than abandoning hiring plans altogether.
Entry-level candidates face toughest competition
Recruiters say early-career professionals are facing the biggest challenges, as companies delay junior hiring while continuing to invest in critical leadership roles.
According to the Naukrigulf report, vacancies offering salaries of up to Dh10,000 per month saw the largest decline, dropping 26% year-on-year during April and May. Roles paying between Dh11,000 and Dh20,000 fell 22%, while positions offering Dh41,000 to Dh80,000 recorded a smaller decline of 11%.
“The data shows entry-level roles were hit the hardest, and based on what I have seen, I agree,” Nigam said.
“When companies face uncertainty, they protect the roles they cannot afford to lose. Senior hires responsible for running functions and generating revenue continue, while entry-level recruitment is often something businesses can postpone.”
AI: Challenge or opportunity?
AI has become increasingly popular among job seekers by simplifying the application process, but recruiters say the rise of one-click applications has significantly increased competition for each vacancy.
“It is now common for a single vacancy to receive several hundred applications within days, particularly for professional and managerial positions,” Shahdadpuri said.
Nigam said the ease of online applications has created a volume challenge rather than a shortage of qualified candidates.
“When applying takes 10 seconds, everyone applies for everything. A role that once received 200 applications can now attract 2,000,” he said, adding that strong candidates can get overlooked because of the system rather than their ability.
While AI has become an important part of recruitment, Nigam said many screening tools still place heavy emphasis on keywords rather than assessing actual skills and experience.
“A candidate who knows how to optimise their profile for an algorithm can consistently rank higher than someone who may be better suited for the role but does not know how to navigate that system,” he said.
Sectors where opportunities remain
Despite the overall slowdown, Shahdadpuri said several industries continue to show strong hiring demand, particularly those linked to the UAE’s long-term economic priorities.
Technology, artificial intelligence, financial services, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics and advanced manufacturing remain active areas for skilled professionals. Demand also continues in consulting, compliance, cybersecurity and data analytics roles.
For job seekers who have been applying unsuccessfully for months, he advised taking a more focused approach.
“Tailor each application to the role, emphasise relevant experience and measurable achievements, and continue developing skills in areas such as AI, digital literacy, data analysis and communication,” he said.
He added that networking remains one of the most effective ways to discover opportunities, particularly in a relationship-driven employment market such as the UAE.
