Adapting to the fast-changing job market has become a necessity amid the COVID-19 crisis. Are skills and traits companies are looking for changing? What are the most important aspects of the job search journey? And what are the biggest challenges candidates are currently facing? To get to the bottom of these questions and more, Bayt.com has recently conducted "The Modern Job Search Strategies in the MENA" survey.

The survey aims to promote understanding of how much has changed in the job market to increase candidate’s chances of finding a job under the current circumstances. It also aims to discern shifting industry hiring patterns and fundamental changes MENA professionals face when looking for jobs amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Key Findings:

• 88% of professionals use online job sites to look for remote jobs during COVID-19.
• 88% agree that job seekers should upskill and update their CVs to adjust to the market requirements.
• 51% of respondents are very familiar with video interviews and 29% are slightly familiar with them.
• Survey respondents believe that the ability to work without supervision (30%), flexibility (27%), and self-motivation (22%) have become the most important skills.
• Strong online CV and cover letter (34%) and searching for jobs online (28%) are the most important aspects of the job search journey.

Data for the Bayt.com Modern Job Search Strategies in the MENA Poll was collected online from August 29, 2020 to September 28, 2020. Results are based on a sample of 2,586 respondents from the following countries: UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and others.