You’ve updated your CV, tailored it to the job description, and submitted it confidently—yet still, no response. The problem may not be your skills, your education, or even your experience. It could come down to one avoidable line that’s quietly putting off recruiters across the GCC.
It’s something many job seekers include with good intentions, but in today’s competitive market, it can raise red flags and hurt your chances.
Let’s break down the issue, explain why it matters, and—most importantly—how to fix it.
If you’ve ever written:
“References available upon request.”
Then you may unknowingly be making one of the most outdated CV mistakes in the GCC.
This phrase used to be common and accepted. But in 2025, it tells hiring managers one of three things:
You haven’t updated your CV in a while
You’re using outdated templates
You’re filling space instead of showcasing value
None of these are what recruiters in the UAE and across the region want to see—especially when they’re reviewing hundreds of CVs for a single role.
Hiring managers want every line of your CV to add value. A statement like “References available upon request” doesn’t tell them anything they don’t already assume. Of course, if they want your references, they’ll ask.
Today’s top candidates—especially in fast-moving markets like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha—are expected to follow modern CV practices. Including this line can subtly signal that you haven’t kept up with evolving norms in the MENA job market.
Whether true or not, this line can be perceived as vague or noncommittal. Recruiters prefer candidates who are clear, confident, and ready to support their qualifications with strong evidence and references, when requested.
If you’re wondering how to improve your CV and fill that space with something more impactful, here are several better alternatives:
Instead of that generic line, use the space to highlight a measurable success. For example:
“Increased monthly sales by 28% through targeted client outreach and strategic upselling.”
Use that final line to reinforce your strengths, like:
“Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with experience leading cross-border teams.”
At the end of your CV, a quick one-line career statement can leave a strong final impression:
“Motivated supply chain graduate with internship experience in logistics optimization.”
While we’re here, make sure you’re not making any of these mistakes that can also raise concerns:
Using a photo when it’s not required or relevant
Listing duties instead of achievements
Adding personal details like marital status or full address
Submitting in Word format instead of PDF
Writing a generic objective instead of a tailored professional summary
These may seem minor, but together, they can weaken your application, especially in high-competition industries like finance, technology, or consulting.
Recruiters across the UAE and the broader GCC region consistently emphasize the same points:
Clear, concise formatting
Role-specific keywords
Evidence of results
Technical and soft skills
Language fluency (Arabic and English if applicable)
Tailored content for each job
When your CV shows that you understand what the employer needs—and positions you as a strong match—you stand out.
If it’s been a while since you last updated your CV, now is the time to revisit it. Remove outdated lines, replace filler with value, and tailor your content to the current GCC job market.
Ask yourself:
Is every line working to promote my candidacy?
Have I backed up my skills with results?
Would I call this CV “modern” if I were the recruiter?
Once your CV is refreshed and recruiter-ready, make sure it gets seen by the right people.
Bayt.com is the MENA region’s leading job platform, offering thousands of opportunities tailored to professionals like you. Set up alerts by location, industry, or job type, and discover roles that match your background and ambitions.
Looking to stand out? Browse job openings in your field, track application trends, and apply with confidence.
Visit Bayt.com today—your next opportunity could be one click away.
