Being convincing to an employer in Kuwait

Here is my story: I came to Kuwait in 2008, Fresh out of college (I know, now it is quite hard for a fresh grad to get a job), but here is what i did to land a job. I posted my resume on company's website, went door to door and submitted CVs to the receptionist, and also posted advertisement of newspaper- al-waseet, arabtimes, you name it. Got a call (the employer saw my add on alwaseet) and called me for an interview. He was impressed and gave me the job. Lasted in that company for close to two years.

The next job i got was by submitting my resumes to the company receptionist. I went around looking for jobs. Worked for them for close two 2 years.

The job i got after that was by submitting my CV online. The manager called me, and was impressed in my resume.

Here is the key reason i think my employers chose me:
1. the first company- being fresh grad, they could pay me lower than an employee who has 2 years of experience. However they took a risk in taking a fresh-grad. But I mitigated that risk by being proactive.

2. second employer chose me mainly because i have a driver's license. It was a sales job, and they needed someone who knows the local market (no indepth, but somehow) with a vehicle and car. However, they were also looking for a starting post.

3. the third company hired me because of my nationality. In a good way, they wanted to add diversity to the team, and most clients of theirs were from the same nationality of mine. Plus I had a good command of English, which they were looking for.

Good luck on your job search. Hiring happens here mostly of your network

I worked in Kuwait for about 3 1/2 years.  Now, I'm over 60 and no longer eligible for a VISA 18.

First bit of advice is to steel yourself for a time consuming hunt.  What we in the West get done in an hour will take about three times that amount of time due to cultural concerns, e.g., sipping tea and "small" talk.  Patience is a virtue and pretty much nothing happens fast in Kuwait.

Secondly, there are web sites listing every foreign corporation conducting business in Kuwait.  Cast a wide net so the speak.  Multi-cultural organizations are a great resource as well.  Join a club or two and network within.

A personal appearance is a plus whether it is by appointment or "just stopping by as I was in the area" kind of thing.  The Receptionist is key.  Be polite, be respectful, and be genuine. Always have several copies of your resume on hand and put them in clear file protectors.

Save for the extended time intervals to get things accomplished in a job hunt, I found Kuwait to be much like the West.  Businesses need good people in order to survive and grow.  Be a "good" person and engage in follow up.

Good luck to all, I enjoyed my time in Kuwait and missed the friends I made there.