Navigating Challenges in a Misaligned Job Role - HR Advice for Career Growth in UAE

Dear all,

I have completed my MBA in Human Resource with Information Systems, holding 84% with zero arrears. I graduated in 2011 and I am currently working in the UAE. Here, I face a problem day by day. I made a big mistake by joining this company with a reference. I realized my mistake when the HR manager interviewed me over the phone and informed me that there are no vacancies in HR, but there is work available for administrative duties. I agreed and joined the company. However, I was shocked because they did not assign any duties to me, and I feel like I am simply wasting time. I am eager to work, but they are not giving me any opportunities. Now, they have decided to transfer me to a branch office for administrative duties. The issue is that there is no one in that office, and the work is not related to my career. I am confused about what to do next. Please advise me on how to handle this situation.

Regards,
Sekar

Hello Lakshmi and Prasanna,

First of all, you should have done some research about the company before joining. Just updating the job portal is not enough; don't wait for calls from a recruiter. Invest some time in applying for jobs online at targeted companies that are looking for freshers. Simultaneously, try to sort out this issue first with your current employer and let them know that you would like to be a part of the team where you can learn new opportunities. Take some initiatives on your part. Be transparent with your manager and let him know your goals and what you are looking forward to.

Thank you!
Ryan

Greetings,

I have nothing new to add other than asking you to look for a role that's fitting for your profile. However, as you do so, I request you to consider the following:

- List the takeaways from this job. Find out all the tasks and responsibilities in your current role that might help you to get the profile you want.
- Avoid bloating your resume with what you haven't done, as it would be very easy to cite from your experience.
- Stay focused in the current role and earnestly request your reporting manager to work on your growth path in the organization. Don't get disheartened if he is purely negative to your enthusiasm. No matter what he says, it will add to your knowledge about your current firm. This is quintessential for you to share during your interview in your next role. In case there are any positive inputs, you will have no looking back.
- Remain supportive to your boss. You will need him to give you good feedback during background verification. Stay as patient as you can.
- Start looking for upgrades in your current role. I am not aware of the certifications. However, Hussain and Khadir have worked in that region and would be better equipped to guide you on this. I would request them to respond to this post.

Stay upbeat; you have already landed an offer and are at the job. The way from here is up for sure. Wish you all the best!

Dear Mr. Prasanna Sekar,

Please consider my views, and I am sure it will be more useful for you to take a final call. I request you to pay attention and read with a cool mind because I am about to consume your precious time.

1) At the outset, kindly fine-tune, polish, or work on your communication skills. Without this, you can't prove what you are and what you wanted to be.

2) In the Middle East, HR structure and operational strategies are quite different from India. Study the environment in your company and other companies (by developing a network) where you wish to place yourself after a year or two.

3) If you really want to offer your services for organizations in the Middle East, you must add certifications to your profile, which will help you get into top companies. Kindly visit CIPD.CO.UK and HRCI.ORG.

4) If you look into the past, let's say 5-8 years before, there was no concept of HR in most organizations. It was all about administrative activities where the admin department was taking care of most of the HR activities. Only MNCs (with a huge number of employees on the roll) were making the best use of HR concepts because they had implemented a system that works on HR concepts where the true value of human capital was realized.

5) In the Middle East, HR came into existence when management realized its importance and relevant utilization was felt. But still, I don't think HRD is/was given the importance as per its strategies/concepts. Even today, in many organizations, HR is offering his/her services as a generalist (handling admin roles/responsibilities) instead of specialized services.

6) You have completed your MBA in 2011, and you do not hold relevant experience to take responsibilities that demand a minimum of 3-5 years of experience.

7) Never seek a job through reference. Secure your job only on a merit basis because you will have the right to speak/defend yourself whenever you happen to come across any problems/issues.

8) Overconfidence is not a good factor nor good for your health and mind. Since you had accepted the offer without clarifying your roles and viewing your JD, I would request you to take up the administrative activities and correlate them with HR activities.

8.1) I hope you are a mature personality and make the best use of time by acquiring skills, knowledge, and diplomatic skills by doing activities as assigned to you.

8.2) Get yourself familiar with UAE labor laws or any other country (GCC) law. After a couple of months, you may propose to your management that you wish to offer your services in the HR arena. Till then, be good to your manager as you have to gain experience to secure a better offer in the Middle East.

9) I have no idea about the business objectives of your organization, and I also don't know much about the admin activities they had assigned to you. Kindly share more information about it.

If you do not wish to accept and work on my views, you can take your decision as you are 100% responsible for your own life. Time will teach you more than you expected, and don't lose hope and faith in the almighty.

Good Luck.

With profound regards,

Dear Mr. Shaik,

One thing I want to share with you both: until now, my manager has not assigned duties to me. However, daily/monthly, I have to submit my report regarding the attendance of workers, medical claims, visa details, etc.

My office hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but my work is completed in 2 or 3 hours. The remaining hours I am idle, and I hate to be like that.

Dear Mr. Shaik,

I accept your views about my job; they are valuable advice for me. I kindly request assistance for further growth in my future. I need to achieve...

Thanks & Regards,
Sekar

First, appreciate and thanks for advice and comments, Ms. Nobomita ji & Khadir Sahab...

Well, I too worked in GCC, especially Kuwait, and have experience in other GCC regions. So, here is what I have observed: many people simply count days and collect their salary, without considering their future or job profile. (I must admit, I have also fallen into the same category.)

There is a story about a Lion - A Lion who went to the Gulf on a Monkey Visa and expected to be treated as a Lion, but unfortunately, he was treated as a Monkey...

Now, coming to the point - In the Gulf, most HR tasks are handled by either Administrative or Finance departments, resulting in limited functions for the HR Department in GCC.

In the UAE, finding a job can be a challenging task. Therefore, my advice, as long as you have a job, is to consider utilizing your knowledge to come up with new tactical ideas. Share these ideas with management and try to convince them of the benefits.

Last but not least - I believe you have recently joined this company, so it may not be easy to be released until you complete a year or 10 months with the same sponsor.

So, dear, don't be disheartened. Be patient; you will achieve your goals when the time is right. Keep striving to do a good job and fulfill your responsibilities accordingly.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Prasanna,

I am glad you paid attention to my views. I am happy to know that you have plenty of free time during business hours. This is a plus point for you to gain relevant knowledge.

1) I suggest you study and understand HR concepts/strategies that could be applied in your organization if they are not already implemented. If HR concepts/strategies are in practice, kindly study whether there is any possibility for them to undergo fine-tuning for the smooth flow of operations pertaining to human capital.

2) You can start collecting job descriptions (JD) and key result areas/key performance indicators (KRA/KPI) for various posts/designations and begin working on developing a competency list for carrying out competency mapping. This is a very time-consuming and tedious assignment because you need to understand and be clear about their skills, knowledge, competencies, roles, and targets to be achieved.

I recommend you to read "The Value-Added Employee-31 Competencies to Make Yourself Irresistible to Any Company" by Edward J. Cripe & Richard S. Mansfield.

There is a lot more for every professional on earth to learn every second. It's you who needs to explore your life and move forward with a positive attitude.

With profound regards,

Dear Mr. Shaik,

I am happy to see your reply. I will follow the guidance from an experienced person like you. I am getting clear (like fog dispersing in the light of sun rays) and confident; this credit goes to those who considered my thread and replied, gentlepersons.

I need your support.

Thank you,
Sekar

Dear Sekar,

Before searching for a new job, try speaking with your manager about the issues you are facing that could affect your career. Also, ensure that you obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer if you plan to move to another company. As you may be aware, according to UAE labor laws, job changes without an NOC can result in a ban from the UAE. Additionally, consider registering with reputable consultancies and job portals within the UAE.

Regards, Hevin Babu