Ronnie Biggs

I think there are a few graduate programmes like that in the UK but in Dubai? This place doesn't really "do" fresh western graduates does it? I'm assuming everyone here working an expat deal has a degree as a minimum requirement of entry but it's rare to hire any western expat without an additional minimum of 3 years relevant experience. As much as anything else because it can make the visa process that much harder. Plus 20,000 people work for Google - would you need to keep that a secret? I'll go for a government organisation on this one....

Jinsuko - who is warmest here?!

Meow

It's the OP's first job, so possibly their first proper interview process. Perhaps their definition of grueling isn't the same as the rest of us?

typical

Yes, in some industries. I interview undergraduates on behalf of my employer.

typical

JBR is a large development in the Marina area.

norsk

I know a few people who work in senior positions for Google and they had strange interviews for sure (asked about dolphins and chewing gum elasticity for example), but not over 3-4 months and this would definitely not be the case for graduates. They do have a supposedly very good graduate programme and I'm sure they vet their people thoroughly, but it just doesn't sound quite right. Besides Google down here in the desert would be getting the sharpest of the sharp from the sub-continent for a fraction of the price (like everyone else)...

norsk

This is true. I had an interview with BBC Technology (spun off now I think) about 10 years ago and that was pretty awful. Imagine being led into a room where you are told to sit on a small chair and there is a semi-circle of desks in front of you with 8 people taking turns in asking you all kinds of weird questions, both personality and skills related. The end result for me was that even if they had offered me the job I would have turned it down as I wouldn't feel comfortable working with those people after that experience..

Meow

I've corrected that for you

Bahtatboy

Half-way through a final interview with the MD, FD and a couple of others of a major multinational I stood up and said words to the effect that I didn't like their manner and I didn't believe they believed I could do the job, and walked out. They got me on the phone shortly afterwards and said they were just testing; eventually I took the job but the MD turned out to be exactly the same (the others were OK). I left 3 1/2 years later because of him--should've left earlier, he turned out to be a completely negative influence on all my colleagues. Its a bit like people who are rude to waiters (well, the ones who don't deserve it)--generally they're arseholes.

The Dean

I went for a university interview (at Hull ) and they asked me about being stranded without food on a desert island with some mates - if they died first, would I eat them to keep myself alive?

No... I'd just prop myself up against a palm tree, and wait with dignity for the inevitable........

Apparently that was the 'wrong answer' and I became the only person in history to fail to get into Hull University (where degrees are usually given away in packets of Corn Flakes).

Bahtatboy

To 'ull and back.

5herry

Hi

I recently moved to work in Dubai Internet City to - so hope I can help:

1) What Apartments, Studios do you guys recommend which are close to Dubai Internet City.

It really depends on your budget but Dubai Marina is great with Torch Towers and Ocean Heights having the best location and finishing. Both are walkable to DIC (15 - 20mins) and 1 bed averages at 70 - 80k a year.

If you're looking for something cheaper, Tecom is also great, for example, API tower or Tecom Tower 1.

2) Typically what sort of package is generally offered to expats in terms of Benefits / Bonuses such as Medical Care and as a benchmark, how much should I be looking to earn as a UK Graduate in Dubai.

In an ideal world:
[LIST][*]Home allowance - similar to a terriritoral allowance in the UK(but mine wasn't enough to cover my rent)[*]Full medical insurance[*]One-off relocation allowance for shipping or furnishing your apartment[*]Flight allowance to go back home once a year[*]Few weeks hotel accomadation to settle - I would try for 4 weeks[LIST]
But it is dependent on the company

3) Finally, quite possibly the most important for me. What are the procedures to transfer or send money back to my UK bank account, potentially avoiding being taxed. Also what bank do you guys recommend? I bank with HSBC in the UK would it be wise to do the same here or is there a high chance of them cross-talking with regards to my finances?

Speak to HSBC before you leave as they can arrange to have a savings account opened here and in Jersey before you leave. You can't get a bank account with cheque book & card until you have a residency visa.

Hope this helps!

Paracletus

Interesting. I interviewed a band for my zine some years ago who have a very nautical theme, and asked them which band member they would eat first if stranded at sea.

Hull University has a quite decent research program. I remember talking to a large German who was intent on finding liquid crystals. Hardly a better place to be a poor student I'd say, and a cracking music scene. Just shame about the locals really.

The Dean

I interviewed a band for my zine some years ago who have a very nautical theme, and asked them which band member they would eat first

I wouldn't eat the band - I'd eat their equipment and instruments.......

WARNING: Wordplays on musical instruments and food approaching:

The drumsticks..... the bass..... (trying to think of a few more)

If I did eat one of the group, I'd start with his mullet...........

Millhouse

Millhouse

I've never had to do 25... but, Mubadala set up 7 back to back (inc. lunch so 8 really) interviews in an 8 hour day. Naturally, I suggested we just meet for a coffee at starbucks instead.

Current place was 7 over a couple of visits. Nothing like a bit of group think and arse covering.