JEDDAH: Many unemployed male and female Saudis turned up on the first day of a jobs exhibition here looking for work. There were a number of jobs available at the event for both young men and women. The majority of the companies at the exhibition require job seekers to leave their CV or fill in application forms. A few companies ask job seekers about their qualifications, the kind of position they are looking for and salary requirements. Somaiah Asiri, a Saudi female who graduated five months ago, is optimistic about getting work. “I am so excited to be here especially after I had been to the career forum a few days ago where they told us that lots of jobs will be offered to fresh graduates,” Asiri said. “The idea of providing and announcing job opportunities is great. In the past, this was usually done in secret.” “I have applied at most of the companies although I have no idea about the benefits they provide to employees. But if I have the choice, I will choose the best,” she added. Abeer Al-Obaidi is another job seeker who hopes to find a suitable job in the private sector. “I was not approached by any company, I just left my contact details and now I'm waiting for a reply,” said Al-Obaidi. “I hope to find a job with suitable pay.”
