5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Skills in Qatar

Think of your career like a pot of saffron biryani. The base is already good. Each new skill is a small saffron thread that makes the whole dish richer. Here are five easy moves to grow your value without needing a long break from work.

1) Take a short, targeted course

Choose one skill that employers ask for often. Good options include: health & safety (NEBOSH/IOSH), data analysis (Power BI/Excel), customer service excellence, cloud basics (AWS/Azure), or basic cybersecurity. Pick the one that supports your current role or the role you want next.

How to show it on your ATS CV:

• Add a “Certifications & Courses” section near the top if you are early-career.

• Use the exact course name and tool. Example: “Microsoft Power BI for Business – Completed 2025”.

• Add one impact bullet under your current job that uses the new skill.

2) Build a tiny portfolio

Create a simple two–three slide showcase with screenshots or short summaries of your work. For example: a sales tracker you built in Excel, a shift roster you improved, or a mini marketing plan. If your work is confidential, use generic data but focus on the method and the result.

How to show it on LinkedIn and in applications:

• Upload the slides to your LinkedIn Featured section.

• Mention it in your cover note: “Sample dashboard attached.”

• Bring it to interviews and walk through the steps and outcomes.

3) Polish your LinkedIn profile (English + Arabic where possible)

Bilingual titles help recruiters find you. Keep the language respectful and professional. Add three short achievements and pin any certificates to the Licenses & Certifications section.

LinkedIn quick wins:

• A clear, friendly photo and a simple background banner.

• Headline with target role + 2–3 skills.

• About section with 3–4 lines showing results and tools.

• Two recent posts sharing a learning or a project (keep it positive and helpful).

4) Practice interviews in short sprints

Interview confidence grows with small, regular practice. Do three 20‑minute sprints: (a) your 45‑second intro, (b) two STAR success stories, and (c) a quick technical or role‑play question. If you want support, Thamani Branding Services offers friendly job interview preparation in Qatar.

5) Refresh your ATS CV with result-first bullets

Use these simple patterns so ATS and hiring managers quickly see your value:

• Reduced {cost/time/errors} by {X%} by {your method/tool}.

• Improved {service/safety/throughput} by {X%} via {process change}.

• Delivered {project} {X% faster} using {tool} and {collaboration}.

• Supported {team/site} of {X people} with {system} and {SOPs}.

30‑day micro‑plan (easy and realistic)

1. Week 1: Pick one course. Book it. Watch the first two modules.

2. Week 2: Build one small example (dashboard, checklist, SOP). Save screenshots.

3. Week 3: Edit your ATS CV and LinkedIn. Add the new skill and one result bullet.

4. Week 4: Do three interview sprints and apply to fresh roles within 48–72 hours.

Golden hint: like saffron, a little upskilling can change the whole flavour. Keep it simple, steady, and respectful and let your results speak for you.

Author: George Oduor | Fellow expat sharing strategies for thriving careers in Qatar and beyond.