Qatar Job Seekers: Stop Ignoring LinkedIn and Start Building Your Network to Grow Your Career

Ever wandered through Place Vendôme Mall, dazzled by its golden arches and dancing fountains, only to head back to the parking and suddenly channel the “Confused Travolta” meme? You know the one: John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, black suit and leather jacket in hand, slowly turning his head with that where-am-I look.

That’s exactly how most of us feel the moment we step into LinkedIn. One minute you’re confident, the next you’re spinning like you’ve accidentally joined a mysterious WhatsApp group full of strangers speaking in corporate riddles.

The truth is you’re not alone. LinkedIn can be intimidating, especially now that many of us treat it like the dusty suitcase you hauled from Manila, Nairobi, or Colombo when you first landed in Qatar: you only pull it out to post a quick “New job, Alhamdulillah!” or “Work anniversary!” before sliding it back under the bed.”

Treating LinkedIn like a once-a-year announcement board is the career equivalent of wandering the Vendôme parking lot without remembering your car’s color.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re serving karak in a bustling café, running security at a tower in West Bay, or closing deals in a glass-walled Corniche office, LinkedIn is the marketplace where opportunity shops 24/7. If you’re invisible, recruiters simply scroll past to the next profile.

Your Quick Map Out of the Maze

• Show Your Face: Swap that grainy holiday selfie for a clear, professional shot.

• Write a Headline That Works: Something like “Customer Service Pro Keeping Doha Smiles Bright” beats a plain job title.

• Share a Snippet of Your Story: A one-liner about what you actually do, such as “I turn mall browsers into loyal shoppers,” speaks louder than a list of duties.

• Engage, Don’t Lurk: Comment on posts, drop a friendly “Great insight!” and watch your network grow like a Friday night karak queue.

Next time you’re sipping that karak and scrolling, give LinkedIn five focused minutes. Update your profile, connect with someone new, or share a quick work tip. It’s easier than finding your car at Vendôme and far more rewarding.

Till next time…

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