Proposal: GCC CFO Job Search & ATS Optimization Expert
1. Background
I am a senior finance executive with 20+ years of leadership experience, including over a decade as CFO and Acting CEO across listed and private enterprises in the GCC. I am actively pursuing Chief Financial Officer / Finance Director opportunities across: Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
I am seeking a professional expert to strategically manage and execute my job search process to maximize shortlisting probability and interview invitations.
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2. Objective
The objective of this engagement is to:
•Optimize my CV for ATS systems across GCC markets
•Align core competencies and executive positioning per job description
•Strategically align and refine the description of my prior roles to reflect the competencies, leadership scope, and sector relevance required in each targeted CFO opportunity.
•Apply to a minimum of 60 high-quality, targeted CFO opportunities
•Increase shortlisting and recruiter engagement through strategic application management
Pls note that, Quality and alignment are more important than blind mass application.
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3. Scope of Work
A. CV Optimization & ATS Alignment
1.Review and upgrade my existing CFO CV.
2.Develop:
oOne Master ATS-optimized CFO CV
3.Ensure:
oCore competencies are adjustable per vacancy
oExecutive summary reflects sector keywords
oClean ATS-friendly formatting (no complex tables, standard headings, optimized keyword density)
4.Upload strong GCC-formatted CV:
oMaintain (CV) executive-level presentation (2 pages maximum)
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B. Target Job Platforms (Mandatory Coverage)
UAE / Regional
•Bayt
•Naukrigulf
•GulfTalent
•Indeed UAE / KSA
Saudi-Focused
•Mudad
•Taqat
•LinkedIn Jobs (KSA)
Qatar / Others
•QatarLiving Jobs
•Monster Gulf
Applications must also include direct company websites and executive search firm portals where relevant.
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C. Recruiter & Agency Outreach (Critical in GCC)
Recruitment agencies play a dominant role in senior finance hiring in the region.
Target agencies:
•Michael Page Middle East
•Hays GCC
•Robert Half Middle East
•Charterhouse
•NADIA
•BAC Middle East
Expert must:
•Submit CV directly to relevant consultants
•Maintain contact database
•Track submissions and follow-ups
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D. LinkedIn Outreach Strategy
Minimum outreach requirement:
•30 targeted LinkedIn recruiter messages
•20 agency direct submissions
Approved message template:
Hello (Name),
I'm exploring opportunities in (role name) across the GCC. I have 20+ years of CFO experience and would appreciate being considered for relevant openings. CV attached.
This approach is particularly effective in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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4. Application Volume Target
Minimum requirement:
•60 high-quality, relevant applications within 4–6 weeks
Applications must meet strict relevance criteria:
•Role level: CFO / Finance Director / Head of Finance
•GCC-based roles only
•Minimum 65–70% JD alignment
•Appropriate seniority and compensation band
No irrelevant or downgraded roles (e.g., Senior Accountant).
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5. Quality-Control Framework (To Avoid Blind Automation)
The following rules are mandatory:
1. No Blind Auto-Application Tools
•No mass "Easy Apply" automation
2. Tailoring Requirement
For each application:
•Extract key JD keywords
•Adjust Executive Summary when required
•Modify Core Competencies to match JD
•Modify some role and responsibilities in previous companies that are similar to targeted companies.
•Ensure ATS keyword alignment
3. Application Pacing
•5–8 tailored applications per day
4. Application Tracking Sheet
Must include:
•Company
•Role
•Location
•Platform
•Date applied
•CV version used
•Recruiter contact
•Follow-up date
•Status
Weekly report required.
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6. Performance Measurement (Realistic KPI Framework)
Success will be measured based on execution quality,.
KPIs include:
•Minimum 60 targeted applications
•Documented tailoring per vacancy
•Weekly progress reporting
•Recruiter outreach completion
•ATS-compliant formatting
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7. What I Expect From the Expert
•Proven GCC executive search or ATS optimization experience
•Ability to tailor CV quickly and strategically
•Strong written English
•Understanding of GCC hiring dynamics
•Confidential handling of credentials
•Professional communication discipline
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8. Engagement Duration
Recommended structure:
Phase 1 (Week 1): It is already completed, you may suggested an improvement
•CV optimization
•LinkedIn enhancement
•Master + sector variants prepared
Phase 2 (Weeks 2–6):
•60 targeted applications
•Recruiter outreach
•Weekly reporting
Engagement may be extended based on results.
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9. Ideal Background of the Expert
Look for someone who has:
•Experience placing CFO / Finance Director roles
•Worked in executive search firms (Michael Page, Hays, Robert Half, Korn Ferry, etc.)
•Strong knowledge of GCC hiring market
•Understanding of ATS systems
•Experience with C-suite resume positioning
•LinkedIn executive branding experience
10. Confidentiality
All personal documents, login credentials, and communication must be handled with strict confidentiality.
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Contract duration of 1 to 3 months.
Mandatory skills: Resume, LinkedIn Recruiting, Executive Resume Writing, Resume Writing, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, ATS Optimization, Executive Search, Career Coaching, Job Search Strategy, C-Level Recruitment