If you’re looking to work in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important things you need is a Saudi-compliant CV—especially if you plan to apply through the official government job portal, Taqat.sa.
Taqat is the national employment platform operated by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). It connects job seekers with both private and public sector employers in the Kingdom. But unlike international platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, Taqat requires a specific CV format that aligns with local standards.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to create a Saudi-style CV that increases your chances of landing interviews in KSA.
Why You Need a Saudi-Style CV
Recruiters in Saudi Arabia often look for:
- Compliance with the Saudization (Nitaqat) program
- Clear documentation of work experience and skills
- CVs written in Arabic (preferred) or bilingual (English + Arabic)
- Consistency with local formatting standards
Creating a CV through Taqat ensures your profile:
- Is stored in a central database used by hundreds of employers
- Complies with labor regulations
- Reflects your qualifications in a locally acceptable format
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Saudi CV for Taqat
1. Create a Taqat Account
- Go to taqat.sa
- Register with your Iqama number (or use your Absher-linked credentials)
- For expats not yet in Saudi Arabia, you can try to create an account via international email, but full functionality may require a valid Iqama
2. Use the CV Builder Tool
Once logged in:
- Navigate to “My Profile” or “CV Builder”
- The system will guide you to fill in the required fields, such as:
Personal Information
- Full Name (English + Arabic)
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Iqama Number (if applicable)
- Marital Status
- Contact Details (Email & Saudi mobile number)
Tip: Use a local Saudi number for better recruiter response.
Career Objective (in Arabic & English)
Write a short summary of your career goals. Example:
English:
“Experienced Electrical Engineer with 10+ years in MEP and infrastructure projects, seeking a senior-level engineering position in the Saudi construction sector.”
Arabic:
مهندس كهربائي ذو خبرة لأكثر من عشر سنوات في مشاريع البنية التحتية والميكانيكية، أبحث عن فرصة عمل في شركة رائدة في المملكة العربية السعودية.
Education History
Include:
- University Name (preferably in both English & Arabic)
- Degree Title
- GPA or Grade (if applicable)
- Graduation Date
Note: If your degree is from outside KSA, mention if you’ve applied for qualification equivalency through MOE.
Work Experience
For each job:
- Job Title (Arabic + English)
- Company Name
- Duration (Start–End Date)
- Job Description (bullet points in Arabic or bilingual)
- Achievements and tools/technologies used
Skills
List both soft and technical skills:
- Project Management
- AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera
- Electrical Testing & Commissioning
- Arabic Communication (if applicable)
- Safety Compliance, HCIS knowledge
Important: Local employers appreciate specific tools and Saudi project references.
Certifications
Examples:
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- OSHA 30
- SEC License
- HCIS Security Training Certificate
Languages
- Arabic: Basic / Intermediate / Fluent
- English: Fluent
- Hindi/Urdu/Tagalog/etc. if relevant
Attachments
Upload:
- Passport copy
- Iqama (if available)
- Educational certificates
- Training certifications
- Recommendation letters (translated to Arabic if possible)
Formatting Tips for Saudi CVs
- Use a clean, ATS-friendly layout (PDF or Word)
- Prefer bilingual formatting (English first, Arabic below)
- Avoid lengthy paragraphs—use bullet points
- Keep it within 2–3 pages max
Bonus: What Happens After You Submit on Taqat?
Once your profile and CV are complete:
- You will be listed in the national job seeker database
- Employers (including government bodies) can search, view, and contact you
- You may receive notifications for interviews or skill assessments
Tip: Log in weekly to update your profile and show activity. Inactive profiles may rank lower.
Conclusion: Make It Saudi-Ready, Not Just Job-Ready
Saudi Arabia’s job market is formal, digital, and compliance-driven. A Taqat-approved CV isn’t just a document—it’s your official resume of record. It can affect:
- How quickly you find a job
- Whether an employer can transfer your sponsorship
- Your eligibility for labor programs or subsidies
If you treat your CV like a casual resume, you’ll likely be overlooked. If you build it the Saudi way, you’ll position yourself as a professional who understands the local system—and that’s a massive advantage.