Eager job hunters look to Dubai
That’s why more than 100 people applied for 15 bartender and waitressing jobs in Dubai.
The 50 who were shortlisted for interview attended the Imperial Hotel in Cork yesterday where their credentials were checked out by Dave Cattanach, food and beverage manager at the Irish Village in Dubai.
Its bars and restaurants were built 14 years ago, adjacent to the city’s spectacular tennis stadium, and the complex is run by Dubai Duty Free.
Mr Cattanach said the 15 applicants could expect to take home around €950, including tips, per month.
It may not sound a huge amount, but there are a lot of perks thrown in.
“We pay all their accommodation, which is expensive in Dubai, and we also pay for flights, travel, meals and private medical insurance,” he said.
He’s been interviewing Irish people for such jobs for the past 11 years.
“Recruiting is way easier now, there’s very strong interest out there,” Mr Cattanach said.
The recession is driving more young people to look abroad, and Quentin Cassidy, a 32-year-old from Edenderry, Co Offaly, was hoping to fill one of the vacancies.
“It’s a disaster in this country at the moment,” the barman of five years said. “I fancy a career change and place in the sun.”
Chris Timoney, from Bishopstown, Co Cork has worked in the Middle East and Spain before.
He is currently employed in the 3 mobile phone shop in Patrick Street, but wants to go back into bar work.
“I see this as an opportunity and I always say yes to opportunities,” he said.
Michael Mealy, also from Cork, said he wanted to experience a different culture and learn something new.
Dubliner Michael Halligan flew down for the interview.
“I worked before in a bar in Madrid and part-time in different bars in Dublin,” he said.
The 24-year-old airport worker said that he was looking for something different to do.
“Dubai sounds an exciting place. I have spoken to people who have worked there before and they’ve all had a good experience.
“So I’m hoping for the same,” he said.
