Interview with Huma Abdel Hussain, Head of HR & Administration (Dubai) for Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait

Ms. Huma Abdel Hussain shares with us her thoughts and suggestions for jobseekers in the banking sector given the current economic crisis. She is the Head of HR and Administration (Dubai ) in Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait.


Profile

I am a 29 year old Emarati, passionate about my work and country and everything that contributes to its success, therefore, always ready for an opportunity to help to make a difference in people’s lives. Holding a Bachelors Degree, with almost 8 years Banking and HR experience, my ambition in life is to ensure equality and fairness in everyday life (work and home).

Thoroughly love my job and the challenges it brings. HR is a part of my personality and my personal interest in this job is to Motivate, Lead and Help colleagues/managers/staff to achieve both company and individual visions. Apart from that I completely enjoy being a Generalist: Strategizing, Continuously improving HR Services, Planning and Implementing, Talent Management, Adopting a supportive role to assist the demands of Business and introducing a Customer Service side to HR Management.

I live by the following values:
“Everybody wants to succeed. Give them a fair chance” By HR Management Quotes
“Impossible is nothing and delivery is everything”. By Adidas and Huma


1. How is the current economic situation affecting the job market for banking firms?
A: At this point in time where companies are thinking of cutting costs, unfortunately, the most obvious solution is through layoffs. Banking amongst a couple of other industries affected adversely worldwide.

In U.A.E, we need to remember, in the past 3 years, these industries experienced a very high growth rate resulting in increased number of opportunities (job and pay wise). Thankfully, compared to the phenomenal growth rate witnessed of the past years, to cater to business growth in U.A.E, we are not witnessing the lay-off rate at the same pace. Whilst the Banking Sector is strategizing over the current and future business requirements, there prevails a high sense of nervousness and job insecurity in the hearts of the employees as the number of available jobs in the banking industry comes to a standstill. Still, as we are experiencing the global economic crisis, U.A.E is in a much better position than other developed economies.

2. What’s your recommendation to someone who has recently been laid off from the banking sector in UAE?
A: “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”. By Robert H. Schuller
In the past couple of years, I have come across numerous situations where we’ve had to let people go and/or deal with disciplinary issues leading to redundancies, non-confirmations, etc etc.

It is a tough and painful process for all those involved specially for the one being asked to leave. I can’t seem to make situations better after the decision has been made, however, what I do ensure is that my team and I are available to ‘help, listen and assist’ as best as we can.

During the process I always advise both managers and staff to keep a professional attitude. For managers to be empathetic towards the employee, to the employee, my advise is to remain calm and composed, listen to the feedback, ensure a positive attitude and maintain relationships with colleagues, peers and seniors. Lastly, I recommend the employees to leave their ex employer with a good, lasting impression, such that they are willing to take them back any day.

Therefore, if someone has been tested through this recessionary time, has been affected by the recession, or is in the process of (God forbid), ensure a positive attitude throughout this time with your employer as these times won’t last for long. This may not be easy, as you would be experiencing a number of emotions at that point in time. So please be aware of your emotions and surroundings. Get as much feedback as you can from your seniors and people around you. Avoid getting into un-necessary discussions. This is only short-term and you will get your chance again.

The important thing to bear in mind at this point is to remember that these companies will be hiring again in future and you want to ensure that it’s “you” who they would think of and call immediately when the situation arises.

Lastly, never loose hope! There are always opportunities available, search for them. Meanwhile please hang in there, reflect on your past and find ways to up-skill yourself for your next opportunity.

3. Will things be better next year or should they consider opportunities outside UAE?
A: Explore every opportunity you can at this point in time. Whether in U.A.E or outside. Do not leave any stone unturned. If you have U.A.E experience, you will find your way back here again inshallah soon. Utilize your time effectively, research, learn, network and stay positive. Last but not least, remember to pray…where everything else fails, perseverance and prayers together do wonders!!

4. Do you foresee any changes in the salary structure due to the economy crisis?
A: The salary increases in the financial sector by mid 2008 were phenomenal as the U.A.E registered the biggest pay rise at 13.6% according to surveys and employees have benefited either ways via better opportunities or progressing within their own organization. Banking sector was the 2nd largest contributor.

This year, most of the financial institutions are considering limiting or scrapping performance bonus give outs and there are talks of either less/controlled or no increments this year in the market. That doesn’t mean to imply that situations will get worst or salaries will reduce. But salaries will definitely not increase at the rate that they did, or at all, this year.

5. What is more important for you – education or experience?
A: A good blend of both education and experience are important to any industry or company.
To me, a degree with part-time experience, volunteer work or summer jobs or, any experience for that matter, carries weight. This combined with future aspirations of learning and development both in education and experience is a perfect blend that spells ‘SUCESSS’ for me.

Today we live in a fast paced world and here we see competition reaching the extent where students want to be ahead of their time and thinking of securing jobs even before they have completed their studies. Gone are the days where parents/elders would need to motivate youngsters into ‘getting out their and earning the pennies’.

Today’s generation is more advanced and ready to take on challenges to get an edge over others. They are much more creative and bring a different and fresh dimension to ways of working with them. Hence, to me at a personal level, continuous efforts to develop and striving to up-skill oneself in any way shape or form (be it education or experience) is commendable.

I admire candidates and employees who strive to pursue further education whilst working. I’m in great awe of those who work, study, juggle and balance between home, work, family and friends all at once.

My inspiration is my younger brother (23 years) who multi-tasks, is a viz-kid and manages his own business. It is always such a pleasure to meet such energetic and ambitious people whether young or family men/women from all ages and walks of life. Hats off!!

6. How important is the CV to you?
A: CV is the first impression for me of a candidate. How passionately it has been written speaks wonders to me, to the extent that if I think a candidate may have qualified for the interview stage but did not because of his CV, I do give that feedback to the agencies we work with. At times, during the interview stage, I advise the candidates to re-work on their CV as well and provide tips on the same.

A well written CV to me is one that talks to me! It gives me the impression that it’s been written by the candidate him/herself and a channel of getting to know them before they appear for the interview. It gives an idea of who the person is both professionally and personally.

http://www.pcage.com/GettingaGoodJob.pdf

7. What do you enjoy most about your current role?
A: The ability to make a Difference!! put a smile on someone’s face, helping them out, guiding, doing the right/fair thing and helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals, seeing them become better and stronger people and human beings while striving to achieve…the list is too long …I can go on and on…!

I was asked to set-up the HR Department from scratch which has been the most challenging and rewarding journey for me. It has been both enjoyable and fun. My team makes it all the more rewarding when we look back and reflect on our achievements through the year and how we can improve further.