According to statistics from GASTAT (Saudi General Authority for Statistics), more than 320,000 students graduated from Saudi universities in 2025. Competition for first jobs is fierce, especially in saturated majors. But the good news: Vision 2030 opens thousands of opportunities for those who know how to reach them. This guide is your roadmap.

The Big Problem: How Do I Get Experience Without a Job, and a Job Without Experience?

The solution in 5 steps:

1. Mandatory University Training — Invest In It

Many students treat summer training as a "burden." A fatal mistake. Target major companies (Aramco, STC, SABIC, Al Rajhi Bank) or strong startups. Build relationships, ask for recommendations, and leave an impression that makes them request you after graduation.

2. Government Programs: Tamheer and Qurrah

  • Tamheer: training leading to employment with a monthly stipend (typically SAR 3,000–5,000), over 6 months at major companies.
  • Qurrah: a program for employing Saudi women in new professions.
  • Doroob: a free training platform.
Tip: register in Tamheer two months before graduation. Many programs start immediately after graduation.

3. Graduate Programs

Major companies launch annual graduate programs:

  • ENG (Aramco Engineers)
  • STC Graduate Program
  • Samba/SNB Future Leaders
  • SABIC Young Leadership
  • PIF Graduate Development Program

These programs offer: good pay, structured training, rotation across departments, and a clear growth path.

4. Professional Volunteering

Join a professional association in your field: Saudi Organization for CPAs, Saudi Council of Engineers, SHRM KSA, PMI KSA. Volunteering on their committees provides networking and real experience.

5. Personal Projects

If you can't find experience, create it. Developer? Build an app and publish it on GitHub. Marketer? Launch an Instagram account for a mock product and generate engagement. Accountant? Offer services to small retailers for free.

Building a CV From Scratch

A graduate's CV differs from a seasoned professional's. The ideal structure:

1. Contact Information (top of the page)

2. Professional Summary (instead of a career objective)

Two sentences presenting you as a promising professional, not a fresh student.

Weak example:

Fresh graduate looking for an opportunity to learn and grow in marketing.

Strong example:

Marketing graduate from King Saud University with a GPA of 4.6/5, with internship experience at STC managing 4 digital campaigns that reached 200,000 users. Passionate about analytics and conversion rate optimization.

3. Education (before Experience for graduates)

  • University, major, graduation year, GPA (if 4+/5).
  • Important academic projects — especially the capstone project.
  • Notable academic courses related to the target role.

4. Experience (or Internships)

Even if it's a single summer internship, present it professionally: company name, duration, 3–4 specific achievements with numbers.

5. Skills

Technical + languages + software. Be honest.

6. Student Activities

Club memberships, representing the university at conferences, volunteering. They show initiative.

7. Certifications and Courses

Especially from accredited platforms: Coursera, Google Certificates, Microsoft Learn.

10 Job Platforms for Graduates in Saudi Arabia

1. LinkedIn (the most important)

2. Bayt.com

3. Taqat (taqat.sa)

4. GulfTalent

5. Naukrigulf

6. TanQeeb

7. Glassdoor

8. Indeed

9. Monster Gulf

10. University platforms — many Saudi universities have their own employment portals.

The First Interview — How to Succeed

Before the Interview

  • Research the company for at least 2–3 hours
  • Prepare personal stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
  • Prepare 3 questions to ask them

Expected Questions for Graduates

1. "Tell me about yourself" — 60–90 second answer.

2. "Why our company specifically?"

3. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

4. "What's the biggest challenge you faced in university?"

5. "Why should we choose you despite your lack of experience?"

Responding to "You Have No Experience"

"True, I don't have long formal work experience, but during my internship at [company], I learned [specific skill] and led [achievement]. I'm a fast learner and commit to doubling my output every 3 months in the role."

The Fatal Mistake: Waiting for the "Perfect Job"

Many graduates reject good jobs while waiting for their "dream job." The result: a full year without experience. The golden rule:

Your first job isn't the job of your life. It's a launching pad. Take any reasonable job where you build skills and a title, then move on after 18–24 months.

Expected Salaries for Fresh Graduates (2026)

  • Petroleum/chemical engineer: SAR 10,000–15,000
  • Junior accountant: SAR 5,500–8,500
  • Software developer: SAR 7,000–12,000
  • Digital marketing specialist: SAR 5,000–8,000
  • Sales representative: SAR 4,500–7,000 + commission
  • Private/public school teacher: SAR 5,500–9,000

Conclusion

The first job is a journey of patience and persistence. 80% of those who graduated before you got their first job in the first 6–12 months. You're no exception. Apply, learn from every rejection, and continuously improve your CV. Book a professional CV review to double your chances.