Hi Shay,
Cool name by the way, is it your real one or just a nickname for this? (My name isn't really Branstonpickle in case you were wondering!)
I fly out to Doha on the 31st March to start as a Venue Transport Coordinator, which is a grade 6 role, whatever that means. There is no finish date on my contract, just the standard 1 months notice from either side.
I am staying in touch with someone from the UK who went out in Feb who answered all the same sort of questions for me that you are now asking! She found accomodation privately as the DAGOC flats don't appear to be that interesting and you apparently don't get a choice of who you share with. As there are so many Westerners going at the minute, it seems that groups are being formed pretty quickly and these groups are finding villas with pools etc. This is what I hope to do when I get out there as I am getting put up by DAGOC for the first fortnight (I think all new DAGOC staff get this).
As far as the recruitment went, I had one telephone interview in late Feb, a verbal offer 3 days later and a written offer a week later. I officially accepted the offer on the 1st March, so it will be exactly one month between accepting and starting work - not bad considering the amount of people they are taking on. They have booked me a flight and are in the process of sorting my visa out at the minute.
I'm really looking forward to it, and virtually all the comments I've heard from DAGOC staff out there have been positive.
I'm glad to hear there will be a few Aussies out there, as I've always got on well with them when I lived in Shepherds Bush!
If you want any more info, drop me an e-mail on [email protected]
Cheers,
Andy