In 1962, he graduated from Azerbaijan Technical University with a degree in Construction Engineering.

In 1991, Sharifov worked as the deputy chief of construction company electrifying Çerkezköy-Kapıkule railway.

In 1993, he returned to Azerbaijan and became the President of the state construction company Azərnəqliyyatyoltikinti.

[2] Over his construction career working with Heydar Aliyev, he supervised many architectural projects including the building of the Presidential Office, the Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan, Absheron hotel in Baku, apartment complexes, the President's residence, and others.

[3] Sharifov was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan by President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev in 1995, and in November 2003 he was re-appointed to the same position by the new President Ilham Aliyev.