Nefesh BNefesh

Wednesday, May 23rd

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The NBN Employment Department gave us realistic expectations and helped us prepare a game plan - who to meet, which sectors are looking, how to make and approach potential contacts. Throughout the process, it was evident how the NBN staff care and do their utmost to help new Olim transition successfully. I found a wonderful job (that matches 100% what I desired in a position) because the NBN Employment Counselor saw a position and cared enough to send my resume in to the company. I received a phone call not too long after, and a few interviews later I am happily employed!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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I started looking for a job on my own as soon as I arrived in Israel and after three months without a decent break, I reached out to NBN for help. NBN told me that they would start sending out my resume which I thought would be a nice, extra outlet. I was feeling hopeless, but now I am now very happily employed thanks to NBN who connected me with my current employer! Thank you NBN

-Tamar, NBN 2011

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I made an appointment at the NBN office to review my new resume tailored for the Israeli market.  The advice they give one is advice anyone who is job hunting knows - network, network, network.  What NBN gave me was a built-in network that I could immediately start to connect with.  However the most important thing I received was the belief that I had a great team behind me and that I am not alone!

-Ayala, NBN 2010

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I wanted to thank the NBN team for setting me up with my first job in Israel! I couldn't have found this position without you! I am so glad I turned to NBN for help.

--Taire, NBN 2011

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The NBN Employment Department sent me the links from their job board. I sent my resume to positions that I thought were relevant and gave my specific information to the NBN Employment Department. A month later I get a reply from someone who got my resume from the NBN Employment Department. I was thrilled!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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I would like to say that the employment department for Nefesh b'Nefesh has been unflagging in its dedication to finding jobs for new olim - following through and helping at every stage, responsive to all inquiries, and always on the lookout for what is best for the oleh.

-Kim, NBN 2005

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To start me off, NBN gave me all the necessary tools and resources to begin the search. And the best part about this all was that they themselves were looking out for me, and sending my resume to any fitting positions they found. With their help, I landed my first job in Israel in a very reasonable about of time. A big thank you to the NBN Employment Department!

-Donna, NBN 2010

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I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your assistance yesterday. I walked into your office not quite knowing what to expect and was amazed by the type of assistance that you were able to provide.

-Nir

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Thank you for your smile! I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the talk we had after the linked-in session. Thank you for listening. I will be in touch. From my heart, thank you for everything!

-Polly, NBN 2008

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Computer Programming and IT

Finding Employment in Computer Programming and IT
View more webinars from Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Popular Programming Languages | Job Locations | Online Resources | Comparing Large Companies and Startups | Salary Surveys | Web Programming

Israel is frequently referred to as the "second Silicon Valley" as it enjoys a reputation for quality and talent. Leading multinational companies such as Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and many others, have established foreign subsidiaries and R&D centers throughout the country. Hi-tech products and services account for more than a quarter of all Israeli exports and, after the US and Canada, Israel has more hi-tech companies trading on the NASDAQ than any other country.

In addition to careers in technical fields such as programming and quality assurance, the hi-tech sector offers professional opportunities in sales, marketing, PR, graphic art, web design, technical writing, administration, customer service, technical support, finance and law. If you are in the planning stages of Aliyah, consider gaining experience in hi-tech related fields now, because professionals with hi-tech experience are in demand. Experience in hi-tech is considered prestigious and will give you an advantage for finding a job in any field. For example, marketing professionals with experience working in hi-tech find it easier to integrate into the Israeli job market than marketing professionals who worked in other sectors.

Salaries in hi-tech are higher than parallel positions in other industries. For senior staff, companies often provide benefits such as car leasing and stock options. On the other hand, the hi-tech work day is longer (and vacation time is usually shorter) than in other sectors.

If you are planning Aliyah but are still living overseas, you can already submit your resume to Intel online, for their consideration. Please indicate on the resume your expected date of Aliyah.

The current changes in the global economy have had a significant impact on the hi-tech sector in Israel. There are fewer jobs available, and many more people applying for them. As a result, employers can afford to be more selective about who they hire. While it is still important to use online job sites and the “careers” section of individual companies, personal networking has taken on added significance.

Popular Programming Languages

The languages Java, .NET, C# and C++ are in demand. If you are planning Aliyah and currently work in a different language, consider gaining some work experience in one of the more popular languages before you come. In particular, the Israeli market is in desperate need of people with Java and .NET experience.

Another area where there is high demand is quality assurance, specifically in the areas of performance testing (LoadRunner), automated GUI testing and hardware testing.

If your programming background does not match the demands of the current market, you may want to consider retraining in the field of technical communications. Many North American Olim who worked as programmers prior to making Aliyah, moved into the technical communications field in Israel. For details, see Technical Communications.

Job Locations

New high-tech facilities exist in all of Israel's central areas including North Tel-Aviv's Ramat HaChayal, Jerusalem's Har Hotzvim and Gan Hatechnologia in Malcha, Ra'annana's industrial area, Herzlia Pituach, Matam Park located at the southern entrance to Haifa, (the largest and oldest business park in Israel; for a directory of companies there see http://www.gav-yam.co.il/GavYam/site/matam/eng/directory/main.asp) and Karmiel up north.

Online Resources

There are numerous Web sites devoted to computer and hi-tech employment in Israel.

  1. Localista (Hebrew and English job site)
  10. Hi-Career Job Site
  12. BubbleTech
  13. AllJobs
  14. TechAviv

In addition to searching via the web, various headhunters specialize in the placement of computer and hi-tech professionals. See Headhunters for more information.

Hi-tech fairs, trade shows and events take place several times a year, in various locations throughout the country. Attendance at such events gives you the opportunity to network and make contacts. One source of information about these events is http://illuminea.com/events/. Another is http://www.newsgeek.co.il/eventsboard/ (Hebrew language site).

The best, and most common, way to find a job in Israel is by word of mouth. Let everyone you know be aware that you are looking for work, and follow up on any leads they may offer. Some positions are filled before they are ever advertised.

Comparing Large Companies with Start-Ups

Israel boasts a disproportionately large number of start-up companies. The environment of a start-up is dynamic and exciting, and there is an informality that you will not find in other work places. Because the companies are smaller, it is easier to obtain high level positions - especially if you join a company early on. While employees are expected to work very long hours, some of this work can frequently be done from home, and there is more flexibility to negotiate unusual schedules.

In contrast, large hi-tech companies are more highly regulated. In companies such as Intel, RAD, Amdocs, Comverse and others, employees usually have fixed working hours and a largely pre-set pay scale. The environment is less intense, and it is more common for employees to be home in time for dinner.

Salary Surveys

The following sites provide information about salaries in the hi-tech industry: