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 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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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Technical Communications

 

Online Resources |  Required Skills | Training Programs | Documentation Agencies | Freelancing | Knowledge of Hebrew | Interview with a Technical Writer

Olim from a wide variety of professional backgrounds discover second careers in Israel in technical communications. The field attracts teachers and writers who are looking for a more corporate work environment and higher salaries; programmers and techies who prefer to work in a field that leverages their English language skills; and lawyers or other professionals who do not have the time or interest to study for the Israeli exams.

Technical communications covers a wide range of material, some of which is more technical in nature and some of which is more marketing-oriented. Technical writers usually are responsible for writing and editing user manuals and online Help files, and for creating highly technical specification documentation.

The job of a technical writer can also include producing marketing materials. In some companies, technical writers produce brochures, prepare and update web content, edit English language documentation for Israeli staff members, create PowerPoint presentations, and organize trade shows and other promotional events. The specific job description is usually dependent on a variety of factors including company size and age, the type of product that is produced, and whether there is a separate marketing department within the corporate structure.

Online Resources

The Israeli community of technical communicators has developed a number of online resources that can be of tremendous help to job seekers:

  • Techshoret is an email list for technical writers in Israel. Jobs are frequently advertised on this list. To subscribe, send an email to: techshoret-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or go to: http://www.techshoret.com/
  • Society for Technical Communications (STC) has a web site: http://www.stc-israel.org.il/. Note: STC's annual convention in Israel is an excellent networking opportunity.
  • Resume database at www.techshoret.com
  • Jacob Richman's web site includes job leads and salary surveys: www.jr.co.il
  • Yokneam Forum of Technical Writers. This site also includes information for translators, marcom writers and creative writers. See http://www.elephant.org.il. (This site includes a wealth of free resources as well as some services that involve a charge.)
  • Tech-Tav Documentation's blog: http://www.tech-tav.com/blog
  • SourceForge, http://sourceforge.net/people/. By volunteering to document SourceForge projects, inexperienced technical writers can build up a portfolio of real-life projects which then helps you get paid positions.

Required Skills

Most Israeli employers are looking for technical writing professionals with experience using software packages such as FrameMaker, RoboHelp, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. A background in programming is a significant advantage.

As with many fields, most Israeli employers are looking for writers who already have several years of technical writing experience. The first job in the field is the hardest one to find.

Training Programs

Israeli training programs for technical writers are fairly expensive.  The critical factor in choosing a program is their success rate vis-à-vis employment. Before selecting a program, make sure that the program's staff is involved in placing their graduates in permanent technical writing positions.

  • Our Best Words (in cooperation with the AACI), phone: 02-656-3369, website: www.ourbestwords.com. Courses meet once a week and are offered in Jerusalem and Beer Sheva. Discounts available for AACI members and individuals who bring their own laptops.
  • OnTarget Technical Communication Internship Program, Esme Slabbert esme@lihgroup.com or www.ontargetcommunication.com.
  • WritePoint Training Center, Paula Stern, see www.writepoint.com or email seminars@writepoint.com. Course location at Har Hozvim, Jerusalem. Course format is either twice a week (9 to 3) or four evenings a week.
  • JBS Technical Communication Services, phone: 077- 490-7900, email: ej@JBStek.com, web: www.JBStek.com. JBS offers its Technical Writing training course, Technical Communication in the Hi-Tech Environment in both Herzliya and Jerusalem.
  • In Other Words, Eagle Solomon, eagle@words.israel.net or 04-9814184.
  • YEDA School, Dr. Mati Schwarcz, phone 09-792-0435 or 052-221-3584, email drmati2@gmail.com, web site www.internationalwritingschool.com. Option to begin course prior to Aliyah. Discounts offered to Olim.
  • Technical Writing Course in Bet Shemesh with Yechiel Lewis, MS Office Automation and Technical Writing Services, Office: (02) 999-4938, Mobile: (052) 762-4938, Email: yechiel_lewis@hotmail.com.

Online Alternatives

Online training programs cost a fraction of the Israeli programs, but do not assist you with job placement. Here is a selection of available courses:  

Documentation Agencies

There are several types of documentation agencies: Some agencies charge freelance writers for the service of finding them clients, while others charge the employer for the service of providing them with quality writers. 

Freelancing

One of the advantages of technical communications is the wide range of employment arrangements that are available. Some technical writers work on-site in salaried positions. Others work as freelancers from home, an arrangement that is particularly suited to individuals who live far from employment centers or parents who are interested in part-time, flexible work.

Knowledge of Hebrew

Most technical writing positions require you to have conversational Hebrew skills. Though the work itself is in English, most companies will expect you to interact with Israeli programmers and product managers whose English knowledge may be limited as well as to attend staff meetings in Hebrew.

Interview with Paul Schnall, Technical Writer

Please provide us with a brief description of your work.
As a technical writer (TW), I learn all I can about a product, including installation and how it works. I install the product myself, and play around with it to determine what happens when I push button A, switch B, etc.Then, I write the user manual for the product. I usually need to talk to the designers and engineers for details and specifications. I sit in on design review meetings; I am involved with certifications and qualifications. I make a lot of the graphics myself.
My job requires a good eye for detail. With experience, I was eventually able to edit both content and formatting. I can usually decipher the thoughts of an engineer who does not speak English, and rewrite his broken English into proper English.

How did you find your job?
Friends of mine were working as technical writers. My first job I found through a friend. The rest of my jobs I found through networking and headhunters.

What degree should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to break into your field?
Most employers prefer a BA in writing or literature or a BS in engineering or the sciences. While a Bachelor’s degree is probably not essential, it definitely gives you an advantage over the competition.  

Do you need Hebrew to work in your field in Israel?
In most places, you do need Hebrew. Your meetings can be in Hebrew.

What are the benefits?
Technical writers receive relatively good pay, once you obtain some experienced. In addition, benefits generally include a pension and Keren Hishtalmut (savings plan), and some companies have ESOP and stock options.

What is the salary range?
Starting salaries for inexperienced writers can be 8,000 NIS/month for full time work. Salaries for over 10 years of experience can be up to 25,000 NIS/month.

What are the upcoming areas of specialty you would recommend?
Online help and single sourcing.

What recommendations can you offer Olim looking to work in this field?
You need to take a good course, and you will be better off in the job market if you complete an internship. Both of these take time and money.