Nefesh BNefesh

Wednesday, May 23rd

Last update:02:10:55 PM GMT

NBN Online
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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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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 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 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 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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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 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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Insurance Agent

A special thank you to Shmuel Weinstein, insurance agent and business owner, for participating in this interview. If you have further questions, please be in touch with Shmuel at shmuelw@012.net.il or by phone at 050-445-5770.

What is your current position?
I am an independent insurance agent, providing insurance products and solutions for my clients based on their needs and budgets. I work with most of the major Israeli insurance companies, and I provide all types of insurance.
 
How did you find your job?
I began working as an insurance agent after discussing the matter with a friend who was already in the insurance business for a number of years.
 
What skills and background do you need, in order to work in this field?
Knowledge of Hebrew is very important. In addition, you will need an Israeli license in order to work as an insurance agent in Israel. In order to obtain the license, you need to pass a Hebrew insurance test given by the Israeli insurance regulator, a governmental agency run by the Ministry of Finance. There are two licensing tests: One test certifies you to market general insurance (such as car, home, business and health insurance), and the other test licenses you to market life insurance, pension insurance and financial plans.
 
What experience do you need to get into your field?
None. Sales and marketing experience would be helpful, as it is a purely sales orientated business.
 
What degree should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to break into your field?
There is no degree necessary. You just need to pass the licensing test.
 
What is the salary range in your field?
There is no set salary. It is a commission-based salary, which has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the sky is the limit in terms of income. On the other hand, there is no guaranteed income.  It’s all based on your sales performance. Another advantage is that practically all insurance companies will be willing to work with you once you have a license (as long as you make a good impression and convince them of your willingness to aggressively market their products), so you can get out and start selling right away.
 
Who are the major employers in your field?
“Providers” is a better word than “employers” -- the insurance agent is basically self-employed.  Insurance agents are not employees of the insurance companies that they work with; rather, they are independent agents who work with the insurance companies with whom they have signed work agreement contracts. There are around 10 to 15 insurance companies that provide insurance products in Israel.
 
Is there a professional organization in your field?
Lishkat Sochnei Bituach B’Yisrael (Association of Insurance Brokers and Agents in Israel), www.insurance.org.il. This is an organization that tries to represent the interests of insurance agents on a national scale.
 
What recommendations can you offer Olim who are interested in working in this field?
I can offer several recommendations:
  • Obtain sales and marketing skills.
  • Be willing to study for a difficult Hebrew test in order to receive your license.
  • You may need an alternative source of income until you can build up a client base large enough to cover your living expenses.
  • Have patience. It takes time to get used to the cultural differences.
Any advice for students looking to go into your field?
Take advantage of the insurance courses that are offered in Israel to learn about insurance and to help prepare you for the licensing exam. Courses are offered by the Lishkat Sochnei Bituach. Information about them is available online at www.insurance.co.il. All of the courses are taught in Hebrew.

How do you feel about working and living here in Israel?
I like living in Israel; I choose to live here and raise a family here for various reasons, all of which are centered around Judaism.

Working here can be difficult because of the cultural differences, and because the taxes are high -- high taxes takes away some of the profit incentive. On the other hand, there is more of an informal flavor to business in Israel, which I prefer. In addition, I have learned over time and with experience that some of the insurance companies here are easier to work with than others -- more efficient, more pleasant to deal with, etc. – and this makes my job easier.
 
Other advice?
Have a positive attitude. If you start, stick with it!