Computers and Hi-Tech Professionals

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

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.

For an overview of accomplishments in the Israeli hi-tech and biotech sectors, click here for an 8 minute video produced by Invest in Israel.

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.

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 Carmiel up north.

Online Resources

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

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 and trade shows 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.

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:

• The Marker:
  http://www.themarker.com/ibo/career/table.jhtml
• Jacob Richman's salary survey:
  http://www.cji.co.il/docs.htm
• B-Wise Human Resources salary survey (in Hebrew):
  http://www.b-wise.co.il/Tips.asp
• Job Info's salary survey (in Hebrew):
  http://www.jobinfo.co.il/Content/Career/Salary/SalaryTableDB.asp

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