Personal Experiences of the Israeli Job Search

Here are several personal experiences of recent Olim who successfully found jobs in their fields in Israel. We hope that these stories will provide inspiration to all of you who are planning Aliyah and are worrying about the prospects of finding employment in Israel.

If you are  planning Aliyah and need employment-related assistance, please be in touch with the Nefesh B’Nefesh Employment Department at employment@nbn.org.il.

Really... Get a Job! Director of Employment Daniella Slasky and Rachel Berger are back with post-Aliyah employment strategies, tips, and advice. On Radio NBN

Yossi Winston, NBN 2008

Advice for getting a job in Israel (probably not that different than getting a job anywhere else in North America):

• Find as many resources as possible that will allow you to reach out to professionals in the field in which you desire to work.  Nefesh B'Nefesh provides a great starting point, but also access your school alumni list, organizations that offer professional designations, friends, recent Olim, and anyone else you can think of.  Olim are typically especially helpful because they have gone through the process of arriving in a country without a job and want to give back and help out.  Sometimes people in periphery fields may even be of great assistance because Israel is all about who you know – so begin to build that network even if someone that is willing to meet with you does not seem relevant to your search.
• E-mail is typically the easiest form of communication even if have been provided with a phone number as well (could be career specific).  A short introduction is the best way to approach the professional you want to meet with, stating: how you were put in contact with the person, that you just made Aliyah (or are considering making Aliyah), that you want to learn more about the field you are trying to go into and possibly how the career differs between the home country and Israel, and very briefly the highlights of your background (work experience and education).
• You have successfully set up a meeting; now make sure to do your homework for this meeting.  The Internet provides a wide array of information regarding companies you may be targeting and most websites are both in Hebrew and in English.  If you can find a biography of the person you will be meeting with then it may be useful to determine if you have any common interests or if there are any interesting items you may wish to inquire about.  It is also useful to study up on competitors and the general state of the industry which you are targeting.
• When you are finally going to meet with someone, know your story.  The first question most people will ask you is: why did you come to Israel and often times they will ask you in a way that implies that they think you are crazy for deciding to come to Israel.  I found it best to intertwine both personal and professional reasons for my decision and to make it clear that I am fully aware that salaries in Israel do not match those in North America.  Make sure to also be able to tell compelling, interesting stories about your work experience and especially tailor the stories to the skills and the requirements that would be required of someone in the position which you desire.  A good method of putting together your stories about your work experience is: Situation, Action, Result (SAR).  When thinking about the result, it is always best to be able to quantify your results – and to quantify in the manner in which businesses evaluate themselves would be best – revenues and expenses.  Maybe you created a new relationship with a customer and generated additional sales or you created an efficiency that was adopted by the company and reduced the amount of time required for a process thus decreasing expenses. 
• Depending on the field you are pursuing the attire for meetings will differ, but in general I think it is always best to be over-dressed.  I went to interviews (and sometimes meetings) in suits and sometimes people commented on this, but I think it showed how serious I was about the position.  Regardless, make sure you are well put together (shoes are shined, belt matches your shoes, socks match your pants/slacks, ironed shirt, clothes that fit properly, finger nails cut, shaven, well groomed hair, etc), have a copy of your resume, and send a thank you afterwards (e-mail is sufficient).  

Yossi works as an Equities Research Analyst in Tel Aviv.   

Tova Schochet, NBN 2005

I left my previous job around 6 months ago.

I then took two or three months to relax, thinking that when I was ready to work again, there would be many opportunities available to me. Little did I know how difficult that would be! When I became aware of the real challenges of finding a job, I used every resource possible to help me, and after a few months of searching… I finally found a great job, where I am very happy.

In my experience, looking for a job was a full-time job in itself. It needed consistent devotion, effort, follow-up, reaching out for help, and also (sometimes) chasing people. To look for a job one needs to have a lot of patience, faith, hope, confidence, and courage. One needs to be able to face rejection, and build up the strength to walk confidently into the next interview.

Here are some of the methods I used in my job search:

• Nefesh B’Nefesh Employment Department. Here I received a lot of support and practical advice, including preparing my resume professionally and interviewing tips. A few of the employers who called me had received my resume from NBN.
• Job sites such as JobNet and Israemploy. I found that a lot of the time, there weren’t that many details mentioned about a position. It's good to take down the number (if provided) and call up to find out more information. Also, there were companies who were looking to fill jobs that I wasn’t qualified to do, but I still contacted them to find out if they had other openings, or I would send in my resume in the event that a position would later open up.
• Janglo's web site. I recommend posting your resume on Janglo and following the job advertisements on it. It is a great resource. It is specifically designed for the English speaking job seeker, so that’s an advantage for anyone with English as the mother tongue. Also, I believe that the working conditions are sometimes better with Anglo employers. Janglo is a great site to help find these types of workplaces.
• Word of mouth. It’s a small world out here, and everyone knows of someone who just left a job -- and therefore, there is an opening -- or of a friend who is looking to hire, etc. Enlist help from as many people as one can. Ask relatives, friends, neighbors etc. Israel is big on “Protektzia” so having a personal connection to a job is to one’s advantage. 
• Human resources offices and recruitment agencies: There are so many. Whenever I saw an advertisement from a placement agency, I called them up and scheduled an interview. They sent out my resume for me. Sometimes they can be unpleasant, but anyway, it’s free, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain, so be persistent. In Migdaley Ha’ir [in Jerusalem] on Rechov King George, right next to the Mashbir, is a tall building, and in that building are maybe 10 such offices. Take 10-15 copies of your resume and take a walk through the building! NOTE: I FOUND MY CURRENT JOB THROUGH ONE OF THESE OFFICES.
• Merkaz Hamagshimim. Here I had my resume translated into Hebrew for free by one of the volunteers that work in their office. I also received support, advice, ideas, and they forwarded on to me a number of job openings that were sent to them.
• Newspaper advertisements. I didn’t use this method, perhaps I should have.
• A general comment in regards to replying to job advertisements, be it on the Internet or in the paper: One needs to respond ASAP as there are many job seekers, and after a certain amount of resumes received, the others are just not looked at. So be on the ball! Send your resume out quickly, and a follow up call to make sure the resume was received is a good idea as well.

• This is really #1. Prayer and belief that, as hard as it is, a good opportunity will eventually present itself. With this attitude I was able to face every new day and continue with the job hunt. And thank G-d, it worked!

B’HATZLACHA!

Tova Schochet is the main receptionist at Mobileye, a hi-tech company in Jerusalem's Har Hotzvim Industrial Park.

Elisha Olivestone, NBN 2003

I wanted to thank you for your help and encouragement along the way.

Please use me as an example to others.  It is simply a numbers game.  In the three months that I was looking seriously for a job (including the Chagim so some of that doesn't really count), I sent out hundreds of emails.

Hundreds.  From those, I created, what I would call, serious interest in 25-30 companies.  These were companies that contacted me to see if it was appropriate to arrange an interview.  On some occasions it was not for various reasons, but contact was made.  I went on around 20 interviews.

From those, I received 4 job offers, the final one and best being Kayote.

Please continue to tell people to push and push and keep plugging away. 

I used Israemploy, the AACI website, various headhunters including Marksman and Kedumim, the Beit Shemesh list, and the famous "word of mouth."  None of these should be underestimated.  They should all be checked as often as possible.

Don't wait to send out a resume.  Send it as soon as you see an appropriate posting.  Often I would get a call for an interview the same or next day as my resume was sent.  If I had waiting a day or so to send my resume I would never have gotten an interview.  Employers want to schedule as many interviews as possible as close together as possible as soon as possible.

I had a system where I would send an initial email with my resume and cover letter and then send a follow-up email about a week later if I had not heard anything from them.  Interestingly, I never once got an interview or any interest at all from these follow-up emails.

I learned something else from my experiences that might be helpful to you.  On my interviews I always made a point of dressing professionally and presenting myself in the most professional manner I could.  I didn't wear a suit and tie but I dressed, what Americans would call, "business casual".  Many times I would cross paths with other interviewees and they, including Americans, would be dressed to a much lesser level of professionalism.  Don't make this mistake.  Especially since many people come dressed less respectfully, be sure to dress appropriately.  It makes a huge statement and is certainly noticed by the interviewer.

Be on time.  Get the exact address and directions.  Take a phone number, including cell, of the person you will be interviewing with.  Make sure you know their name.  These rules seem obvious but they aren't always followed.

Headhunters, and networking, were a huge help.  They know about positions that aren't advertised.  Advertised positions are out there.  Headhunters find you the ones that are not.  I got 2 interviews and one offer via a headhunter and two serious leads and an almost potential offer from networking. That can be incredibly effective.  A resume and cover letter can't be nearly as helpful as a resume, cover letter, and personal conversation and description from a friend or headhunter.

Salary can be tricky.  You have to know what the job is and what, in general, it pays in the market.  If they approached the topic, I would tell them what I was making at my previous job and tell them it had to be within that range.  Depending on their reaction I would ask them if that was an appropriate range and if it was something they could handle.  I think that if they want you they will work something out to the best of their ability based on your needs.  The same goes for benefits.  While some things are standard (like transportation), I would generally tell them what I was getting at my previous position and leave it that I was expecting it to be matched. 

Again, you have to know what the market dictates and not ask or demand something that is unreasonable for the position.  I was always uncomfortable discussing money but the side that is more comfortable and forward (but not too aggressive) about the issue is the side that usually wins. Here's a great trick I learned.  They might say, "Well we were thinking of paying in the range of (for example) 5-6 thousand sheqel a month."  You immediately say, "Well, 6 thousand, hmm, I guess that could work but..."  See, always go to their high.  I learned that trick when it was done to me on the opposite end.

Other than that, you need Hatzlacha.  You never know what will lead to what.  Go on every single interview.  Follow-up on every single lead, as quickly as possible.  The longer you wait the more of an opportunity you are giving other people to get in ahead of you.  Once an interviewer decides he has found the right candidate for the job, all the other interviews are a total waste of everyone's time.  I could tell when the interview was a waste of time and that the right person had already been found.  It was obvious on two occasions.  Get in fast and first.  Don’t be afraid to push a bit and follow-up on things.  Job postings are never exactly what the job really is.

Make sure to look intelligent and interested during the interview.  To an extent, an interview should be as much for the interviewee as the interviewer.  Ask about the company.  Ask about the position.  Ask about the co-workers and the office environment.  It makes you sound confident and interested and leaves a good impression.  Know what they will want to ask you and have answers ready.  Not rehearsed, but know the points in your head that you want to hit.  Also, try to work in answers to other unasked questions at the same time.  It will impress them that you were able to answer a question they hadn’t yet asked and allow you the opportunity to make a point about yourself that may not have otherwise been raised.

Anyway, I am thrilled to have gotten this job.  Thanks again for the help and Chizuk and keep up the great work!

- Elisha

Elisha Olivestone is Customer Service Manager at Kayote Networks in Jerusalem.

Noach Roth, NBN 2003

During the week before my Aliyah, I began sending out resumes to companies advertising on Israeli employment websites, including the cell number that Nefesh B’Nefesh had given me. I landed in the airport, turned on my phone, and had three messages from perspective employers. The next morning, I was at my first interview (which I turned down because of the laughable salary), and had three more interviews over the next two weeks. By the time I started my job two weeks later, I had turned down three offers, and was now making a salary which (before taxes anyway J ) wasn’t so bad. Five months later my company was out of business.

My second job search lasted less than a month and resulted in two companies bidding for my services. When all was said and done, I had turned down a higher salary in favor of a job with a lower salary and some commission- because I decided I’d be happier there.

I guess that the lesson is to have a little perspective, and a whole lot of Siyata Dishmaya. When you got on the plane, you traded your six figure salary in dollars for a salary that in six figure NIS, and taxed at a higher percentage, but you knew that, and you chose it. There’s no keeping up with the Jones’s here, and you can make a lot less go a lot further without a Yeshiva tuition.

I’ve interviewed a lot of people, and I’ve always known who actually believed that he or she should get the job, and who was just hoping that they’d find something. Were you employed in the US? Then you’ve got something to offer to the market. Attack it with a little realism about the new salary scale and the knowledge that the right job is waiting for you, and you won’t be looking for very long.

The job-market in Israel follows basic supply and demand economics even though it’s a socialist country; if you have skills to offer the market, then you will find a buyer at an appropriate price. You are not in competition with the entire market- only with the small segment that offers the same quality product or service that you do. Don’t underestimate the perceived value of an American education and US experience in the international  job market, and if you happen to be fluent in Hebrew, then you’re in even better shape. In other words, if you were successful in America there is no reason why you should not be successful in Israel.

Noah D. Roth was BPO Sales & Marketing Director, CSM Customer Service Management, Ltd.

As I’m sure you are all aware, the last few years have been very tough economically in Israel. A combined negative force of the terrorist war and the High Tech fallout, have left the country in the grip of a very strong recession. The result is that for every job available, there are hundreds of applicants. That said, you do have two major advantages on your side.

1)       Many job openings are for people who speak English at mother tongue level.

2)       The economy is starting to gain momentum again. That means you are getting in on the ground floor.

So what can the Oleh/Olah do? There are a few good strategies that you can put into play, which really helped me find my sources of income.

1)       Attitude – Know that you are moving out of North America. This means expect to make less than what you are used to.

2)       Be Flexible – You may not find work in the industry you currently work in. Just focus on other strengths that you have, and build -  re-create yourself.

3)       Don’t burn your bridges – It’s a small country and everyone knows everyone else.

How Do I get started? NETWORK. Before You Leave – Speak to your Shaliach Aliyah, Reps at you nearest Israeli consulate, people at work, people in Federations and Organizations, or anywhere else (butcher shop etc.) that may be connected in someway with Israel. Tell them you are going on Aliyah. Ask them if they have contacts in your field, and if they would put forth a letter, or better, a phone call of recommendation and introduction.

On the Plane – You have 12 hours on the plane with 300 – 400 other people in the same position as you. How many of them might be in the same field or have contacts in the same field as you?

Once You Land – a) Speak with your Aliyah Organization, they all have reps working in employment areas. b) Misrad Hachvanat Olim La’avodah is an organization set up through Misrad Haklitah, specifically to help you find work. Your Aliyah Organization can put you in touch with them. c) Speak to people. The taxi driver who takes you home from the airport, talks to a lot of people, he knows a lot of interesting things, like maybe someone who is looking for you. 

If you speak to anyone for more than five minutes, they should know your name, what you do and how to reach you.

Always keep 2 things in mind.

1)       The more people that know about you the better.

2)       The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Good Luck and Welcome Home.

Judi Srebro, NBN 2003

The woman who eventually hired me imparted this wisdom to me: "There's a difference between being aggressive and being assertive.  It's good that you're assertive."  While we talk about chutzpah and the need to push ourselves forward (and possibly in several directions) we must be careful not to border on rudeness. Make an impression, but not a bad one.

Upon arrival in Israel, I arranged an informational interview with a senior staff member at the organization at which I wanted to work. No positions were available at the time, but in this meeting I was able to glean information, (ideas, resources, contacts) get to know the staff member, and get my name "out there." When I noticed an ad for a position in that department 2 months later, I contacted her, reminded her about our meeting, and requested an opportunity to learn more about the position, since it seemed like a "perfect fit."  I ended up getting a job. Not the job, but another one within the same department. This taught me that while we need to strive to reach our goals, we must maintain a level of flexibility; perhaps this is a foot-in-the-door, or perhaps my goals need to be re-examined, compared to the realities of the job market. We have to be able to be resourceful and flexible in seeking employment in the current employment climate in Israel.

No matter how hard it may be, practice persistence.  There are jobs.  And while we strive to acquire gainful employment, based solely on our own ingratiating skills, contacts make all the difference.  In the end, you will ultimately be hired because of your merit, skills, or approach, but until you get there, talk to as many people as you can, network, and follow leads.  Let everyone know you are on the market, and that you are marketable.  Good Luck!

Zvi Richter, NBN 2003

My job search may not have been typical, since my field is very narrow, but I hope my experiences may provide some guidance for other olim.  I practiced environmental and occupational health and safety law in the U.S. for seven years prior to my aliya.  I worked in the non-profit sector, and more recently, for the Federal Government.  I really enjoyed and valued the work I was doing, but in truth, I was prepared to leave it behind in order to make aliya.  I worried about the transferability of my skills, the high-level of Hebrew required to practice law, and the tight job market in Israel for attorneys.

On sort of a lark, a year before my aliya I contacted a distant cousin in Israel who works in the same field, but on the science/medical side.  I explained to him the work I had been doing in the States and confessed that I was thoroughly prepared to change fields.  He begged me not to and assured me that Israel desperately needed the skill-set I was bringing.  He put me in touch with an Israeli lawyer who did similar work to what I was doing in the States.  I also got on the Internet and located other people who were working in my field.  The people I located on the Internet did not know me at all.  I simply explained to them who I was, what my experience was, and what I was hoping to do.  I assured them that I was not looking right then for employment, just to learn more about the field in Israel.  Almost everyone I wrote to responded and offered to meet with me during my upcoming pilot trip.

In January 2003, six months before our aliya, my wife and I made a pilot trip.  Our expectations were low.  We were not expecting to return to the States with jobs, but maybe we would have a better feel for what was out there.  During the pilot trip, I met with eight different professional contacts.  Every meeting I had led to new contacts.  People would pick up the phone while I was in the office and tell me “here, let me call . . . for you.  You really should meet him.”  I didn’t come back from the pilot trip with a job, but I did return with a positive attitude.  One of the people I had been in contact with during my pilot trip and afterwards was the Chief Counsel of the Environmental Ministry.  She encouraged me to contact her when I arrived in Israel in July.  I called her, we set up an interview, I was a nudnik and called to check-in several times, and finally she offered me the position. 

My boss could have hired a native Israeli with (obviously) far better language skills and a greater familiarity with the Israeli legal system.  Why did she hire me?  Well, we as olim have much to offer employers and I think I gained a greater awareness of this fact after working here for a few months.  Generally speaking, we have made a tremendous transition in our lives, for entirely ideological reasons.  This demonstrates commitment and, we hope, adaptability.  In my field and many others here, western work experience is well-valued.  Finally, in some cases, such as mine, the training we get in the U.S. can make us more attractive than Israeli candidates.  Lawyers in Israel generally have only an undergraduate education.  This does not allow them the opportunity to do the science coursework that is so important for environmental law practice. 

Zvi Richter worked as a “Stajer” in the Office of Legal Counsel, Israel Ministry of the Environment.