How to Make the Most Out of Your Job Search in Israel
Finding a job in Israel can be frustrating, but there are ways to mitigate your suffering. Each country has its own traditions that people follow when looking for a job. As it turns out, there’s a unique way to approach the job search in Israel, which you should take note of — especially if you are an English-speaking Oleh navigating an unfamiliar market.
Don’t worry, though finding you a job is not our main business, Paveway has some useful tips for you! Follow along with this little guide to learn how to speed up the process of finding a job in Israel.
1. Networking
Networking with family and friends is a great way to find job opportunities in Israel. There’s nothing wrong with it. And who knows? Maybe your friend’s cousin’s husband’s mother knows someone who needs your skills in their company. Whatever the case, we are all more or less family here in Israel, and most people are willing to lend a helping hand. For jobs for English speakers in Israel especially, community networks — WhatsApp groups, shul connections, Anglo Facebook groups — are often the most effective job search tool available.
2. Headhunters
Headhunting websites abound and they can help you in your job search in Israel. You can find headhunters on LinkedIn and Google searches fairly easily.
One thing you should keep in mind is that, while headhunters are here to provide a service (for free nonetheless), they still expect to create a long-term relationship with you. They can often contact you long after you got a job, just to check on you and help you find other work if you need it. They are also likely to give you valuable recommendations on your CV for finding a job in Israel — which brings us to the next point.
3. One CV for Each Job
While companies may be looking for the same position, they might have different requirements. This is crucial to know because you need to adjust your CV for each job search in Israel application. Two organizations might need a Marketing Manager, but one is more focused on LinkedIn for their lead generation funnel and the other on Facebook — these require very different approaches.
Make sure to keep at least 3 models of your CV, one focusing on each area of expertise, and make small changes for each application when finding a job in Israel.
4. Research the Company
In Israel, people tend to pay attention to details. As such, it’s important to avoid embarrassing situations in your job search in Israel where you clearly haven’t done your homework. Israelis are proud of their companies and often foster a family sentiment inside them.
Many jobs for English speakers in Israel require you to know more or less what every part of the organization does. Since companies here generally operate in a very cost-effective way, they may expect you to be already well-acquainted with how they operate before you walk in the door.
5. Bring a Really Positive Attitude
Few things can turn off your employer more than a weak handshake or downtrodden face. Israelis expect energy, enthusiasm, and proactivity — especially for jobs for English speakers in Israel, where you need to prove you can keep up with the local pace. Often, during job interviews in Israel, employers will analyze whether candidates can think outside the box for a certain problem or if they have the integrity to simply say “I don’t know.”
One of the most important things when finding a job in Israel is the ability to work in a group setting, to listen, and to display strong leadership traits. Make sure to sleep well the night before the interview and bring your best disposition.
6. Follow Up
Israelis are known to be constantly busy. So it’s okay if they said they’d be in touch in a week and didn’t get back to you in a month. Things get in the way. When finding a job in Israel, don’t take it personally — be a true Israeli and call them back without an invitation! Besides reminding them of you, it will also show you are very much interested in the job.
Remember that the job search in Israel is difficult, but the job market is vibrant and full of opportunities — particularly in tech, healthcare, education, and finance. For jobs for English speakers in Israel, Ra’anana, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Modi’in all have strong English-speaking employer bases. Don’t worry — Israel is a land where many people find miracles on a weekly, and even daily, basis. And Paveway is here to help you with your Aliyah project to run it as smoothly as possible!