Navigating The Job Market As A New Immigrant

Making Aliyah opens up many exciting opportunities, but it also brings its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to finding a job. The Israeli job market is competitive and distinct from other countries in many ways, so it’s important to be prepared and to understand the nuances of working in Israel. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the job search process, sectors to target, and useful tips for new immigrants.





1. Understanding the Job Market in Israel


The Israeli economy is diverse, but it’s driven by key industries like high-tech, healthcare, education, and services. The job market tends to favor highly skilled professionals, but there are plenty of opportunities for people in various fields if you know where to look.

• Technology & Startups: Israel is a global leader in high-tech and innovation. Known as the "Start-Up Nation," Israel has a thriving technology sector, with thousands of startups based in cities like Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Jerusalem. There’s a constant demand for developers, data scientists, cyber security experts, and other tech professionals.
• Healthcare: Israel has one of the world’s best healthcare systems, creating a demand for medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and pharmacists. If you have healthcare qualifications, there are numerous opportunities, but be aware that your credentials might need to be verified or supplemented by Israeli certifications.
• Education: There is always a demand for teachers, especially those with proficiency in English or other languages. Teaching English, special education, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects are all areas in high demand. Many new immigrants choose to teach in public schools, private institutions, or through Ulpan programs that teach Hebrew to newcomers.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Israel’s tourism sector is growing, with hotels, restaurants, and tourist companies needing staff. This is particularly true in cities with a high volume of tourists such as Eilat, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.

2. Key Resources for New Immigrants


As a new immigrant in Israel, it’s important to leverage the right support to make your job search smoother. There are a few organizations that focus specifically on helping Olim (new immigrants) find work and integrate into the workforce.

• Nefesh B'Nefesh: This organization is a valuable resource for Anglo immigrants (immigrants from English-speaking countries). They provide personalized job placement services, resume consultations, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. They also host regular job fairs where you can meet potential employers.
• The Jewish Agency: The Jewish Agency offers support to immigrants of all backgrounds. They have a variety of resources, including job-search workshops, networking events, and direct connections with employers who are specifically looking to hire new immigrants.
• Aliyah Employment Centers: These government-funded centers offer guidance on employment opportunities, skills workshops, and sometimes direct job placement assistance. They help new immigrants understand their rights, the labor market, and available resources.

3. Creating an Israeli-Friendly Resume (CV)


Crafting a resume that suits the Israeli job market is key to getting noticed by employers. Israeli recruiters tend to prefer concise, clear resumes with a focus on relevant experience.

• Resume Format: In Israel, a resume is usually one to two pages long. Israeli employers are generally not interested in personal details like a photo, marital status, or age, so avoid including these. Make sure to keep the resume clear and professional, highlighting your skills and accomplishments.
• Professional Experience: Focus on relevant experience, especially if it aligns with the job you’re applying for. Emphasize accomplishments and measurable results, particularly if your previous roles involved technology or innovation, as those are highly valued in Israel.
• Skills and Languages: Be sure to include language skills, particularly Hebrew, as many employers will expect some level of proficiency. If your Hebrew isn’t fluent, listing your proficiency can help—there are always opportunities to improve your Hebrew once you’re on the job. In the tech sector, English can often suffice as a working language.

4. Job Sectors That Are Good for New Immigrants


Certain industries are more accessible for new immigrants, both due to their high demand and the level of entry barriersinvolved.

• High-Tech Jobs: If you’re in the technology sector, there’s an abundance of opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and data science. Israel’s high-tech ecosystem is among the world’s best, and English is often the primary language used in the workplace, especially in startups and multinational companies.
• Healthcare Jobs: If you come from a healthcare background, Israel’s demand for healthcare professionals, especially doctors and nurses, offers numerous opportunities. However, be aware that foreign medical degreesmight need to be recognized by Israel’s Ministry of Health before you can practice.
• Education: If you are an educator, the demand for teachers—particularly English teachers—is high. International schools, private schools, and public schools across Israel need English teachers. There are also many opportunities in adult education, especially for Hebrew and English language learners.
• Tourism & Hospitality: For people in the tourism or hospitality industries, Israel is always looking for skilled workers to join its growing hotel and restaurant sectors. Many jobs in tourism are available in the Dead Sea, Eilat, and Jerusalem, where tourism is a significant part of the economy.

5. Navigating Job Search Platforms and Networking


Networking is a big part of the job search in Israel, and online job portals can help you get started.

• Job Portals: Use platforms like AllJobs, Drushim, JobMaster, and LinkedIn to search for job listings. Setting up an account on these platforms allows you to upload your resume, apply to listings, and receive alerts about new job openings.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is widely used in Israel for professional networking. Many Israeli companies post job openings on LinkedIn, and it's also a great platform to build connections with other professionals in your field. Follow companies you're interested in, connect with industry leaders, and join groups related to your profession.
• Recruitment Agencies: Specialized recruitment agencies can help place new immigrants in a variety of positions. Many agencies work with startups, large corporations, and international firms that are keen to hire bilingual candidates.

6. Networking and Building Relationships


In Israel, networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job. Building relationships is key to securing opportunities in both the tech and non-tech sectors.

• Professional Events: Attend industry-specific meetups, networking events, or conferences related to your field. Tel Aviv has a particularly active tech community, with numerous events where you can meet professionals and potential employers.
• Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are frequently used to connect with people in the Israeli job market. Join local groups for job seekers, immigrants, or industry professionals to stay informed about new openings.
• Volunteering: If you’re having trouble finding a full-time job, consider volunteering or taking an internship. This will allow you to gain local work experience, improve your Hebrew, and network with potential employers.

7. Understanding Israeli Labor Laws


As a new immigrant, you should understand your rights as a worker in Israel. Labor laws are strict and offer various protections to employees.

• Working Hours: The typical Israeli workweek is 42 hours long, spread across Sunday to Thursday. Many businesses have half-days on Friday, especially in religious areas.
• Vacation and Sick Leave: Israel’s Labor Law entitles workers to vacation days, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the full range of rights available to employees.
• Minimum Wage and Overtime: Israel has a minimum wage and requires overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard workweek. Make sure you’re aware of your entitlements to avoid being underpaid.

8. Final Tips for Job Search Success

• Patience is Key: The job market in Israel can be competitive, so don’t get discouraged if it takes time to land your first job. Keep applying and improving your resume as you go.
• Learn Hebrew: Although many Israelis speak English, fluency in Hebrew can significantly enhance your chances of finding a job and advancing in your career. Make sure to take Ulpan classes (Hebrew language courses) to improve your language skills.
• Be Flexible: Consider starting with a part-time or entry-level position to gain experience in the local market. Israeli employers value experience, and once you’ve proven yourself, you’ll be able to move into higher-level roles.

Conclusion


The Israeli job market can seem overwhelming, but with the right resources, perseverance, and networking, you can successfully integrate into the workforce. Focus on understanding the local market, tailoring your job search efforts, and utilizing resources such as Nefesh B'Nefesh and recruitment agencies to maximize your chances of finding the right position. With the right preparation, your new career in Israel is just a few steps away.