How to find a job in Israel in English

I'm Ready For Work

With the US economy doing poorly, many English speakers living in Israel are having a hard time finding work. Here are steps to maximize your chances of success, especially for those who speak little or no Hebrew.

Things You'll Need

• CV or Resume
• Computer
• Internet Access
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Determine Your skill set. Sales, computer programming, technical or marketing writing, and teaching English are the most popular professions for those looking for a job in Israel with poor Hebrew.

2. Request assistance from groups such as Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI). Many groups in Israel have job counselors to assist members in finding employment. Services can include job listings, and help with writing your CV or resume.

3. Connect with employment agencies that are familiar with the needs of Anglo job seekers. Marksman International Personnel Ltd and Leap Recruitment are among the agencies which work primarily with English speakers.

4. Research job postings on sites with a large number of English speakers. Janglo, the Orthodox Union job list, AACI's Jobnet, the community listings for Modiin, and Bet Shemesh offer jobs for English speakers several times a week.

5. Inform everyone you know about your job search. Someone in the US may know of a telecommuting position in your field, or a friend may have a cousin in Jerusalem who can talk to you about the job market.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to fine tune your CV for each position. Israeli companies like to see as close a fit as possible between the applicant and the job being advertised.

• Use the keyword "English" to narrow down the listed positions to those relevant to your situation.

• Take Ulpan (intensive Hebrew classes) to improve your Hebrew, if you have the time. Even a small amount of Hebrew will improve your chances of finding a position.

• While you are unemployed see if you are eligible for a retraining class, to increase your job skills.

• Jobs in English are becoming harder to find. You may have to work evenings or overnight to reach people in the US.

• You may need to live near Tel Aviv, instead of the Golan or the Galil, if you find a job in High Tech.

Resources

• AACI Job Counseling
• Janglo Job Center
• Nefesh B'Nefesh Employment Index
• Marksman Personnel
• Leap Recruitment
• AACI Jobnet