Employment for English Speakers in Israel

For the ever growing number of English mother tongue speakers choosing to make Israel their home, the process of finding  employment can be a slow, arduous, challenging and often frustrating task.

English speakers often feel ‘unemployable‘, whilst learning Hebrew, the nations primary language, creating feelings of inadequacy and in some situations, a sense of isolation in the very community they are trying  to become a part of.

Doubts often arise as to whether the move was a good decision and this can really put a dampen on an otherwise exciting and courageous journey of settling in the holy land.

‘Dont be dismayed’ says local employment officer Aviram. ‘While its true that many professionals have difficulty in the beginning, to find  employment in their field of expertise,  there are many many opportunities available for english speakers.

Its important to remain positive and to remind yourself that you bring with you, many wonderful skills from your previous country of residence and are, very much an asset to the country.  

The very fact you that you have made the move to live in a new country is a great indication of the strength of your character. It takes courage to go on such an adventure and more than that it takes both patience and humbleness to deal with the seemingly endless challenges naturally presented to all who make such a move.

The most important thing you can do to help yourself is to remain positive. Keep up with your Hebrew studies, practise your conversation skills at every opportunity and perhaps consider getting  involved in charity and volunteer organisations.  This is a fabulous way to begin integrating into the community and to make new friends.

Life has a wonderful way of surprising us. Fantastic opportunities often come in the most unusual of circumstances and from the most unlikely  sources.  Hold your head high, know you are able to offer a meaningful contribution to Israeli society and trust that life will take care of you, bringing you all that you need.

Visualise the ideal outcome that you would like for yourself and then commit to doing what is needed for this to happen with a calm and positive attitude.

To help you make contact with the various employment agencies and information sites in English that specialise in job placements for English mother tongue speakers please find below a list of links.

Full List Of Links To English Employment Websites…

http://www.workcircle.com/jobs/israel/anything/page1/

http://www.marksman.co.il/

http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Links/Employment.htm?WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished

http://jobmob.co.il/blog/more-beautiful-resume-ideas-that-work/

http://www.authenticjobs.com/?aff=ff0cc

 www.jobs-israel.com

http://www.dan-hr.co.il/indexe.htm

http://www.gov.il/firstGov/english

If you have anymore questions or need help with something, leave a message in the comments section below. Ill be delighted to help where I can.

Until next time, be healthy be happy

loving tel aviv

8 Responses

  1. I agree wholeheartedly with Aviram. In fact, it’s rarely been easier for a mother-tongue English speaker to find work in Israel, which isn’t to say that it’s easy. Job hunting is almost never easy, but there are many things people can do to make it easier, such as meet up with other job seekers offline or online in places like JobMob.

    mysticmiss, thanks for the link love. I Stumbled this post of yours, hopefully you’ll get some traffic out of it:

    http://jobmob.stumbleupon.com/review/23393398/

    Also, you may be interested in the JobMob Guest Blogging Contest that I just announced:

    http://jobmob.co.il/blog/2008-guest-blogging-contest/

  2. Hi Jacob

    Great to be in touch. ill have a look at the guest blogging contest you have running, thanks for the invitation.

    If you have any other events going on that you think may be interesting for the english speaking community in Israel, just forward me the info in english, dates time location etc and I will happily write a post for you.

    have a wonderful week

  3. Thanks mysticmiss :)

    We just had a chat on JobMbo with Israeli salaries and labor law specialist Moshe Egel-Tal, so we missed that one but there will be other chats.

    Also, I’ve announced a subscribers’ contest:

    http://jobmob.co.il/blog/help-jobmob-blogging-idol/

  4. I am a general building contracter from California. I moved here with my Israeli wife several months ago. I have a job lined up as a carpenter, however, since being here, I have torn my miniscus in my knee, and require surgery…I”m wondering if there are any jobs available for someone with building experience…but unable to do physical labor, and unfamiliar with local building requirements…a tough one, I know…but there must be some way I can contribute…any thoughts?

  5. joseph firstly welcome to israel, hope you are enjoying the journey so far. sorry to hear about your knee injury, what a bummer. One consolation i suppose is that there are truly briliant doctors here so you will be in good hands.

    About your work situation, its really a tough one. If you are able to teach your skills, perhaps a possibility might be available working for a non profit organisation/non govt organisation who want to get some people trained a little in your field. if you google NGO israel or non profit organisations you might get some contacts. also check out the sudanese refugee group & beduion groups who may be trying to upgrade their peoples skills.

    hows your hebrew? maybe you could also check out opportunities at ACE and HOME BASE they are israels general handyman stores, that sell wood, paint, tools etc.. maybe this could be something to tide you over. Or perhaps other wholesale companys selling supplies.

    There is always work sitting on the phones at the jerusalem post advertising depts, they pay by the hour, and always need english speakers. They have offices in jerusalem and tel aviv. Its not near to your field of work but it will least bring some money to the pocket while you go through this transition period with your knee. Goodluck and write to me how you get on.

    ESRA the english speaking residents association may have some suggestions. the number is 09 9565728

    I hope this gives you some ideas.

  6. Hi there, it’s probably a long shot, but I’m wondering if anyone can offer me any advice.
    I have been in Israel for 1 month now, after deciding to move here to be with my Israeli boyfriend. At the moment I have a tourist status, but we are hoping that we will be granted a partners visa.
    Firstly, I’m not sure if this will allow me to be able to work as I have heard different reports from different people that I asked.
    Secondly, I don’t have a degree and I am wondering if there will be any job opportunities here for me at all. I have just started studying Hebrew at an Ulpan, but at the moment I only speak English.
    In Ireland, where I am from I worked as a retail manager, which doesn’t leave with with any specific skills.
    Is it more important in Israel to have the degree than the experience? I see most jobs require one.
    Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks.

  7. the partner process if granted usually provides you with a tourist visa with work permit. It will depend on how you present your case i suppose. Your boyfriend needs to prove he can support you, though if the reason you want to work is a combination of financial reasons coupled with integration into the community and learning and practising the language, it may give you good standing. This is all thoughts though, its best to speak to the experts. You will need to prove you guys are in a genuine relationship. Its really worth getting as many docs together to prove this now, photos, letters addresed to you both, utility bills in both names rent contracts in both names (from abroad is ok) letters from family, friends to say they know you and see your relationship as serious and ongoing. The more you gather the better chances you have.

    about work .. english speakers if not specifically qualified do often find themselves working in customer service teams of international companies or in telephone sales teams. While this may not be your cup of tea, the money can be ok and offers a chance to meet new friends who have a similar story to your own. Jerusalem post newspaper is often looking for english speakers for their phone lines. Some cafes etc employ english speakers too in the more touristic areas and international companys marketing themselves overseas often employ english speakers for phone work. hope this helps goodluck and enjoy beautiful israel

  8. where i can find job “carpenter skilled worker” in ISRAEL??

Leave a Reply