Getting Jobs in Israel
By Eric Hammer
Moving overseas and especially to a country where you don't
speak the language and the culture is quite different from what
you're used to makes for a very difficult experience in finding
a new job. Such is the case when trying to find jobs in Israel.
The language is fairly unusual, being spoken only in Israel and
in no other country and the culture, while somewhat European
is fairly unique given the experiences that Israelis have had
growing up. This means that you have to learn how to adapt.
Here are a few things to know about jobs in Israel which will
also help you when you decide to move to another country with
a fairly different culture and language than the one you grew
up in.
Getting a Job Before You Get There Is Very Hard
The first thing to know about jobs in Israel or anywhere else
in the world that you happen to want to move to is that getting
a job before you get there is generally very difficult to do.
That’s because, unless you've been transferred by a multi-national
corporation, you're unlikely to be able to interview with a company
over the phone and get a job. Most companies, especially in Israel
prefer to meet you in person rather than hire you sight unseen.
You'll Need to Speak the Local Language
Most Israelis speak fairly good English and can generally
understand what you have to say when you speak in your native
language (if it's English). However, at the same time, even when
they clearly speak fluent English, they prefer to speak in Hebrew.
In the course of a day to day working environment, this becomes
a very real issue since people want to be able to speak in their
own language to you. As an immigrant to the country you then
need to adapt to the local language and culture rather than demanding
that it adapt to you.
The Army Creates a Built-In Network Immigrants Don't Have
Israelis have a very unusual culture born of the rather unique
experiences that people born in that country go through. Israel
is one of the very few democratic countries on the planet which
requires all 18 year olds to enlist in the army or do national
service (there are exceptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arabs,
who can volunteer but are not required to do these things). This
shared experience means that there tends to be a built in “old
boy’s network” which comes from the shared experiences
in the army. As someone new to the country, you won’t have
that old boys network and will have to work harder to build your
connections.
Independence Is Prized
Israeli soldiers are also taught to be very independent which
means that Israelis as a whole tend to be much more independent
and free thinking than many other people. This simple fact has
led to Israel’s reputation as the so called “Start-Up
Nation.” However, it also means that those who were not
brought up in that culture tend to have a tougher time adapting
to the Israeli work place since many other large companies in
other countries tend to be much more hierarchical in nature.
Seemingly Rude, Really a Family
Israelis also have a reputation for being very much like their
national fruit, known locally as a “sabra” and in English
as the cactus fruit. The cactus fruit has a very prickly outside
but a very sweet and soft inside. Israelis too have a reputation
for being gruff and rude. However, once you get to know them,
they tend to be some of the kindest, gentlest people you’ll
ever meet. This is because Israel is again somewhat unique in
the world as being the nation state of the Jews. This means that
Israelis, especially those of the older generation tend to think
of each other as family; and just like a family, they may fight
with each other, but they ultimately still love each other.
The Culture Clash
This dichotomy of the Israeli culture means that many Americans,
especially those from the Midwest and more laid back regions
of the country have a tough time adapting when they take jobs
in Israel. That’s because they find that they’re not
used to the idea that a screaming match could ensue during a
business meeting but that after the meeting is over, everyone
could be the best of friends once again. While other country’s
cultures may not be quite as unusual as Israel’s, this does
mean that, like everything else, it’s important when looking
for a job abroad that you adapt to the local culture. Or, to
paraphrase an ancient saying, when in Israel, learn to do as
the Israelis do.
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