The Ins and Outs of Job Hunting and Interviewing in Israel

Finding a job isn’t always easy – no matter where in the world you live. The old adage “it’s not what you know but who you know” is very true in Israel. Having connections through friends and former colleagues can help you land a job quicker than answering posts on job boards.

But what if you don’t have many connections, or the ones you have don’t know of any openings?

Look for Internships

Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door at a company. But it’s important to remember that most internships are unpaid. In other words, you’ll need to work for free for a while. With that said, many internships end with an offer for a full-time position at the company.

Don’t Ignore Job Boards

Yes, your connections can help you land a job, but don’t rely solely on them. Use job boards to find other opportunities, and apply as soon as possible.

Clean up your CV before you start job hunting. You may want to make small changes to your CV to suit the position you’re applying for.

Don’t be Afraid to Use Recruiters

A recruiter’s job is to screen candidates, conduct background checks, get references and interview. If you’re having trouble finding a job on your own, don’t hesitate to use a recruiter to find a position.

Recruiters are especially helpful for immigrants who have no connections and need help navigating Israel’s job world.

Show Up on Time for the Interview and Dress the Part

When you do land an interview, make sure that you show up on time and dress for the part.

Dress professionally. Men don’t necessarily need to wear a tie and jacket. A nice shirt and a pair of slacks will suffice. Accessories can help create a more professional look, too. Make sure that your shoes are clean. A luxury watch can complete your look.

Arrive ten minutes early. Know how to get there before the day of the interview to avoid getting lost and stuck in traffic.

Turn off your cell phone before going in for the interview. Be confident, and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking.

It’s not uncommon for interviewers to ask questions that may have a negative answer, like “what happened at your previous job?” Make sure that you put a positive spin on your answers to avoid sounding negative. Do not bad mouth a previous employer. Avoid asking about salary directly, especially during the first interview.

When the interview is over, follow up with a thank you phone call or email. If you agreed to follow up the interview with something, such as a writing sample, take care of that as soon as possible.

Don’t Get Discouraged

It’s okay if your first interview doesn’t lead to a job offer. You may have a few failed interviews before you finally land a position. That’s okay.

Don’t get discouraged. Keep going with your search. Analyze your interviews and ask yourself what you could have done better.