Thriving in a New Land: Resources for Olim Job Seekers

As an Olah Chadashah (newcomer to Israel) and job seeker in 2018, landing a job in a new country felt like climbing Mount Everest.

No English fluency (I’m from Brazil!), limited Hebrew, unfamiliar with the work landscape, and almost no network – a situation many Olim (new immigrants) can understand.

So, how did I overcome these hurdles?

• Invested a lot of time learning: I followed career coaches and consultants, read every industry publication, enrolled in Hebrew classes, and soaked up knowledge from podcasts and vlogs.
• Networked relentlessly: I connected with anyone who could offer advice, even inviting strangers for coffee chats, and attended as many networking events as possible.
• Offered my time to support others: I volunteered my (a lot of free) time, and created and participated actively in supportive communities.
• Shared my story: I documented my challenges and how I overcame them in this blog, helping others going through similar experiences.

A word for all the job seekers out there:

The job market worldwide is tougher today than in 2018. Blame it on AI, layoffs, or the current war in Israel – the struggle is real. Sending out resumes and facing rejections can be disheartening. Trust me, I’ve been there. But remember this powerful quote often attributed to Albert Einstein:

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Here’s my resource toolkit to kickstart your Israeli career (full disclosure, there’s not a single affiliate link):

• Career gurus in English: Virginia Franco, Sarah Johnston, Daniel Botero.
• English-speaking Israeli influencers: Hillel Fuld (currently engaged with the ongoing situation in Israel, but his ‘Behind the scenes of Israeli tech startups’ vlogs remain a goldmine for Olim) and Eze Vidra (weekly Firgun newsletter).
• Essential reads:
  • Israeli Business Culture by Osnat Lautman
  • The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
  • Start-Up Nation by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
• Brush up on Hebrew:
  • Citizen Cafe (great Instagram page)
  • Ulpan Bayit (personally highly recommended! Strong community and free events)
• Podcasts: I have a curated list of 31 English and Hebrew podcasts – access it here
• Networking platforms: Meetup, Eventbrite, Internations, Lunchclub, Facebook groups
• My Linktree: A simple link for everything I’ve gathered, written, and shared. Feel free to explore and leverage them in your own journey.

This journey may seem daunting, but with the right approach and resources, you’ll be well on your way to professional success in Israel.

Remember, perseverance and a diversified approach are key in navigating today’s challenging job market.

Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.