Yad L'Olim
    The Yad L'Olim Companion

    Where and How to Look for a Job in Israel

    Beginner

    A practical, Olim-focused guide to the Israeli job search — the main job boards, when to use recruitment agencies, how to make walk-in applications work, why networking is the single highest-leverage channel here, and how the Israeli referral practice actually works.

    Time Estimate

    ~5 min read

    Priority

    Medium

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. 1

      In brief

      Once your résumé is ready, it's time to start your job search.

      Be prepared: finding a job can take time. Give yourself breaks and try not to take rejections — or a lack of responses — personally. Keep applying for positions that genuinely interest you and stay persistent.

      The sections below walk through the channels that actually work in Israel — and the cultural practices around them that may be unfamiliar from other countries.

    2. 2

      Israeli job boards

      Start with the major Israeli job-search websites:

      You should also make active use of LinkedIn, especially if you work in hi-tech, customer-facing roles, marketing, business operations, or related fields.

    3. 3

      Recruitment and staffing agencies

      Another option is to work with recruitment and staffing agencies such as:

      These agencies can help you find suitable employment opportunities.

      Compensation structure varies: sometimes the employer covers the fees, and in some cases a percentage may be deducted from your salary, depending on the arrangement. Clarify this before signing anything.

    4. 4

      Walk-in applications — don't underestimate them

      You can always visit businesses in person — hotels, beauty salons, garages, restaurants, retail stores — and ask whether they are hiring.

      One advantage: you often receive an immediate answer from the employer. While these positions are not always highly specialised, they can be an excellent option if your priority is securing an income quickly while you continue searching for long-term opportunities.

      Tip: whenever possible, look for workplaces with Hebrew-speaking employees. Daily interaction with native speakers will help improve your Hebrew and may eventually qualify you for positions where Hebrew proficiency is required.

    5. 5

      Networking — often more effective than applying online

      While all of the methods above can work, personal connections are often the most effective way to find a job in Israel.

      Building a professional network is extremely important. If you know someone inside a company, your chances of getting noticed increase significantly.

      If you find a vacancy on a company's website or a job board, try to identify employees who already work there and ask whether they would be willing to forward your résumé internally. Internal referrals often increase the likelihood that HR will actually review your application.

      Submitting your résumé through a website alone generally results in a lower response rate.

    6. 6

      Haver Mevi Haver — the referral practice

      A common recruitment practice in Israel — especially in the hi-tech industry — is called Haver Mevi Haver (חבר מביא חבר), "a friend brings a friend."

      How it works: if an employee helps their company hire a qualified candidate, they receive a referral bonus from the employer.

      It's a win-win:

      • The company finds a strong candidate
      • You find a job
      • The referring employee receives a bonus

      This is one of the reasons why networking is so valuable in the Israeli job market — the person referring you has a financial incentive to push your application forward.

    7. 7

      Building connections doesn't have to be difficult

      At first, networking may seem intimidating. However, you don't need to be close friends with someone in order for them to share your résumé or offer advice.

      Israelis are generally very open to giving recommendations and sharing their experiences. Many people are happy to talk about their own job-search journeys and provide practical tips that may not be obvious to newcomers.

      Try to build relationships with both native Israelis and fellow Olim. These connections can become valuable not only during your current job search but throughout your career.

    8. 8

      Professional communities and meetups

      Join online communities related to your field. Whenever possible:

      • Introduce yourself
      • Learn about other members
      • Participate in discussions
      • Keep an eye on job opportunities shared within the group

      Attend professional meetups and industry events. These gatherings allow you to learn more about your field, expand your network, and potentially connect with someone who works at your dream company.

      Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice — people are often more willing to help than you might expect.

    9. 9

      Reputation, initiative, and practical tips

      Your reputation matters. The impression you leave on people can influence whether they choose to help you now — or in the future. Be friendly, professional, and appreciative of any assistance you receive, even if it doesn't lead to immediate results.

      Simple things matter:

      • Thank people for their time
      • Let others know if you're running late
      • Inform them if you need to cancel a meeting or Zoom call

      Take initiative. Ask questions. Reach out to people. Invite someone for a coffee chat. Request introductions. Ask whether someone would be willing to pass along your résumé. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Initiative is highly valued in Israeli professional culture.

      Practical tips:

      • Be available by phone. Israeli recruiters often prefer calling rather than emailing.
      • Make sure your WhatsApp account is connected to an Israeli phone number — many companies communicate with candidates through WhatsApp.
      • Check your email regularly and respond promptly to incoming messages.

      Finding the right opportunity takes time, patience, and persistence. Stay proactive, keep building connections, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Every conversation, application, and new connection brings you one step closer to your next role.

    10. 10

      Assisting bodies

      ITWorks is a non-profit organisation that supports Olim and other job-seekers in entering the Israeli workforce, providing career guidance, professional retraining, and placement support.

      This guide was prepared in collaboration with NGO ITWorks.

      ITWorks NGO
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      Related guides

      Other guides in the Career — Israeli job search (ITWorks) series:

    Useful Hebrew Phrases

    • luchot drushim — Job boardsלוחות דרושים
    • sochnut hashama — Recruitment / staffing agencyסוכנות השמה
    • chaver mevi chaver — 'A friend brings a friend' (Israeli referral-bonus practice)חבר מביא חבר
    • reshet miktzoit — Professional networkרשת מקצועית
    • rayon avoda — Job interviewראיון עבודה
    • korot chaim — CV / résuméקורות חיים
    • menahel giyus — Hiring managerמנהל גיוס
    • hamlatza — Recommendation / referralהמלצה

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