There is a demand for Administrators in Israel. As in the States, administrators can work as receptionists, secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, etc.

Knowledge of Computers
Most employers expect a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word and Excel are essential and Access and PowerPoint may also be important. If you can type in Hebrew and use MS Office in Hebrew you will be more marketable. Email and use of the Internet are also necessary for working as an administrator. Basic bookkeeping knowledge is an advantage.

Knowledge of Hebrew
A good working knowledge of Hebrew is essential. It is strongly advised to take Ulpan upon arrival. Even where an oleh works entirely with English speakers, it is still necessary to deal with the various people that make up the Israeli network.

There is demand for bilingual secretaries; anyone who is fluent in Hebrew and can type well in both languages won't look long for a job. In addition, salaries for bilingual secretaries are generally higher. 

The employment guidance center of Misrad Haklita offers courses in Hebrew typing for new olim. Once you have invested in ulpan, it is worthwhile to spend a few weeks at the employment guidance center to become proficient in working on the computer in Hebrew.

Finding Work
Generally speaking, the employment prospects for qualified secretaries with at least 2 years of experience are fairly good, particularly if you are bi-lingual and can type in Hebrew. If you hold a degree, but have not yet accumulated experience, your options may be more limited, and you may have to devote a more intensive effort to your job search.

There are a number of ways of going about finding an administration job in Israel. As one of your first steps, you should register at the Center for the Placement for Professionals (Lishkat Hataasuka Lacadema’im), the government employment service for university graduates. When you register at the center, be sure to bring your te’udat oleh and copies of your diplomas (which you may need to have verified at Misrad Hachinuch).

In addition to going to the Government Counseling Centers, you should go to various headhunters who will send out your resumes and set up interviews for you. Headhunters do not take money from the job seeker, but rather receive a commission from the company that is seeking to hire employees.

Job openings are often advertised in the situations-vacant sections of the major newspapers, particularly on Fridays. While the English language Jerusalem Post carries some ads, the majority are to be found in the Hebrew press. The English-speaking immigrant associations such as the AACI and Tehilla also offer vocational counseling and can furnish immigrants with job leads.

Finally, word of mouth is often one of the best sources of job leads. Don't hesitate to let everyone you can know that you are seeking work, and follow up on any leads they may offer. Many positions are filled without ever being advertised.

Documents to Bring to Israel