How can you overcome the chicken and egg problem?
We have found several ways that can help overcome this issue:
1. Networking: the power of personal acquaintance
Most jobs are staffed through personal connections. Some companies even throw “LinkedIn parties”, where the company’s employees go through all their contacts in order to find employees who they think may be suitable for the company.
Our main problem as immigrants is that we don’t know anyone in the new country. Therefore, go out and get to know as many people as possible: in the local communities of Israelis and Jews, in LinkedIn and Mittap groups, and even social groups such as sports groups or parent groups from the children’s kindergarten. Personal recommendations can greatly advance you.
2. Studies: “Foot in the Door” in the local industry
Participation in professional and/or academic courses in your field can add an important line to the CV, while at the same time promoting your professional networking.
While you are studying the profession as perceived in the same destination, talk to your lecturers and classmates to also learn about the local industry, employment culture, and positions that open up in relevant companies.
Lecturers can also provide a warm recommendation.
3. Volunteering: good in the heart and better in the résumé
A good way to help the local community and earn “on the go” experience and recommendations is volunteering. Note that in some countries, such as England, there is a relatively significant emphasis on volunteering and contributing to the community. The best option is to volunteer at a place connected to your profession.
If there is no such option, you will need to do some research and see if there are organizations that also volunteer important people from your industry. Thus, the recommendation from the organization in which you volunteered will be of added value when you contact them, or perhaps even when they present you in front of them.
4. The Israeli Connection: Finding Israeli Companies Operating Nearby
It is worth trying to find international companies from Israel that operate close to where you currently live, partly because you may be able to find employees that you know and can open doors for you, and also, it is possible that these companies will understand how impressive it is that you have climbed to a managerial level at the Bank/ KUP/ The largest restaurant chain in Israel, because they are also Israelis.
Precisely for the latter option we established Restart, which helps couples in relocation find jobs abroad.
The writer is an entrepreneur, CEO of Restart and a partner in relocation
