Is it Possible to Find a Job During the Summer/Holiday Season?

I remember some years ago when my soon-to-be-wife and I were looking for a date for our wedding in Israel - what becomes clear quickly is that there are many dates off limits: Shabbat, Holidays, between Passover and Lag B’Omer… I forgot what the figure is, but there are a relatively large percentage of days in which a wedding simply can’t be held.

Does the same principle apply for job seekers in Israel?

You can find many people that will tell you the answer is yes. For instance, you may hear that during the summertime there are so many people on vacation that it is not worthwhile to look for work. Or that during holidays, especially the High Holiday season of Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, business in Israel essentially closes down, and there is no one to answer your job applications or networking approaches. Everything is “aharei hahagim” (after the holidays).

I think it is important to understand that this is an oversimplification of the reality. What is true is that during summer, everything slows down (except air conditioning), including the recruitment process. The same holds true for holiday periods. However, businesses do not stop searching for employees and I can tell you from my personal experience this summer working with job seekers and employers that recruitment is alive and well, and interviews / job offers are regularly occurring. As much as company employees are more likely to take vacation during the summer and holiday season, the needs of the business are the overriding factor in determining when companies seek new workers.

Everyone, including a job seeker, is entitled to take a break when they feel the need. However, do not make the decision of putting off your search because of the mistaken impression that the Israeli recruitment period closes during certain times of the year. This is false, and in fact making an effort when other job seekers are away from their computers and telephone may be just the advantage you need to get more notice from employers.