If you’re considering a career in the banking industry, Israel is a great place to look. The Israeli banking industry is robust and competitive, with several major players and a long history dating back to the early 20th century. With its strong regulation and consumer protection, Israel’s banking sector offers ample opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
For those looking to break into the industry, there are a variety of banking jobs available in Israel, from entry-level positions to more senior roles. Some of the major banks in Israel include Bank Leumi le-Israel, Bank Hapoalim, Israel Discount Bank Ltd, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd, and First International Bank of Israel. There are also several foreign banks and a clearing service supervised by the Bank of Israel’s Banking Supervision Unit.
To be successful in the Israeli banking industry, it’s important to have the right qualifications and skills. Here in this article we provide you with the latest information. You will get to known the Key Players in the Israeli Banking Industry, Latest banking job opportunities available in Israel, Qualifications that are often needed in Israel to work in banking, How should your CV be ready for an Israeli banking position, and a whole lot. So let get started right away.
Key Players in the Israeli Banking Industry
The Israeli banking industry is a robust and competitive sector with several key players. Here are some of the major banks in Israel:
- Bank Leumi le-Israel BM
- Bank Hapoalim BM
- Israel Discount Bank Ltd
- Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd
- First International Bank of Israel
- Arab Israel Bank
- Mercantile Discount Bank
- Bank of Jerusalem
- Bank Otsar Ha-Hayal
- Union Bank (Bank Igud)
Latest banking job opportunities available in Israel
Here are some of the latest banking job opportunities available in Israel:
- Entry-Level Financial Analyst in Jerusalem.
- Grant Writer at Pantry Packers in Jerusalem.
- Embassy Finance Officer in Central Region, Israel, Tel Aviv.
- Grant Writers at APMGrants in Tel Aviv.
- Business/Finance Teacher at Touro College Israel in Jerusalem.
- Grant Writer/Coordinator at Yemin Orde Youth Village in North, Haifa.
- Office and IR Manager in Jerusalem.
- Billing Agent at NBN Recruitment Services.
- Banking Lawyer at 1257 NBN Recruitment Services in Tel Aviv.
- Investment Funds Coordinator Lawyer at 1231 NBN Recruitment Services in Tel Aviv.
- Grant Writer at The Sderot Foundation.
- Planning, Construction and Municipal Taxation Lawyer at 1274 NBN Recruitment Services in Tel Aviv.
- Investment Funds Coordinator Lawyer at 1231 NBN Recruitment Services in Tel Aviv.
- Grant Writer at World ORT Kadima Mada.
- Grant Auditor at Claims Conference Central Region, Israel, Tel Aviv.
Qualifications that are often needed in Israel to work in banking
Here are some qualifications typically required for banking jobs in Israel:
1. Education:
Many banking jobs require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. While any degree can help prepare you for a banking career, consider studying fields such as finance, accounting, economics, and business.
2. Certifications:
Some positions may require or prefer certain certifications. These could include a Certified Trust & Financial Planner, Certified Corporate Trust Specialist, Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager, Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Financial Planner, and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
3. Experience:
If you’re making Aliyah with a background in banking or finance, it is unlikely that you will find a job in Israel identical to that which you had in the U.S. or Canada. The market is significantly different in Israel, and you will probably have to switch gears and apply your background and skills to the different types of opportunities that are locally available.
4. Language Skills:
Don’t underestimate the importance of your native English skills. Many companies value having an English speaker on staff.
5. Flexibility:
As with many fields, the critical factor in the financial market is flexibility.
Some common skills needed
Here are some common skills needed:
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and make decisions based on the information.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy and precision in handling money and financial transactions.
- Interpersonal Skills: ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
- Professionalism: maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.
- Trustworthiness: Banks deal with large amounts of money daily, so they need to trust their employees.
- Accountability: taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
- Honesty and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards at all times.
- Financial Acumen: Understanding financial markets and trends.
- Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent service to customers.
- Mathematical Skills: Ability to handle complex calculations.
The application process for banking jobs in Israel involves several steps:
1. Flexibility:
The financial market in Israel values flexibility. If you have a background in banking or finance, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a job identical to what you had in your home country. The market in Israel is significantly different, and you may need to adapt your skills to the opportunities available locally.
2. Identify Your Unique Skills:
Instead of seeking a position similar to what you had before, try to identify what knowledge you bring to the table that a native Israeli might not have. Ask yourself: “What does Israel need that I can offer?”.
3. Networking and Utilizing Connections:
Speak to Israeli colleagues before you make Aliyah. Find out what aspect of your professional experience is most valuable to the local market. Utilize your connections abroad to help you identify job options in Israel.
4. Leverage Your English Skills:
Many companies value having an English speaker on staff.
5. Consider Different Types of Companies:
If you have a background in management, focus your job search on small companies, American companies, or large Israeli environments where seniority is not the key factor.
6. Academic Degree:
If you are a resident of Israel and have an academic degree from a recognized institution in subjects like Economics, Business Administration, Investment Advice, Statistics, Accounting, Mathematics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, you can submit your application for employment.
Remember, the NBN Employment Department provides guidance and resources for professionals transferring their careers to Israel, pivoting into a new field, starting a new business, or at the very beginning of their careers. They can assist you in understanding your employee rights and benefits, career guidance, job searching, and more.
What are typical interview questions for positions in Israel’s banking industry?
Here are some common interview questions that you might encounter during a banking job interview in Israel:
- Tell me a little bit about yourself.
- What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How did you hear about our company?
- What about our job listing caught your attention and made you believe this was a job you would be interested in?
- What is your dream job?
- Describe a situation where you experienced conflict in your professional life. How did you resolve the situation, and what did you learn from the experience?
- What is your greatest professional achievement?
- What are your goals for this position if hired?
- What is your preferred method for dealing with high-pressure situations?
- Tell me about a time at a prior job when you were forced to make a difficult decision. How did the results of your decision play out?
- Why are you looking to leave your current position?
- How do you prefer to do your work?
- Employees don’t always agree with the orders they are given. How do you respond when you think what you’re being asked to do is not the best course of action?
- How would staff at your current company describe working with you?
- What are you passionate about away from work?
- What is your current salary and what would you be expecting to earn working for our company?
- What is something you couldn’t find room for on your resume that you think we should know about you?
How should my CV be ready for an Israeli banking position?
Here are some tips on how to prepare your CV for a banking job in Israel:
- Your Name and Contact Details: Start with your name and current address in the Header section of your CV. Include your telephone number in the Israeli format: 052-xxx-xxxx and your email address.
- Personal Details: Keep personal details to a minimum. Identity number, marital status, number of dependent children, details of driver’s licenses, and details of army service can be left off and discussed at the interview.
- Age: If you are an older job-seeker, keep your birth date off your CV. Group past jobs, more than 15 years ago, into a category called ‘Previous Experience ’.
- CV Structure: Divide and sub-head your CV into the following sections: Personal details, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and skills.
- Length: Stick to two sides of A4 or less.
- Readability: Make sure your CV is easy to read and looks professional by applying some simple formatting tricks. Bullet points are great for making large paragraphs more digestible while formatting your headings with bold or coloured text will help the reader to find the information they need, with speed.
- Design: Avoid overdoing the design. If you go for something elaborate, you might end up frustrating recruiters who, above anything, value simplicity and clarity.
- Avoid Photos: Ditch logos, images or profile photos. Not only do they take up valuable space, but they may even distract recruiters from your important written content.
Evolution of Banking in Israel
Banking in Israel traces back to the Zionist movement in the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Anglo-Palestine Bank in 1903, later renamed Bank Leumi. By 1948, there were ninety-three banking providers, including commercial banks and credit unions, with the three largest holding 50% of assets.
Starting in 1954, consolidation began, with small banks merging into larger ones. By 1975, the three largest banks held 92% of assets. Many banks were nationalized after the 1983 bank stock crisis but have since been privatized, though the government remains a significant shareholder in several banks.
As of 2022, there are ten commercial banks, four foreign banks, and a clearing service supervised by the Bank of Israel’s Banking Supervision Unit. Five main banking groups dominate the sector. Strong regulation has ensured stability and consumer protection, minimizing the impact of global financial crises on Israeli banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational requirements for banking jobs in Israel?
To pursue a career in banking in Israel, a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees such as an MBA or CFA may enhance career prospects.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in the Israeli banking sector?
Yes, the Israeli banking sector offers ample opportunities for career advancement, with pathways for promotion to managerial and leadership roles based on performance and experience.
How does one stay updated with the latest developments in the banking industry?
Keeping abreast of industry trends and developments is essential for success in banking. Professionals can stay updated through continuous learning, attending seminars, and networking with industry peers.
What role does regulatory compliance play in the Israeli banking sector?
Regulatory compliance is paramount in the Israeli banking sector, with stringent regulations in place to ensure financial stability and consumer protection. Banking professionals must adhere to regulatory guidelines and undergo regular training to stay compliant.
Is fluency in Hebrew required for banking jobs in Israel?
While proficiency in Hebrew is advantageous, especially for client-facing roles, many multinational banks and fintech companies in Israel operate in English, making fluency in English a valuable asset for banking professionals.
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How does one land a banking job in Israel as an expatriate?
Expatriates seeking banking jobs in Israel should leverage their international experience and network to secure opportunities. It’s advisable to research Israeli banking regulations and cultural norms to enhance job prospects.
Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on the latest banking jobs in Israel, bookmark our website for future reference.