If we make aliyah my husband would need to find a job doing computer programming. He is a Senior Programmer with at least 10 years experience of Microsoft technologies, C#, dot.net etc and earning very good money here in the UK as a contractor. Where would he need to look for equivalent work in Israel (are there any websites etc?) or are there any US or UK companies that have an Israeli office but pay in $ or £?

What is the job market in Israel like at the moment?

My husband is convinced that it is better to move to Israel first and then find a job (he is Israeli and has some friends in the industry). I personally believe it is better to find work first.

Any advice would be appreciated...

PS. Is this the best place to post this question, or should I move it to the 'jobs' section in billboard?

I know people who have moved there with jobs lined up and I know people who have moved without a job. I can't fathom going to a new country without having a job lined up. Especially if you have kids.

Doesn't microsoft have offices in Israel? Could he just transfer within the company?

I don't think Microsoft technologies means he worked for Microsoft.

Sorry, maybe I was unclear. He doesn't and never has worked FOR Microsoft itself. He uses and has vast experience of Microsoft Technologies such as languages - C#, dot.net etc.

You can't fathom it but most companies can't fathom hiring someone that hasn't made Aliyah. It's done every day.

dinodski,

The Tech Market in Israel is getting very very hot right now (unlike 3 years ago when it was very cold) so it's a good time to come.

This is a great link to check out with lots of other great links on it: http://www.nbn.org.il/employment/hi_tech.html

How is his Hebrew? If it's good let me know and I'll tell you how to get on an exclusive tech listing mailing list.

I think we've had this discussion before. If I remember correctly you agreed that it would be a bad idea to move without a job lined up if the couple had kids. (I could be wrong)

Oh, ok. Pity, that would have made things easier

I don't really have any advice but I don't think I'd persona;lly be able to move without a means of support in place (and I know too many people who had to come back because nothing came through for them )

Without savings, yes.

His Hebrew is great as he was born and brought up in Israel (mine not so great at all). He also speaks fluent English and is a real clever clogs (member of MENSA). That mailing list would be very helpful thank you in advance!

I agree with you, that has been the experience of pretty much everyone I know who has made aliyah, and all of them managed to find decent jobs once they got there.

dinodski, that said, I do know of one guy who was a Sr. Software engineer with IBM in the U.S. who did manage to arrange a transfer to their offices in Haifa, so it is indeed possible.

As grend (I think) mentioned yesterday, try the CJI (computer jobs Israel) email list.

The OU Job board has also been pretty busy lately.

I think both are also linked from the NBN page I posted.

I'll PM dinodski the secret list.