Finding a job in Lebanon isn’t easy, especially in today’s unpredictable economy. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, an unemployed professional, or someone trying to return to the workforce, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), Lebanon's employment-to-population ratio fell to 30.6%, with youth unemployment rising to 47.8% as of January 2022. But here’s the truth: despite economic instability, companies in Lebanon are still hiring, especially those in tech, education, healthcare, NGOs, and digital services. You just need to know where to look and how to stand out.
This guide provides honest, practical advice that goes beyond generic tips. It’s for people actively trying to get hired and need real steps to move the needle.
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Job Hunt Starter Checklist
Before jumping into applications, ensure you’re ready to move fast when an opportunity arises. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Your CV is updated, clearly formatted, and highlights relevant experience
- You’ve bookmarked top job platforms like Qureos, Bayt, Daleel Madani, Forasna, LinkedIn, and JobLebanon.
- You’re tracking your applications and following up after 3–5 days.
- You’ve joined Lebanon-specific WhatsApp or Facebook job seeker groups.
- You’re prepared to attend interviews virtually or in person with short notice.
- You’ve prepared a 30-second personal pitch to introduce yourself.
- You’ve listed your salary expectations realistically based on the market
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How to Find Jobs in Lebanon in 2025
1. Understanding the Market
Lebanon’s job market has shifted dramatically in recent years. The public sector has shrunk, but the private and nonprofit sectors continue to recruit, especially in fields like education, healthcare, IT, marketing, logistics, and NGO operations. International organizations, startups, and remote-first companies are also hiring Lebanese talent, particularly for digital design, customer service, writing, development, and project coordination roles.
While salaries vary and are often paid in multiple currencies (LBP, USD, or a mix), many organizations are now adjusting pay to reflect market volatility. That’s why knowing what sectors are actively hiring can help you focus on where the real opportunities lie.
2. Applying from Inside Lebanon
Employers in Lebanon often want candidates who are based locally and available immediately. This makes communication easier and reduces onboarding delays. If you’re applying from abroad, state your availability, time zone clearly, and whether you want to relocate or work remotely.
If you’re in Lebanon, make yourself visible. Attend networking events, job fairs, and workshops, many free or sponsored by NGOS and career hubs. Being seen and remembered is often half the battle.
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3. Be Aware of Currency & Payment Issues
Given Lebanon’s financial climate, some employers pay in LBP, others in USD, and many use a hybrid. Always ask during the interview how the salary is paid, the pay schedule, and whether benefits (like transport or internet) are covered.
It’s not impolite to ask. It’s essential for survival. Knowing how to navigate compensation expectations can save you from future misunderstandings.
4. Where to Apply
Don’t rely on one site. Most job seekers in Lebanon use local and regional job boards, including Qureos, Daleel Madani (for NGO and development roles), Bayt, Forasna, and JobLebanon. LinkedIn remains a popular platform for professional and corporate roles. Some companies also post directly on their websites or Instagram pages.
Create job alerts, save your favourite searches, and check for new listings daily. Consistency matters more than volume, so apply smart, not just often.
5. Build a Portfolio Before You’re Hired
Don’t wait for someone to hire you to start doing the work. Whether you’re in design, writing, engineering, marketing, education, or any other field, create your mini portfolio. If you're a writer, publish articles on Medium or LinkedIn. If you're a developer, upload your code to GitHub. If you're a teacher, record short demo lessons. Lebanese employers (especially startups and NGOs) love proof of initiative. Even if it's self-initiated, having something to show makes you 10× more hire-able than someone with a blank CV.
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6. Say “Yes” to Freelance Work, Even Small Projects
The formal job market in Lebanon isn’t the only way to build a career. Many people create their income stream through freelance gigs, small content jobs, part-time tutoring, social media management, translation, or even customer service for companies abroad. This isn’t “settling”, it’s strategy. These gigs give you income, contacts, testimonials, and experience. And many times, they turn into full-time offers.
7. Use WhatsApp Like a Professional Tool
In Lebanon, recruiters often use WhatsApp to schedule interviews, follow up, and share job links. Use your real name, a clear photo, and a professional status. Keep conversations polite and brief. It might seem informal, but employers take it seriously.
8. Network Horizontally, Not Just Up
Everyone wants to network with the manager or the CEO. But you know who helps? The intern sitting next to them, the junior HR assistant or the volunteer coordinator. Build relationships with people on your level; they grow, get promoted, and eventually pull you up with them.
These are things people won’t always tell you, but they work. In a tough market like Lebanon’s, being proactive, visible, and self-starting is often more valuable than a long CV or a prestigious degree. Just keep moving. Someone’s going to say yes.
