Hong Kong job search discussion - update

[semidevil]

Just want to update every one on my search. I packed my bags and moved to Hong Kong Dec 29th, and have been looking for a job since. Obviously, no success, but at least want to share my thoughts to any one that might benefit. Dont take my situation as the blanket situation of Hong Kong job market. This is based on my profile, qualifications, and skillset.

Quick overview: 29 male, asian ameirican, fluent in english, can speak cantonese, 7 years in the motor insurance claims, 5 of those in management.

I updated my cv with a Hong Kong address and phone number and have been sending out letters from jobsDB site. On the insurance side, I have not had 1 interview. Some positions state that they require written Chinese, but some don't, so I apply to the ones that dont require reading/writing Chinese. I spoke with a recruiter and they were optomistic and states that language, visa should not be a problem. He also states that motor insurance shouldn't be too hard to get a job. just waiting and searching at the same time.

I also searched for jobs under management in general. I had one interview as a customer service manager. the first interviewer seemed okay. but then she left the room, asked a second interviewer to come in. The 2nd interviewer asked me similar questions and then asked what type of visa I was on. when I said tourist, it seemed like she lost interest.

I had another email conversation with a position I found on asiaxpat. the hiring person quickly replied after I sent, but then when I said that I need work sponsorship, he didn't reply.

About that interview, i'm not sure if it is a culture difference, but the job interview I had, there was no formal introduction of who she was. Not even a 'hello.' went straight to the interview, no smiles. she even asked me about my age.

Right now, I'm checking daily, jobsDB, geoexpats, linkedin, asiaxpats, etc etc. hopefully something will come up soon.

[Dankleness]

Thanks for the update! Good luck and keep looking. But save something for me!

[vmlinuz]

How much networking have you done? Also, do you actually believe a single word a recruiter tells you?

[jw1701]

don't forget to identify the companies you want to work for and contact them directly - jobsdb and the web are generally a black hole. recruiters not particularly helpful either, the more you can avoid them both the better.

[chris_yang22]

2 months. It took me 2 months before I got an offer. Just keep at it.

[HowardCoombs]

...Some positions state that they require written Chinese, but some don't, so I apply to the ones that dont require reading/writing Chinese...

at most, its going to cost you a stamp - apply to all of them, you never know who'se eye you are going to catch.

[Grumbler]

i am also looking for a new job. currently still working for my company back in the states via laptop at home here in HK. but really getting sick of working from home. sent out a few applications but haven't gotten any responses. are there any tips for resume? mine is all in english. i don't need sponsorship or anything. i have experience with SAS and SQL programming in health insurance and clinical trials before for a combined 7 years, including a couple of years in management level. bilingual in english and mandarin. don't speak cantonese at all. what's the expected salary? i usually put between $25k to $30 a month. no idea if that's completely off for HK standard or not.

[justjoe86]

at most, its going to cost you a stamp - apply to all of them, you never know who'se eye you are going to catch.

This. Why don't you find a list of suitable companies, print out 100 CVs and cover letters and send them all a letter? What's the worst that can happen?

[virago]

I suggest you tailor your resume and covering letter to suit the jobs you are applying for. You will have a much higher success rate when you speak the job requirement language and have taken the time and effort to match your skills to the job. It takes more effort but for the jobs that you are interested in or suited to then take the extra effort.

[Beanieskis]

I suggest you stop thinking that job ads on Jobs DB will get you anywhere, and start networking. Email everyone you know in your industry (individually not mass email), and ask if they have any contacts in HK and for an introduction if they do. Ask those people if you can meet with them for advice. Even if they aren't recruiting, most people are willing to help and will in turn suggest more people you can speak with. That's how I got my job - in 2009, when no one was recruiting. It took me 3 months of treating networking as a job.