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job search update + update on networking event

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    110

    job search update + update on networking event

    I'll keep the first part of the update short, but I have not found a job yet. Been doing my thing in searching for jobs and touching base back with the companies and recruiters to see if there are any updates. So far, no go. I'll keep doing my thing and checking from that aspect.

    However,

    I did go to my first networking event and I want to share a bit about that. For me, my biggest hesitation to going to these things is that I dont know what to expect. Talking to strangers, not knowing the format, not sure if it is okay to say "I need a job," etc etc. I feel that others here might have similar or same hesitation, so I want to shed some light on how it was and encourage any one to go and it wasn't that scary.

    I went to the monthly networking drinks that the American Chamber hosts. Basically, it's in a big open room. Once you go in there, you simply start talking to people. No format, no structure, just go and chat. It's okay to join other's conversations. It's as if every one expects it. Shake hands, introduce yourself, exchange business cards. I felt comfortable saying that I am currently looking for a job. A lot of the members told me that this is the best place to find a job. A lot of them gave me tips on how to get in to my industry, I got 1 introduction, and I got a couple of people who told me to send them my CV. We chit chatted about my hometown a bit.

    We talked for a few minutes, and when you feel it is time to go, just move on to the next group and butt in their conversation and talk. There were some people who obviously dont have much to add, but a wish of good luck. And that is fine too. You feel a lot of support. Although I was probably the only one looking for a job, every one was doing the same thing, networking and chatting it up, so I felt fine the entire evening.

    Overall, it was a great event. To me, networking was a bit scary, but I enjoyed it just because everyone was so friendly. No one promised me anything and I wont expect it, but every one seemed so genuine that I enjoyed meeting new people. I know for me, if I did everything I could to find a job (online searching, recruiters, networking), then last case I have to go back to the states, I wont have any regrets.

    If any one is nervous aboug gonig to these events, and have questions, please feel free to ask. I plan to go to more of those events as I see them, and will look in to the canadian chamber, and other nationalities just to see what's available. If any one wants to go together, I"m all for it.


    Tip:

    Wear a suit


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    129

    Thank you for this write up, can you shoot me a pm, would love to tag along with someone to go one of these events, better yet, I'll send you a pm, check your messages.


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    4,005

    What is your target industry, semi-devil? Some here might refer to networking events that are more tailored to where you want to work.


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    110

    I'm looking in to the insurance industry. I dont see any upcoming events related to my industry, so that is why I went to the general one to see what I can find.


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Mid-Levels
    Posts
    7

    @semidevil: glad you had a good first evening! my basic interest is to grow my (professional) network. hoping to join you for the next event.

    For anybody who needs it:
    Jesmer Wong has a pretty exhaustive networking (and other) events overview incl location and fee. You can subscribe by sending an email to him at [email protected] or go to his website: http://hknetworking.blogspot.com ... I hope he's alright with me advertising his services here!


  6. #6

    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    4,005
    Quote Originally Posted by semidevil:
    I'm looking in to the insurance industry. I dont see any upcoming events related to my industry, so that is why I went to the general one to see what I can find.
    http://www.fcclub.com/

    Check out Fortune Club - I have been once or twice and lots of headhunters as these events. Not sure how good this might be but join for free and pick an event.

    But nothing outperforms your network and getting face time with the right folks in target companies here is a good thing to do.

    Drummond Scott is another insurance search firm here - I think - but got that name off a linked in group.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    110

    great! Thanks! I'll look in to it.


  8. #8

    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Tsim Sha Tsui
    Posts
    3,942

    What do you mean exactly when you say 'insurance industry'?


  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    110
    Quote Originally Posted by Proplus:
    What do you mean exactly when you say 'insurance industry'?
    I did motor claims back in the States, so that is what I am the most familiar with. looking for a assistant manager/manager role in Hong Kong

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Wanchai
    Posts
    5,277

    You might want to join Internations also if you are not already a member. They host a monthly networking event, usually in one of the LKF/Central nightclubs on a Friday evening.

    http://www.internations.org/


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