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Predicament.....Unemployed

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    966

    Predicament.....Unemployed

    Hello All,

    I am in a predicament and refer my situation to forum members for advice.

    I have been out of job for more than 9 months and as time passes I am becoming increasingly frustrated and worried. I am having trouble in securing employment mainly because my skills and experience are specialized. I have two degrees in Law from the UK. My Masters I specialized in Maritime Law, not a qualified lawyer.

    I successfully worked for over 13 years in HK and Middle East for a few companies. I worked in the insurance department for Shipping Companies and Mutual Insurers handling Claims for Shipowners, Ports and Terminals and Logistics companies. Well versed in Shipping and cargo claims arising from International Trade and Logistics

    I feel like I’m up against the wall. I am looking for something in HK as I am a PR. I have not had any luck for the jobs that I have applied to. Most of these jobs insist on knowing Chinese. In Singapore there are more opportunities but employers are reluctant to hire foreigners due to their local employment regulations.

    I would certainly consider expanding upon my skills and branching out into another area but practically I can only do this once I’ve secured something and started working.

    If anyone can offer some advice, introduction to any start up’s in HK or just point me in the right direction, I would very grateful. I don’t have any high salary demands. Priority for me is to get back into employment.

    Thanks in advance,

    Elegiaque likes this.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    11,711

    considering looking and enquire about jobs relating to marine and personal effects surveying from companies such as cunningham & lindsey, crawfords, intertek or lloyd's agents

    if not, try one of the major relocation companies in HK as they sometimes require marine insurance specialist.

    bak875 and Elegiaque like this.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Oct 2012
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    6,531

    I reached out to someone I know who may be interested... long shot.

    It's tough being unemployed. Hang in there.

    bak875 likes this.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2011
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    I would recommend to tailor your CV to dumb down your experience a bit and apply to some specific jobs. If you can hold a friendly conversation and speak English, there are jobs available. It's when you become so specialized that it becomes next to impossible to find a replacement role. Even if the role exists, it is likely filled. Therefore you have to wait for those to quit or leave HK. Look on LinkedIn for similar professionals in your field that suits a role you are looking for. Typically it is very useful to look at their previous employers and you'll quickly build a shortlist of 15-20 employers to target. Use precision with your application, try a few at a time and wait for feedback, instead of blasting your CV everywhere.

    bak875 and UK/HKboy like this.

  5. #5

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    Feb 2011
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    You'll need to practice interview skills, behaviourial questions, etc. It's easy to get rusty and pessimistic when unemployed. I would say it took me a good month of solid research and practice when I was job hunting until I was prepared to interview. The competition is fierce so it's very important to follow the appropriate steps and invest the time and energy. Finding a job is a full time job. If you are not spending 8hrs per day on your search 5 days a week, it can be difficult.

    bak875 likes this.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    8,279
    Quote Originally Posted by bak875:
    Most of these jobs insist on knowing Chinese
    Well, how much progress have you made in learning Chinese over the last 9 months? I don't speak any myself, but I also don't want to live in HK if I lost my current job. If you really want to stay in HK, learning the local language is probably the single biggest thing you can do in your free time, between interviews, etc, to get yourself more employable here.
    bak875 likes this.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    966
    Quote Originally Posted by MandM!:
    I would recommend to tailor your CV to dumb down your experience a bit and apply to some specific jobs. If you can hold a friendly conversation and speak English, there are jobs available. It's when you become so specialized that it becomes next to impossible to find a replacement role. Even if the role exists, it is likely filled. Therefore you have to wait for those to quit or leave HK. Look on LinkedIn for similar professionals in your field that suits a role you are looking for. Typically it is very useful to look at their previous employers and you'll quickly build a shortlist of 15-20 employers to target. Use precision with your application, try a few at a time and wait for feedback, instead of blasting your CV everywhere.
    Thanks and agree all my CVs and Covering letters are tailored.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    966

    Thank you for the messages

    Even time flies when looking for work.

    I was optimistic in the beginning, I received interest from employers and went through the processes. I reached the final stages of a UNICEF Insurance Logistics position in Copenhagen but another candidate was chosen. I visited HK twice for two different interviews with P&I Clubs. I am due to be called for a second interview by Qatar Airways but currently certain positions are on hold. A Singaporean based company advised today that they do intend to call me for a second interview but I am competing against locals.

    Frustrating and feel career in ruins due to a years gap.

    Last edited by bak875; 06-09-2019 at 07:43 PM.

  9. #9

    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by bak875:
    Thank you for the messages

    Even time flies when looking for work.

    I was optimistic in the beginning, I received interest from employers and went through the processes. I reached the final stages of a UNICEF Insurance Logistics position in Copenhagen but another candidate was chosen. I visited HK twice for two different interviews with P&I Clubs. I am due to be called for a second interview by Qatar Airways but currently certain positions are on hold. A Singaporean based company advised today that they do intend to call me for a second interview but I am completing against locals.

    Frustrating and feel career in ruins due to a years gap.
    You can remove the exact dates on your CV. For example I only put the years. Never had anyone question it.
    bak875 likes this.