Apply for a job in HK from abroad

[tifbs]

Hi there,

Just wondering if you guys and gals can shed light and any experience on applying for jobs in HK (advertised online) while living and working in another country?...

Do you apply as you normally would - and attach your cv/resume without mentioning you're in a different country and of a different nationality? Do you mention in your email details about the fact that you are currently not in HK? Do you mention potential work visa issues?

Or do you apply normally and if they get back to you, you then discuss these issues? Do you think (perhaps from your own experience) that they are less likely to reply back simply because you're applying from overseas?

I've never applied for a position overseas before so it'll be great to get your thoughts and comments on this.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

[emypie]

Hi tifbs,

Hong Kong is a place where people from every corner of the world come to work. Applying from overseas will not be a problem.

I got my current job while I was living and working in Tokyo so they were very aware I would need a work visa.

I did however tell them that I would be in Hong Kong from this-date to that-date so that they could set up an interview. The bait worked and when I travelled to Hong Kong "on holiday" they scheduled me in for a meeting. Three months later I had the job and was here!

In short, if you are a good candidate for the job you are applying for and they want you, they will make sure to get you and bring you here. Relocation packages are usually pretty good too.

Hope this helps and try not to worry so much. These companies know what they are doing.

[Claire ex-ax]

It all depends on the level of the position you are seeking.

[hello_there]

It all depends on the level of the position you are seeking.

Totally agree. If you are applying for a senior position, or one that requires a postgraduate degree or other specialized training or experience it is much easier to secure a position from abroad. If you are looking at entry to mid-level positions it is much more difficult. if you are looking at positions that can be filled locally, pretty much forget it.

[hello_there]

(1) Do you apply as you normally would - and attach your cv/resume without mentioning you're in a different country and of a different nationality? Do you mention in your email details about the fact that you are currently not in HK? Do you mention potential work visa issues?

(2) Or do you apply normally and if they get back to you, you then discuss these issues? Do you think (perhaps from your own experience) that they are less likely to reply back simply because you're applying from overseas?

(1) Apply normally. Don't make a bit deal out of practical hurdles, like being in a differnet country. In your cover letter you may mention that you are willing to relocate but don't spend more than a couple words mentioning it. Your CV presumably has your address or at least a contact phone number on it, which will make it clear that you aren't in HK.

(2) For quite a few positions, yes, they are less likely to reply positively simply because you are overseas. The exception being if the position calls for very particular skills/education/experience not readily available in HK.

[penguinsix]

If you are serious about a job in Hong Kong, and if you aren't of a level that would warrant a free flight for an interview (i.e. relatively senior), you could consider planning a two week interview trip. Send out resumes and add "I'll be in HKG the weeks of X and Y and would like to meet up with you". Also if you haven't been here before might give you a better idea of what to expect living here.

[Beanieskis]

It depends on the current supply / demand in your industry. When I arrived here and started networking I was told being in HK was a huge benefit, as they were getting so many applications from people made redundant overseas. However, a year earlier the same industry was desperate to recruit from overseas as there was a big skills shortage. I work in real estate.

[tifbs]

Thanks for the feedback and comments, i appreciate it! Unfortunately i am not looking for a senior position (and no company transfer, working with large multinational company, etc) and pretty much mid-level. I may even consider entry level just to get something going.

Anyway, i understand it is always better to be in the country/city and judging by your comments i will probably just apply online as per normal. Although it would be good to get a job sorted out prior to arriving in HK, i may even consider leaving the UK and coming to HK anyway - with or without a job offer - and look for one while there.

Luckily, i am planning on going to HK for holiday later this year, where hopefully when i renew my id card it will still be valid so that i can live and work in HK without visas!...

Cheers,

[imparanoic]

what industry are you in? it's possible if you are in a design based industry you can apply from aboard as you can submit your portfilio prior your visit to hk, however, in most case, you need to be in HK to apply