Does my look prevent me from getting a job as a Banker?

It may not be your 'looks'.

The first thing to do is call the people who interviewed you and ask them for some feedback on areas in the interview where they felt you were lacking. I've never rejected any applicant who has approached my after an interview to discuss how they could improve. As a matter of fact I usually make a point of contacting applicants that 'just fell short' to give them ideas on what areas they need to strengthen.

I can only guess that they interview you based on your strong CV, and want to talk to you to see how fluent you are in Mandarin, when they find your Mandarin falls below what they want they discount you.


If they advertise a job and say they want fluent Mandarin, or fluency is an advantage then you'll be at a disadvantage even to other less qualified candidates that can speak Mandarin. It's unfortunate, but it happens.

Hi Peachy, sorry to hear that. My fiance had the same problem when she was looking for a job here in HK. The HR here are notorious for interviewing candidates and then pulling the "we were looking for someone who is more xxx" even if you have indicated clearly in your CV that you may not be proficient in xxx. It's such a waste of time and effort. I suspect the HR's might be doing this here just to show that they're "doing their job".

to peachylove


HK is really a difficult market to crack. I have also been trying very hard but have not been successful so far. The tips above about networking and socializing may help a lot. I have tried my luck with headhunters but to no avail. I got interviewed by the headhunters several times to supposedly global companies in regional roles based here in HK. But all they could tell me was, "we need a native Mandarin speaker"!!?? I pointed out that the role involves work around Asia with a multinational company! To make things worse, the role exactly matches what I do which is quite specialized I should say. I just could not believe it. It seems to me that they are putting up the Mandarin thing as a first hurdle. I am also taking Mandarin classes but I felt that I would never be in such a level that I could be a near native speaker unless I spend at least a year or two taking classes 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Dude - Isn't that why she started this forum?

Try Links Recruitment - they are very good. Go to networking events, there are always headhunters you can meet. Network, network, network...

And don't give up! It is good to have another 'buddy' who is job hunting to get together with and discuss how it is going.

Good luck!!!

Wow, I wasn't the only one. very helpful tips from everyone.


But I'm in somewhat different situation. I'm Korean, did MBA in the UK and used to work in London in the banking field. Being a specialist for Asian market, always wanted to come back to Asia. Then my husband got a good offer (He's also banker, Native Swiss-he got this job through internal contact.) we decided to move to HK.


Well here I am. After 3 months, all I've got so far is a lots of rejection. As I'm Asian, I thought it would be easier than London. I also notice that here they invite you for an interview because they just want to see you in person rather than they think you're the one! So don't be so dissappointed by the result. Just do your best, try to get more information during the interview. It will give you some idea where to look further.


What I am trying to say is getting a job in HK is not easy even for me, speaking asian languages, looking like one of them and with international and diversified experiences, good education... It's not easy at all. But, let's not give up.


The more 'No' you get, the closer to 'yes'. And I'd like to work for someone who see my potential and positive things rather than what I don't have. Good luck, Toi toi toi!

My goodness, I wonder if all of you are even aware of how elitist all of your responses sound, in particular Dude's. Nowhere in Peachylove's original post did she mention she was Caucasian/White, yet all of your responses ASSUMED that she was. In fact, she stated she was a "person of colour"... last I checked, White folks lacked colour, hence them adopting and adapting to the historic naming of their race as "White".


Ladies and gentlemen, when you assume that the un-specified race/gender/sexuality is that of the majority's, then you are in fact, thinking in an elitist manner.