job application to a client company

Hi folks, I’m new here (barely 6 months) but now looking for a new job. My question: do companies here normally inform the current companies of their applicants? What’s unique about this case is that this company I’m thinking of joining is a client of my current company.

Check your contract document with your current employer. There may be a restriction / non competition clause which states you cannot work with any Clients/Client contacts for 3 months after leaving your current employer.


And, remember that if the company you are thinking of joining does a reference check your current employer is bound to find out about it.

In my experience, it is very frequent in Hk to swap companies, specially between customers/suppliers chain. If the company you want to apply to has worked with you already they will not need to check reference with your current employer, the question being are you solliciting them or are they solliciting you? if you are the first step initiator, be subtile you are open for a change, if interrested they will put their hand up. otherwise if they value more their relationship with your employer than we with you, yes, they may inform your comnpany.

Regarding 'non competion clause" they are aplenty in HK contract, but Hk labour law also stipulate that it is unlawful to impeach a worker of his mean of earning his life, if an ex-employer want to keep you out of the market for say 3 months they will have to pay for that, otherwise, they dont have a chance to inforce the clause.

Its highly unusual for an interviewing company to contact your current employer. Most employers are aware of how small various industries are and are as wary as you are to be found out to be poaching staff.


Also it is most likely that your present company would prefer you to be joining a client - it only engenders a stronger relationship between the two companies.


best of luck

hmmm....different views. thanks, guys.