What am I doing wrong?

I moved to HK at the end of last year to be with my family, my wife is teaching here. I have applied for many jobs online but have failed to get even one reply. I had my resume and cover letter looked at professionally but to no avail. I realise my age and lack of Cantonese is a major problem but I had hoped my 30 years plus of experience in operations management and educational support might have found something by now. I have been told that in order to get your resume looked at here, you need to network but that is not easy when you don't know anybody. Secondly, does anybody know of a volunteer organisation where I could register to keep me occupied. I would be most grateful for any tips that people could recommend, as I seem to be making no progress at the moment. Thank you.

I would guess that what you are doing wrong is relying on one method of job hunting. I am going through the same thing, having left my job and left HK for a period. It is taking much longer than I expected to find another position. According to one book I read, only 4% of people who apply to jobs online are eventually successful. The usual advice is that the most effective way of finding work is to knock on doors in person and call potential employers by phone. I'm not sure though if this is acceptable practice for a professional position in a city like HK. I couldn't see myself showing up at offices in the IFC or Pacific Place, trying to get past the receptionist. It is frustrating, I know. I have also given some thought to starting a business, but can't seem to find suitable partners. I would suggest reading one career-related book after another to stay motivated. Volunteer work is a good idea (have a look at ho-sum.org). Have you also considered targeting some freelance and part-time positions as an interim effort? If the money is not a major concern, you would probably find a job quite easily just across the border.

I and a few of my friends found jobs by attending the monthly drinks at ANZCham, AusCham or Australian Assoc. If you are not an Aussie try your own country's Chamber of Commerce group.


Not all companies here want Cantonese or Mandarin speakers but are in fact looking for native English speakers.


Good luck.

Unfortunately HK is all about who you know - its a tough reality if you don't know anyone – but really if you have been here a year, you do know people, maybe not well but enough to get in contact on a ‘professional basis”. I would start using contacts more and getting it well known about town that you are looking to work. try cold calling some people in industries/organizations that you want to work in. All clubs and associations are great ways to meet people and hear about opportunities.


What about recruiters for your line of work. I would start there too, they will be sure to get you in contact with other (look in the newspaper for relevant recruiters).


Best of luck with your job hunt, it is really challenging but the good news is you are in a town that is enjoying prosperity so a job is sure to be around the corner.

Thank you all for your positive and very helpful advice. Briefly, my background is that I trained as a teacher in the early 70's (I’m 55 but have a ten year old son that keeps me on my toes) but never taught. I then spent 30 years in the animal feed manufacturing business working for Unilever and other large companies. I managed a total of 11 factories over this period and was responsible for manufacturing budgets, H & S, Logistics and customer service; I was part of the company SAP implementation team and had to restructure several operations. In 2004 I left the industry as the constant moving was disruptive to my family life and the feed manufacturing business was in steep decline. I then worked as a Educational support worker at Britain’s most successful FE college (Runshaw in Lancashire) I would be happy to work part time or on a contract basis and I am going to put all your positive suggestions into practice ASAP. Once again many thanks.


Barry