Posted by
alex85
15 yrs ago
Hello everybody!
I’m new here and I’m seeking some advice.
I am planning to move to HK at the end of 2011/beginning of 2012.
My plan is to just come there and look for a job, since it seems to me that it is impossible to find one from my home country, Italy.
I am 26, hold a m.sc. in international economics, speak Italian, French and English fluently, have 1 year experience in international sales and some experience in translating. I’ve worked 9 months as an intern in Bangkok (government agency + white appliances company).
Do you think there is any chance for me to get any job, or should I review my plan?
Thanks for the constructive advice!
Alex
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You would certainly have a better chance of finding an opening in Hong Kong if you are there, than trying long distance. The only possibility of finding something from your home country is if you have contacts, or are fortunate to see an opening advertised locally - which is unlikely in the extreme these days.
However, I am not qualified to tell you what sort of chances you have, other than to say that, if you do not try, you will never know. So try.
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Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you will be ion a visitors visa and you cannot legally work on this type of visa. You may look for employment and if successful go through the process to become sponsored with a work permit.
Without speaking Cantonese and/or Mandarin your chances may be limited.
Good luck.
Hope this helps.
Community Advice Buruea (CAB)
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Many if not most non-locals come to Hong Kong because they are offered an opportunity here with existing employers. Without that, you are taking a fairly big risk just coming to HK and hoping to find someone willing to sponsor you for a work visa. You will be competing against a large, well-educated local work force who (i) don't need a work visa, and (ii) speak either or both Cantonese and Mandarin.
That said, it's not impossible. You didn't say why you're so keen to come to HK. Is it a personal/lifestyle decision, rather than a work-driven decision? If so, and you don't mind what you do here work-wise, then teaching may be an option. However, you would most likely need some kind of teaching qualifications and experience for the international schools here to consider hiring you.
If you're serious about moving here, you should consider trying to do so in steps. Research European companies in the industry/ies where you have experience or want to focus, find those that have HK operations/openings and consider trying to work your way over here from an existing job in Europe with a multi-national. There's no guarantee, and it might take some time, but if you're commited you'll find a way.
Good luck!
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Have you had a look at the jobs section of this forum-Just click on HK jobs in the menu bar? there may be something there you could apply for.
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Have you had a look at the jobs section of this forum-Just click on HK jobs in the menu bar? there may be something there you could apply for.
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Thanks a lot for the valuable advice and for taking the time to reply to me!
The point is that my dream is coming and working in Asia and I thought that HK would be the easiest place to find a job. Maybe it's not like that.
Do you think I may have better chance somewhere else?
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Dreams are not a very good place to start, in my opinion. What do you mean by "Asia"? The first thing to realise is that this is a term that covers a huge diversity of countries and populations.
The second thing to realise is that this is not an employment forum. If you want to get somewhere, you have to do the hard work yourself. As I said earlier, you would have a better chance of finding something if you are actually located in the place where you are looking. However, if it is not easy to find the right kind of job, that goes without needing to be said.
The only realistic chance would be to find something - anything - to do and go from there. You would either need a lot of luck, and/or pretty good monetary reserves, to help you while you are looking.
One possibility would be to contact some of the international firms, like Spencer Stuart, or Heidrick Struggles. If your qualifications are good enough, and worth something in the place where you are looking, you might find something.
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You'll definitely have a chance. Many people, including myself, came to HK with a couple of pieces of luggage, found a job and stayed for years. A good game plan, determination and patience are the keys to succes in this case, too.
You speak French and Italian and this combination is worth concentrating on during your job search. A few useful links
French Chamber in HK recruitment:
http://www.fccihk.com/fccihk/en/recruitment/job_portal/Tmp_portal.html
Italian Chamber in HK jobsite
http://www.icc.org.hk/jobs_jobseekers.php
Adecco also has a specialist division concentrating on French speakers
http://www.adecco.com.hk/sd_foreign.asp
and as mentioned, of course this Asiaxpat site
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