Working in Hong Kong is a unique experience. Hong Kong contains one of the largest skilled expat populations in the world. There is an abundance of expat career opportunities in Hong Kong for overseas job hunters in most industries, from multinational corporations to start-ups. There are plenty of jobs in Hong Kong for English speakers, and Chinese language experts alike.
But what are the practicalities of job-hunting and working in Hong Kong? Are there any conventions you need to know, which may differ to home? Are there any restrictions affecting foreigners? Read on for some tips to help get your job search underway.
Finding work in Hong Kong- prior to making the move
The Hong Kong government is still encouraging the influx of foreign skilled workers
No matter what you’re working background is, it is wise to carry out some research within Hong Kong before moving.
It’ll help you scope out the job market, see which companies exist here and what any potential interest may be for expats.
Make use of personal contacts – as with many other expat/ Eastern hubs, knowing the right people in Hong Kong is of utmost importance; it’s a networking hotspot where ‘who you know’ really counts.
Plenty of people get jobs on referrals, from friends, family or friends of friends that are working in Hong Kong. No matter how tenuous the link, tap into anyone you know already working in Hong Kong and see if they can help. Or ask if they know anyone who can.
Although it’s wise to scope the market out as early as possible, don’t be disheartened if you have no feedback. A lot of companies won’t take you seriously until you’ve landed and are a Hong Kong resident full-time. It’s good to make yourself known though.
Once you’ve moved to Hong Kong
Now you can really start getting proactive in looking for a job in Hong Kong.
Register with as many relevant recruitment agencies as possible – there’s an abundance of them here with big international firms like Michael Page and Robert Walters. Chances are you’ll need to have an internal interview with the agency so they can ascertain what it is you’re looking for.
Check Gateway Global Careers
Go direct – make contact with any companies you’re interested in. Seek out people working there, whether it’s via Linkedin, Twitter or personal contacts. Message them and ask about available opportunities.
The job application process
A lot of jobs in Hong Kong are advertised for English and Chinese speakers only. It’s not worth applying for these roles unless you have extensive knowledge of the language. Where this isn’t mentioned it’s safe to assume that they are jobs for english speakers.
State your position clearly – explain that you’re an expat, newly relocated but highlight experience overseas, this is often welcomed. Make clear as well what sort of pass you’re on, whether it’ s a dependent pass, long term or short term visit pass. Potential employers will want to know this so it’s worth putting in your application.
Job interviews – the process in Hong Kong is much like anywhere else in the world. Shortlist – interview – second interview (occasionally third) – job offer.
The job offer
Unlike most other countries, expat salaries are offered in monthly amounts, rather than annual. Because of tax differences it’ll be difficult to compare back to salaries in your home country but it’s safe to say the tax is favourable (see our tax section). Some companies offer salary estimates for various industries but take the information with a pinch of salt, it’s hard to know who is getting paid what unless you know what peers are earning or someone here has told you what the average is for you age/experience/relevant industry. If you get the chance ask a recruitment consultant, they’ll be able to give some steer on this.
The Employment Visa
Once you’ve accepted this will be conditional, based on the successful issue of an visa. This can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks to come though so you may need to sit tight for a start date.
For more information on visas, check out our visa section.
A growing need for expat workers in Hong Kong
Earlier in 2012 the Hong Kong Government highlighted a skilled employee shortfall of 14,000 by 2018 and has committed itself to increasing incentives for foreign skilled workers to move to and work in Hong Kong.
Finally, don’t expect overnight success. Job-hunting anywhere in the world is hard work and can consume your days. Expect to search for at least three months. Don’t be too choosy about what you apply for, send of for as much as possible and see what comes back.
If you’re doing everything mentioned above then it’s matter of time. Good luck!
Hi,
Currently i am staying in india and wanted to work in Hong kong, I do have the 6 years of work experience in BPO industry but i am ready to work in sales or marketing sector or kind of supervisor job becasue I do have the experince in team handling from past 3 years.
Kindly suggest me to get the suitable job in hong kong. If required i am ready to send resume.
Great article!
I’m planning to relocate to HK early next year as well, so every little bit of information is welcome. I’ve spent almost 10 years in mainland China, and I feel it’s time to make a move. If anyone is looking for a Mandarin & English speaking sales/marketer in hospitality sector, especially with Hotels & Private clubs background, please contact me. My background and contact info can be found at www.jankokosi.com
Thanks!
hi,
you seem to have a very good background, searchonline some recruitment agencies that specializes in your field.
i don’t know about people “loving” it here. apartment/flat rentals is expensive, commuting is easy and not expensive, food is expensive if you do not like fastfoods. crime is very low, cinema tickets is about USD10.00, drinks at the bar is USD6 (beer) cocktails more expensive.
don’t get me wrong, i do not hate hong kong, it’s a great place if you make big bucks, do ot pay for your own accommodation, not crazy about dining/going out regularly, buying luxury items, you’ll save a lot.
Hi … I am from india & I am having 3 years IT exp in .net …
please suggest can I find IT jobs in HK & how about IT demand in HK.
i want to visa in hong kong
hello,
i am planning to relocate myself to overseas for better opportunities. Also thought of Hong Kong. I visited various consultants offices in india. But they was not given me proper view for hong kong opportunities. i was not knowing the reason. Is it difficult to get job offers in your country? I have 8 yrs experience in hotels industry and also 2 yrs of insurance sales and currently working as area sales manager for a media company in India. Done bachelor degree in commerce and diploma in hotel management of 3 yrs each. I am looking for fast process to get opportunities. please let me know the best solutions to get into hong kong.
i wat to visa in hong kong and also want to do a job in hong kong ……i am pursuing b.tech in electronic and communication engieering in 6th sem…and got 81% marks …..
Great article. I am looking into the possibility of relocating to Hong Kong. I currently have around 30 applications with various agencies. I work in the retail field of Visual Merchandising and there seems to be more job opportunities in the Far East than the UK. It appears to be quite tough to get into Singapore but Hong Kong and China are on the up!
Hi, I’m narissa Castillo,33yrs.old presently residing here in UAE,I’m looking at opportunities, I have over 5years experience as a sales girl in my core area in the Philippine,2years in Saudi Arabia,4years in Qatar,and 4yaers in UAE as a baby sitter,…I’m finish in high school I can speak English and Arabic,I’m flexible and willing to explore option in my works that should me the right path furthering my career… Please contact me in this number to get in touch..0551662187.
Thanks a lot.
I am eager to work in Hongkong. I basic skills is Graduate B.Com/Computer Diploma/ Work in Malaria Office for 4 yrs/ Driving etc.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be
honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Cheers
Hi,I’m a Chinese who live in the U.S. for almost 20 years,I’m a Surgeon,working in Stanford currently.I’m a United States citizen.I have the U.S. passport.I’m willing to back to HK and work there.I’m not a Hong Konger,I was a mainlander.How can I find a medical job and apply for a work visa?
Good article with some useful ideas. The key thing it to have perseverance while looking for a job in HK. Some good starting points would be to join some AMCHAM and CANCHAM events. They have monthly events that you can join for a small fee. These are great for building a network in HK and adding these new contacts on Linked in
Hello,
Great article. I am a graduate in design, and have three years of experience as a apparel designer. I am planning to relocate in Hong Kong for better opportunities, I have applied for a few jobs in Hong Kong, but haven’t received any reply. How can I go about the whole thing in a better way?
Thanks,
Sanya
Hi I am MBA n 18 years sales n marketing experince .I want Job in Hong Kong .
Looking for banking/portfoliio management work in hong kong. I have four years’ experience and don’t really know where to start the job search process in HK?
Hi
I from Sweden but I got a HK citizenship because my parents are from HK. And I want to move to HK where I got some relatives. But I only got a High School degree and is a Uni. drop out.
I can speak and write Swedish and English, and also I can speak but not write Cantonese,
I was wondering if it is possible for me to survive in HK, I am willing to do almost any kind of work. Am I realistically going to be able to feed myself and have a place to live?
Thanks.
I’m currently in discussion with my company who want to send me out to HK and amongst other things they are suggesting that because there are more public holidays there, my accrued holidays are to be reduced by 5 days as a result.
Does anyone have any experience with this please?