Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:09 pm Post subject: Hong Kong Expatriate JOB HUNT TIPS
HONG KONG EXPATRIATE JOBS HUNT INFORMATION & TIPS
Immigration
Hong Kong's immigration policy allows foreigners to work or to establish a business in Hong Kong if they possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not already available in Hong Kong, or if they are in a position to make a substantial contribution to the economy of Hong Kong. But it is against the law for a visitor to work in Hong Kong without the permission of the Director of Immigration in the form of an employment visa. Likewise, an employer who employs someone without a proper visa is also liable to prosecution.
Visas
In order to enter Hong Kong for purposes of employment, or to establish a business, you must obtain an employment visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Employment visas are usually obtained through the consulate or a diplomatic office prior to your arrival here. Although it is possible to secure an employment visa after you arrive, it is not suggested.
Preparation
If you are considering looking for work in Hong Kong, it's worthwhile to spend some time researching before your arrival. At the very least, you should arrive in Hong Kong with a list of contacts (friends, former classmates, fellow alumni, relatives, and colleagues). Alert them of your plans. Letters with a resume should be sent to potential employers notifying them of your intentions. Let them know you will be calling them once you arrive. This won't guarantee a response, but will give you a head start when you begin calling from Hong Kong. For financial reasons and convenience, try to find a friend or contact to move in with for the beginning of your stay in Hong Kong. Also, if you have a computer and printer, bring them with you.
Language Skills
Being able to speak Cantonese and/or Mandarin is a significant asset for anyone looking to land a job in Hong Kong. In some cases, employers will not hire a non-speaker for a position in their companies. Although such skills are a huge benefit, it seems that the majority of foreigners in Hong Kong speak only English.
Expat vs. Local Status
There are two types of employment status in Hong Kong: expat and local. Those hired on expatriate packages are usually sent to Hong Kong after having worked within their companies for a substantial period of time. Rarely does a company hire a recent graduate and send him/her overseas immediately. Those who are not hired as expats are hired on local status. The difference is that expats generally receive a significantly higher salary, plus a housing allowance and a number of other job perks. Foreigners who come to Hong Kong to look for work will most likely be hired on a local basis.
Cost of Living
Housing is very expensive in Hong Kong. You should expect to pay a minimum of HK$5,000 to HK$7,000 (US$650 - US$1,000) a month for a small apartment or space in a share flat. Transportation on the other hand is inexpensive. Food and entertainment lies somewhere in between. There is a 15% flat income tax in Hong Kong. Exchange rate is approximately 7.73 Hong Kong Dollars to the US Dollar.
Search Duration
The average time for landing a job in Hong Kong varies anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months. Usually, 2 months is adequate.
Temporary Housing
It is best to avoid moving around so that potential employers may easily contact you. If you are choosing a hostel, make sure to find one that can receive telephone messages in your absence. There are several options usually considered by job-seekers in Hong Kong with regards to finding a place to stay while looking for work:
Hostels
Hong Kong offers some relatively inexpensive youth hostels and guest houses that are suitable for short term living - but conditions (cleanliness, security, air-conditioning) vary widely. Average prices range from HK$50 to HK$300 per night. There are several YMCA/YWCAs, but they tend to operate like regular hotels with regular hotel prices.
Upper Range
Hostels in this range are more expensive on a monthly basis than renting a flat.
Booth Lodge, Yaumatei (2771-9266)
Caritas Lodge, Yaumatei (2388-1111)
YMCA, Waterloo Road (2771-9111)
Mid-Range
Noble Hostel, Causeway Bay (2576-6148)
YMCA, Salisbury Road (2369-2211)
Lower End
Chung King Mansions, Tsimshatsui
STB Hostel, Yaumatei (2710-9199)
Share Flats / Short Term Flats
One person apartments are few and far between. A more typical solution is 2 to 4 people sharing a family-sized apartment. Listings can be found daily in local papers, but the most comprehensive listings appear in the South China Morning Post's Wednesday "Property Post" section. Please keep in mind that most arrangements will require 2 months advance payment and an agent will charge an additional 1/2 to 1 month's rent as commission.
Business Centers
During your job hunt, you will most certainly require the use of a computer (for cover letters, thank you letters, and resumes) and a fax machine as well. Ideally, you will have your own, or have access through a friend. However if this is not the case, a business center may be in order.
Most hotels in Hong Kong have business centers that charge by the hour (usual rate is $100/hour). Aside from hotel business centers, more elaborate services are available. An extensive list of these centers can be found in the AmCham publication entitled "Establishing an Office in Hong Kong".
Business Cards
Known as the "Hong Kong Handshake", the daily ritual of exchanging business cards is often an important means of expanding your connections and of making sure that others will know how to contact you if a job opening arises. Business cards can be printed for an average price of HK$1 per card and print shops are everywhere in town. Instantaneous cards can be obtained at custom card machines in most MTR (subway) stations.
Useful things to read South China Morning Post Classified Section
Most ads are targeted at local hires however a number of good positions can be found here. Listings appear daily and Saturday's paper has a massive classified supplement.
The Standard Classified Section
Same as the Post except each day focuses on a specific industry (Banking/Finance one day, Construction the next).
Recruit
Basically a newspaper full of classified ads. This is a free publication available in MTR stations after 5:00 pm on Fridays.
Headhunters
Unless you are looking for a high level position and have a several years of employment experience, you should not rely on executive search firms. In most cases they will not be able to assist you.
Salary Expectations
A recent graduate can expect between US$10,800 - US$19,000 per year. Chinese New Year bonuses in the amount of one month's salary are given by most employers at the end of January or beginning of February. Most companies pay in Hong Kong dollars and salaries are often quoted in HK$ per month. When negotiating a salary in Hong Kong it is important to make sure both sides know which currency is being discussed.
Useful internet Links
The following links are provided as a service to site visitors and to assist job seekers with their search for employment opportunities in Hong Kong.
Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:25 am Post subject: Not that higher salary for recent graduate
In a response to the following information on Salary Expectations :
"A recent graduate can expect between US$20,000 to US$31,000 per year."
Please do NOT give a misleading message to those who want to look for a job in HK. The general salary starting point is about US$10,800 - US$19,000 (below US$20,000 and not even above US$31,000) for a recent fresh graduate. Please provide a realistic picture to the forum viewers. Thanks.
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:40 am Post subject: what about internship
I have a question on internships in Hong Kong. Is there any opportunities for US undergraduate students who have minimum Chinese skills to get summer internships in Hong Kong? If so, what kind of companies I shall be looking into?
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:40 am Post subject: what about internship
I have a question on internships in Hong Kong. Is there any opportunities for US undergraduate students who have minimum Chinese skills to get summer internships in Hong Kong? If so, what kind of companies I shall be looking into?
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:40 am Post subject: what about internship
I have a question on internships in Hong Kong. Is there any opportunities for US undergraduate students who have minimum Chinese skills to get summer internships in Hong Kong? If so, what kind of companies I shall be looking into?
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