[mengyingbo]

Dear all,
so far I am not an expat but would lilke to become one... with my current employer that is not possible and apart for looking for another company here to send me there, is it possible to appl ydirectly to HK companies,
i.e. is it possible for a foreigner (I'm German senior IT manager) to find a job in HK or China?

Best whishes from Hamburg,
Wolfgang

[Max]

There's no reason why you can't try Wolfgang. Try the classifieds on www.scmp.com or contacting temp agencies for your requirements.

Good Luck.

[KnowItAll]

>> foreigner (I'm German senior IT manager) to find a job in HK or China?

Wolfgang, the best approach is to look for German multi-national companies which have operations in Hong Kong. If you have a niche even better... some areas like SAP, Peoplesoft, Airlines applications etc etc... remain an exclusive club and an experienced manager is always a good catch.

I deal with a lot of IT managers working in European and American companies and most of them do not speak Chinese but have been transfered over to help run and maintain Asia Pacific networks / operations and more importantly have the skills to communicate with the head office. They are corporate transfers and have people who speak excellent english and cantonese / mandarin working for them.

[KnowItAll]

I should add that knowing Cantonese and Mandarin is a must if you're a do-er. Knowledge of local languages is optional if you're a director.. i.e. telling others what to do.

[mengyingbo]

Hi Paul, I sort of anticipated that.. I am currently learning Mandarin (far from sufficient do far), and I am in the process of making contacts (er, that is why I'm here ;-)

Hi Max, I am frequently checking SCMP and once a while a good job pops up, but I seldom get even a reply on my application. Do you know whether HK firms would hire someone who is currently not living in HK (and, consequently does not have a work permit...)

And KnowItAll... thank you a lot.. I am more a director (I guess they have enough doers in HK & China). If you do deal a lot with IT managers... most multinationals want you to work with them for some years before they send you out... but I want to go now.
So, would you know if there is a multinational currently looking for someone to go to HK or PRC (and not finding someone? I hop enot everyone is as crazy for China as I am ;-)

Thanks a lot,
Wolfgang

[KnowItAll]

Take a look at some of the jobs sites in HK.

http://www.wallstreet.com.hk is a good one for higher end jobs.

[GraemeK]

i guess one reason why you may not be getting responses is this.. relocating an individual on expat terms is expensive for a company. therefore, they may first prefer to hire comeone who has experience of the local market and is less likely to turn around after a short time and want to go home or just leave.

also, an HK or PRC based unit is not likely to want to interview someone not already out here.

i think your best approach is to contact the german HQ's initially and build up contact at that end, then go for a transfer in a few years time.