[coolgirl]

I agree - you need the network. I got my job through my previous work's alumni network.

[doraemon]

So, networking is important..
chamaber of commerce and trade shows is the only chance then...

[thetokyoproject]

if ya love hk that much then i guess you'll have to put up with that networking bullsh1t and struggle, but i'm kinda into old fashioned merit myself and i'd rather not work in a country where merit seems to take a back seat in recruitment.

therefore i think that if i ever make it to hk , it will be via an international transfer rather than hitting hk again and hoping for a lucky break.

[coolgirl]

Originally Posted by thetokyoproject

but i'm kinda into old fashioned merit myself and i'd rather not work in a country where merit seems to take a back seat in recruitment.

therefore i think that if i ever make it to hk , it will be via an international transfer rather than hitting hk again and hoping for a lucky break.

it's not that merit doesn't count. most multinational firms go for merit. networking is a necessary but not sufficient condition. It's getting the foot on the door. what happens after that will still be based on merit. I don't buy the logic that everything inHK is purely networking.

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by coolgirl

it's not that merit doesn't count. most multinational firms go for merit. networking is a necessary but not sufficient condition. It's getting the foot on the door. what happens after that will still be based on merit. I don't buy the logic that everything inHK is purely networking.

well maybe more like 90% networking.

You have to find a way of bypassing the companies HR department and speak to the relevant head of department directly otherwise you have no chance.

If you just send in your c.v to the HR department then 9 times out of 10 you won't even get any kind of acknowledgment either. So its a total waste of time.

[z754103]

What Jimbo described is typical of job hunting with almost every firm I've encountered in four countries. (and excellent advice on how to get the attention of the appropriate person!) That's just how job hunting works, not a purely HK problem.

[coolgirl]

Originally Posted by jimbo

well maybe more like 90% networking.

You have to find a way of bypassing the companies HR department and speak to the relevant head of department directly otherwise you have no chance.

If you just send in your c.v to the HR department then 9 times out of 10 you won't even get any kind of acknowledgment either. So its a total waste of time.

I agree that networking gets you to the right person (I did). And it's not HK specific. It applies wherever you go. HR just makes things bureaucratic, inefficient, and a major roadblock at that.

But convincing that person you're right for the job is another matter. In my previous work, mortality is still 90% from first round to offer - considering screening is already steep.

[sinceredragon]

I believe and what i have experienced is that it all depends on
1) what is your experience and is there any demand for that experience.
2) Then ofcourse your native country is also having a count in it.

If you are jack of all trades and master of none then my friend you are stuck , as i am.
I was unable to find the job in one field so had to change field and now its difficult to find job.

IF you are not in HK yet, then you should find a job first then come to HK.

D R A G O N.

[sinceredragon]

COOLGIRL,
If you have found networking usefull, then may be you could help me in finding job (and giving some tips about networking n stuff).

D R A G O N.

[coolgirl]

Originally Posted by sinceredragon

COOLGIRL,
If you have found networking usefull, then may be you could help me in finding job (and giving some tips about networking n stuff).

D R A G O N.

I used my networking from B-school and my past job (which had a really good networking platform). I suggest you try to explore such avenues, as they already know what you have to offer.