[noodlefan]

What is the best way of getting a job in HK? I have corporate finance experience in Malaysia with 4 years in a big four public accounting firm and 2 years in a local investment bank. I can speak and write fluently in English. I can also speak in Cantonese and a little Mandarin but can neither read nor write.

Is it effective to try to get a job from Malaysia without being present in HK? OR Is it more effective applying for a working visa first before travelling to HK to commence my job search?

Any responses will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[nation]

Best to contact the major IB recruiters in HK and have a chat with them to gauge your chances of getting a role without stepping foot in HK. IBs are hiring quite actively so whether your corporate finance is financial control or M&A there's a lot of hiring volume. 4 years big 4 plus 2 yrs with an IB is right in line with the bulk of finance based IB jobs going right now.

Of course your best option will always be to spend time on the ground in HK. This will increase your chances considerably. In this case you will be entering on a tourist visa and the company will sponsor your work visa if you get hired. You can't get a work visa for HK without having a sponsoring employer.

One thing to bear in mind is that the hiring market in HK is one that refuses to act sensibly. Mainly due to the lack of vision, entreprenurial flare and square peg mentality displayed by hiring managers here in HK. Accordingly, although the volume is present landing a suitable role is not necessarily easy.

[jimbo]

Oh indeed, I agree 100% with Nation.

I would not reccoment heading out here and trying your luck unless you get some very firm leads or offers on the table.

A lot of companies don't seem to know what they want when it comes to hiring practice, They'd rather keep a vacancy open and share the work amongst staff than hire somebody who could hit the ground running and go through the work visa procedure.

[noodlefan]

thanks jimbo/nation for your insights...

Wonder how much salary can i look forward to if i were to get a corporate finance job. Anyone knows?

Also, is it easy to even land a corporate finance job since i cannot speak and write mandarin fluently?