[Inattendu]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to GeoExpat and frankly ended here by default. I have been trying to get a job in Hong Kong for over 4 months now and sent over 300 Resumes and still nothing.

I understand the position I am looking for are hard to come about but they really shouldn’t be that hard. I am under the impression that a lot of those Resume never reach the decision makers. Most of the time I end up talking to a recruiting agency who does not really seem to grasp the actual job post. They seem to wait for their “contract” with the listing company to end before acting on anything.

At any rates, I am hoping to find some leads in GeoExpat. I currently hold an MBA in International Business and Economics (1997) and a Green Belt in Six Sigma (2006). I have over 10 years experience in managerial duties with over 7 years in a VP position.

I was teaching Information Systems at the University for about 5 years on various IT related issues.

I also have a strong project management background on a consulting basis with large to very large scale project. ( California State University BaseLine Project (Million Dollar Project); HomeLand Security, TSA testing Project (over 50 Million Dollar Project); EDS CalWin Project (Over 100 Million Dollar Project); KPHealthConnect Electronic Medical Record (Over 7 Billion Dollar Project).

I am originally from France and have spent over 14 years in the USA. I am familiar with both the European and USA market structure. Mostly distributors in the USA and large supermarket in Europe (Carrefour, LeClerc, etc…)

Languages: I do speak French, English and Portuguese fluently. Conversational Spanish. Some German and Italian.

I am looking for either education, IT, operation, or PM type of jobs (Sales and Marketing are also ok).

With respect to work permit, my wife is from Hong Kong and so it should not be a problem to obtain paperwork.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[kinjamin]

What's your CV like? Have you tried different styles of CV's to highlight different experiences and strengths to coincide with the position being applied for? Reason being, large companies tend to use non specialisits to try and prescreen through large amounts of CV's, these people will only know to look for key words that are on a job description so you really have to make it quite obvious to them.
It's very tricky the more senior you get, due to the fact you have SO much experience, so this might be an option to try and "simplify" things for the more "simple" reader.
You may find a totally fresh CV offers fresher opportunities.
I'm surprised that the 6 sigma isn't attracting more attention, it's a growing demand area here in Hong Kong....good luck!

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by Inattendu

With respect to work permit, my wife is from Hong Kong and so it should not be a problem to obtain paperwork.

You should emphasise this point in your applications. You have (or will be able to get as soon as you reside in HK) a Dependent's visa which allows you to work without any further paperwork. Your employer would need do nothing. Many employers assume "foreigner=paperwork hassle" so you need to emphasise that you have the right to work in Hong Kong right up front.

[Inattendu]

Hum ... a simpler Resume. That could work. At least it will get me through the pre-screening. Thanks for the idea. Makes a lot of sense.

Also for the visa, I guess you are right. We tend to take this things for granted. I really should emphasis it.

Thanks again guys.

[jimbo]

As previously been said, With six sigma you should be beating them off with a stick!

Oh and check your p.m as I'll send you some leads with some good recruiters who I'm sure can help you out.

[links]

Originally Posted by kinjamin

I'm surprised that the 6 sigma isn't attracting more attention, it's a growing demand area here in Hong Kong....good luck!

I got professional diploma in Black Belt from CUHK and Professional Certificate of Six Sigma Black Belt from Six Sigma institute HK. I even on the registration with the SSI in Black Belt here which they said only 36 successful people in the list but still, I dont think I will get any SS job in HK. The interviewer dont even care to ask about SS when I was interviewing a process improvement post...weird.

I saw post require SS but then seems to regards those SS tools like FMEA,DOE as seperate stuff from SS in their requirements....

What I guess is, Many are just mention SS for the sake of its reputation but have no idea on what it is.....

There were onli less than a dozen of hiring on Black Belt I can hear in the past 1 year..is that any special way to access to those agent hiring this profession?

[TypeIII]

Originally Posted by Inattendu

( California State University BaseLine Project (Million Dollar Project); HomeLand Security, TSA testing Project (over 50 Million Dollar Project); EDS CalWin Project (Over 100 Million Dollar Project); KPHealthConnect Electronic Medical Record (Over 7 Billion Dollar Project).

I counted 5 ('s and 4 )'s... Did you make the same mistake on your resume?

Just kidding. I'm sorry I don't have any leads but best of luck. The market should get better after CNY, that's when everyone gets his/her year end bonus and leaves.

[Inattendu]

Yeap. It is pretty bad out there. I think I might change my mind and keep up with Corporate Training. I hope it will be easier. I agree with you, a lot of the recruiters do not seem to really understand their requierement. Oh well ... what can we do?

BTW, Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

[links]

Mate,

Your qualifications should have no problems to get a job in HK as I think it beats many locals in your era a couple of blocks away. There are a few openings for your professions in monster.com lately. you should try them before you give up.

But still i think, the connection is quite important here and sometimes abit of luck will count. I see peanuts with poor attidude holding good positions where those excellent people are desperate for a chance.

Well, have you consider shanghai ?I think they are more open for expats in terms of the policy and culture. if not mistaken, Dell is hiring director level project management people.

By the way, does the contents of PMP practical in real world? I am planning for it in coming march.

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by links

I got professional diploma in Black Belt from CUHK and Professional Certificate of Six Sigma Black Belt from Six Sigma institute HK. I even on the registration with the SSI in Black Belt here which they said only 36 successful people in the list but still, I dont think I will get any SS job in HK. The interviewer dont even care to ask about SS when I was interviewing a process improvement post...weird.

I saw post require SS but then seems to regards those SS tools like FMEA,DOE as seperate stuff from SS in their requirements....

What I guess is, Many are just mention SS for the sake of its reputation but have no idea on what it is.....

There were onli less than a dozen of hiring on Black Belt I can hear in the past 1 year..is that any special way to access to those agent hiring this profession?

Morgan Stanley are needing six sigma professionals right now, big advert in todays scmp.