[sideduck]

Hi, I am looking for a job in the banking industry. Does anybody know how I can find a job in this industry? I have applied to a lot from overseas, however, I have not been able to even land one interview. I have companies from like ING and AIA that are interested. But, I would really like to work in one of the major banks in HK. Please help with guidence and advice. Would really appreciate it. Do you think I would have a better chance to find a job in HK if I was physically there?

One other thing. Sorry for the long post. I am a canadian that can visit HK for 3 months. If I give up my job here and decide to move back to HK, I am scared that I will not be able to find a job within the 3 months and would have to leave HK. Then I practically lost my job in canada. Is there a way I can stay in HK longer then the 3 months just incase I cannot land a job so soon. I am looking maybe a year in HK. Please help. I hope you understand my dilemma I mean above for the job thing. In short. Quite job. Move HK for 3 months. (maybe rent a place on a 1 year contract). Cannot fnd job in 3 month. Must leave HK. Cannot come back to Canada cos no job here anymore and still want to stay in HK to look for a job.

[PDLM]

I think you need to give us some idea what you think you might be able to offer the bank... are you qualified to write mathematically complex derivative trading software, or manage the servers, or manage M&A business, or IPOs, or would you be happy just cleaning the toilets?

[sideduck]

oh...sorry...

I am currently working as an Account Manager for RBC. I do loans, mortgages, financial planning, mutuals funds....looking to get into the same kind of field. Based on these qualifications, would it be hard to find a job in the banking industry in HK? I have no exposure to like derivatives or anything like that, but I do know what they are.

[sideduck]

Basically I would just be happy with any job in HK. Want to go and work there because of my girlfriend.

[PDLM]

For retail banking I would say not much chance - I can't see how you would get an Employment Visa. Is there anything you can offer which a local employee is unlikely to have?

If you don't speak and read Chinese then I can't see it I'm afraid.

The only possibility might be to be one of the many "Financial Advisers" who the rest of the expat community desperately tries to fight off.

[sideduck]

So the retail banking career path in HK is no good for foreigners? What are good positions for people who want to get into the banking industry in HK then?

[hello_there]

i-bankers with experience are in demand. Otherwise there aren't a ton of prospects.

[ingenue]

Originally Posted by sideduck

So the retail banking career path in HK is no good for foreigners? What are good positions for people who want to get into the banking industry in HK then?

I-bankers, salespeople, traders...positions like that are great, but hard to get into, especially if you have zero experience and want to be hired on a visa. I say if AIA or ING are willing to sponsor your work visa in HK for retail banking, just take it, and figure out alternatives once you get here...makes the most sense to me to do it that way, especially if you're desperate (and it sounds like you are a bit).

[climber07]

Originally Posted by sideduck

So the retail banking career path in HK is no good for foreigners? What are good positions for people who want to get into the banking industry in HK then?

As others mentioned, I-Banking (Derivatives is a hot area), but once again, if you don't have experience why would I hire you (and possibly spend money on visa, relo, training, etc.) instead of a local hire???

You have to ask yourself a question of what would give you a competative advantage in a foreign market over local hires? If you don't have the industry experience and or market/exotic product expertize...then you really have nothing to offer besides the command of the English language.

It would also help if you had a certification like a CFA, CPA..etc...But once again, there are plenty of local CFA's and MBA's running around. Unless you got a real zinger of a CV, I'm afraid I'd look into an industry other than banking.

[freeier]

of cos if u can speak perfect vietnamese or japanese, people wld still look at your CV.

one comment these days i give friends. if you want a good job, make yourself standout.

there's no value getting something everyone is getting. a business degree, CFA, even a MBA.. there are just so many of them doing it.

do something different. go to africa for a year's mission.. or antartica for an expedition..etc. at least that proves to people you have some psychological strength to do something tough.