[SteveH]

I lived in Hong Kong for 6 years before leaving in 2001 to try the United States, which was quite honestly disastrous.

I now have the opportunity to return to Hong Kong at the end of this month for a week prior to the Chinese New Year, and can be extended to Feb 26 if required.

My intention is to either find a job, or at least put out enough feelers to set up obtaining a job later in the year.

I am a Quantity Surveyor.

So far I've sent off my CV to many HK based recruitment agencies and applied to quite a few online advertised jobs

So far I've had little feedback, but I was not expecting much what with the holiday period just coming to an end.

What I would like advice on is what other sources I can try leading up to my arrival, and any particular strategy to employ when I do arrive on finding a job.

When I first arrived in Hong Kong in the mid 90's I was fresh out of Uni, and I was fortunate to obtain my first job after spending a month knocking on peoples doors with my CV

Unfortunately most of my previous employers are no longer operating so I cant go back for reference there

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[nivantj]

Suppose you would have stayed a year more and got permanent residency in 2002. It would really have made your comeback much easier. Neway, keep trying... Though finding a sponsor is much difficult... Best of luck.

[fly]

Hmmm, when you can apply for PR, does it have to be continuous 7 yrs? I thought there was an option to explain any (reasonable) gaps perhaps ....?

[SteveH]

In my case hindsight would have been a wonderful thing, and I should have tried to stay for the 7 years and not arrive in the USA 1 week before September 11th 2001 and 3 weeks before my new company had their main client bought up by a bigger fish.

Mind you, if I had stayed in Hong Kong a few more months it would have been to find that our US mother company big boss had squirrelled a few billion away in the expenses column by 'accident' and my HK company would soon no longer exist.

So, hindsight is 20/20 but it works both ways, at least in my case.

I do regret not trying to stay for the 7 years but I can at least look to sorting out a few personal things that may not have come to light if I had not moved.

I have found that I miss Hong Kong badly and am trying very hard to get back.

[nivantj]

Originally Posted by fly

Hmmm, when you can apply for PR, does it have to be continuous 7 yrs? I thought there was an option to explain any (reasonable) gaps perhaps ....?

Thats rite Fly, But i'm not sure whats the criteria to qualify for that "reasonable" and whats the success rate for such cases!!! Frankly speaking, should not be an easy bet. On the other hand, Steve's real problem is how to enter HK with legal status to complete 7th year or start from one. In any case, as long as he finds the sponsor it solves all purpose...
Steve,
Really a sad story...Neway keep trying and Best luck.. You may consider to use personal references of old colleagues etc., if any. It reaslly works faster than CVs, i guess..

[SteveH]

just got back from my trip to Asia and with a lot of help and a bit of luck I was offered a job in HK, which I accepted.

Visa being processed now.

I'll now need to find a place to live

[KnowItAll]

Congrats Steve.