[Bomberman]

What do you do then? A couple times I've asked if we could conduct it in english, they oblige, but I haven't got any offers yet of course. I'm tempted to just wing it in canto.

[Bomberman]

One time I was lucky, and the intervierwer was an expat.

[lazarus]

I imagine there's always 2 sides to every story; can you blame them?

If your seeking work in HK then they expect you to be able to communicate in the local language, or at least try to, if not then a little understanding. It goes a long way. Especially if they're based in HK, plus most local companies uses canto in the office and they need to know your able to communicate to fellow colleagues, as you know already, they might be great at written English but have you ever once stopped someone in the street and asked them something in english?Chances are they don't understand you and look at you funny. It seems only international corps uses english in the office or wanna be western independents.

My tip, either find a company that's more suitable to you or start learning some chinese, promptly!

[tiny]

i had the opposite experience whereby i started the interview in canto and they spoke in hk english trying to confirm that i could reply in english as i would be working for an expat boss!

[Bomberman]

alright, frick it, the next 2 interviews will be in canto.

[Bomberman]

actually I'll make it chinglish... haha...

[lazarus]

bet they will be asking you to speak english... haha

[xiaoma]

Usually the ad. will mention language requirement. You knew you had to speak Cantonese, right? Even you pass the interview, you still have to use Cantonese in your job. Consider this as well.

[sooos]

use whatever you can to communicate your skills and ability to think. maybe you can understand more than you can say.. so listen to the questions in cantonese and answer in cantonese when you can and english when you have to. maybe prep with a tutor on specific vocab. that relates to your field, and think about speaking with simple grammar/vocab when using english.

which ever language, the same standard interview tips could be helpful to review. best of luck

[sooos]

my interviews have been in english, but knowing some cantonese makes it easier to keep track of the whole process..ie all the little directions to secretaries etc. and i find that comforting. Co-workers will probably talk amongst themselves in Canto too. If you are in fact able to have an interview in Cantonese (however awkward) you're stronger than i am.