[DAQUIRI]

Now can some someone explain this.

Is this 'saving face' or just plain rude as I am not fully knowledgeable on business etiquette here in Hong Kong...

When your interviewer tells you he is keen for you to work for him and there might be a job and he will get back to you within a day or two and doesn't - is it because the powers above have said no and he is saving face or he just can't be bothered to let me know? It's been a week now!

[petrm]

The Chinese tend to excessively flatter the other person and also make promisses they know they will not keep. Especially in a job interview.

(I was once told by a Hong Kong person that "you are the real talented genius, I am very excited to work with you, because I believe you can make a great contribution to the world's music." !!!!!)

There is nothing wrong to call the company - which will only show that you are really interested in the position. You could say that you have been out of town and likely missed their phone call - so you don't sound too desperate.

[DAQUIRI]

I had to laugh, sorry! Maybe you are a genius!

mmm, so I'm not sure whether I'm going to end up with a big head or low self esteem!!

Thanks for the advice. I already sent an email saying something similar - thanking them for the chance to meet last week and wondering if they'd tried to call as I've been away!

[petrm]

Originally Posted by petrm

The Chinese tend to excessively flatter the other person and also make promisses they know they will not keep.

And also, they do not criticize others. They prefer to tell you that you are good, or even great, and they know it's not true.

Often, if someone is causing problems to others (employer, freinds, etc.), the Chinese deal with a problem like with a "hot potato". They throw it from one hand to the other and refuse to deal with it.

Best wishes in your search!

[KnowItAll]

>> They throw it from one hand to the other and refuse to deal with it.

Very much an east asian thing. Have seen this in action (while million plus dollar deals are going down the tube) all the way from Thailand to Korea.

[DAQUIRI]

Yes, I've noticed this hot potato thing when sorting out a few problems to do with my apartment. They just won't admit there's a problem if they can't deal with it or just don't want to deal with it! Very frustrating. Why is it so wrong to be honest and direct? Do I take a yes as a no now?! How will I know where I stand in interviews - apart from being offered the job?!

[Lammarite]

Ugh- don't get me started!

Ad agencies telling you that they really need a person like you who can relate to global branding because you have global experience and then finally, if ever, being told you haven't got the job because you don't have HK experience!
I did the best thing- opened my own business and have since poached a couple of accounts from the very same agencies- the look on their faces? PRICELESS!

[fly]

What's with those HK ads anyways? I could never understand why there are no Asian faces in Giordano (local brand!) ads. And what's the deal with Micki and her pet bears taking a tripo around the world? She clearly appears unhinged in that ad, whatever it is they're selling. Quite strange, really.

[bakpakjan]

Cos they think a white guy with a white chick wearing those cheesy clothings will make their products look good. But well, I buy it cos it's dirt cheap.... nothing related to the beautiful white chick.

[DAQUIRI]

It looks like I may have to employ the same techniques as them!