[Levi]

Thanks, cb1118. Unfortunately, neither my gf nor I know any Japanese people here in HK. So, we're kind of starting off on our own.

Hopefully though, after she comes and has been here for a while, we can take advantage of any networking that we can do.

[mie]

Hi Levi,
I am a Japanese used to work in HK for 8 years. There are some jobs for Japanese,but they don't put ads in the HK local papers or websites. So it seems there are no jobs for Japanese but don't worry. You should contact to the PASONA,ADECCO or TEMPSTAFF directly. They have a Japanese desk. Send them your gf's resume and ask for assistance,see if she can apply for a job with a visa support or not. Visa is a big issue.

She may also have a chance in local hotels. You can find them in the SCMP or send them resume directly.

Hope my advice is useful.
Good luck!!

[Shaddock]

...did you say she has teaching experience?

There are LOADS of places offering Japanese language courses here (since "language" courses got funding from the HK government) - some even have the whole lesson taught in Japanese. If situation allows, finding a language centre would be one solution.

[Levi]

Mei, Shaddock,
Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately, until my gf actually comes to HK, the various staffing agencies (tempstaff, pasona, etc) can't really help her, as they need her to be here for an interview. But, when she does finally come... we'll both know where to start.

In terms of her teaching experience, it's all in teaching ESL. Given that she is Japanese, I wonder about the possibilites of her teaching Japanese here (in a school) without Japanese language teaching certifications. Is teaching Japanese here like teaching English in so many of these E. Asian countries, where all you need to be qualified is to be a native speaker? If so, that would certainly make things easier.

Of course, if she can do some private lessons to start out, that would be great too. SInce I live near the Japanese Intl School in Tai Po, I figured I could ask around there.

Thanks, all.

[room]

levi,

check http://www.jobsdb.com/HK/EN/V6HTML/H...fault.htm?Rik2
in Job Channels category- overseas positions
there are Japanese speaking position, though the working locations mostly are in Hong Kong.
Try check that out, and good luck.

room

[Levi]

Thanks, room. I can see that there are many, many jobs for Japanese speakers on jobsdb.com (as well as careertimes.com and classifiedpost.com). Hmm, the problem now is, finding the ones that don't require Mandarin. Wish us luck for that! =)

[hinman]

How did your girlfriend go in searching for jobs in hong kong ?

My girlfriend is also japanese and we are thinking of finding jobs in hong kong.

regards
hinman

[Levi]

hinman,

Unfortunately, I have nothing much to report. She is coming in November to visit, and is still deciding on when and if she will move here for good.

What I can tell you is that there are HEAPS of recruiting agencies that specialize in jobs for Japanese speakers. The caveat is, it SEEMS (and I might be wrong, as I'm only basing my opinions on what I find on the net) that most jobs require either Cantonese and/or Mandarin skills.

So, I would highly recommend that your gf atleast START some lessons if she doesn't already speak a Chinese language.

Other than that, check the old posts in this thread. Lots of people have already posted some VERY useful links.

Good luck. Keep in touch (send me a PM) and let me know how things go with you two. I'll do the same.

L

[morningsun]

I do not depend on employment agencies in HKG except one agency. Most of agencies are not reliable and not profrssional either. I say most agencies specializing Japanese market except one are horrible. You will waste your time. I guess your first job is to find an appropriate agent for your girlfriend.

Good luck.

By the way, when you entered in HKG, how did you find your apartment or a flat? I actually start to work there from mid November. Any advice is appreciated.

[Levi]

hinman,
thanks for posting that ad. is your gf going to apply to that one? since my gf isn't here yet to do interviews, i've sort of put a hold on looking for jobs for her, although i do send her a constant stream of emails with job openings just to give her an idea of what is out there and who is hiring.

morningsun,
so, mind if i ask if you have experience with using any of these staffing agencies? i don't, but i've been told by various people (on and off this forum) that they are a good place to start, in terms of job-hunting. i made a short visit myself to anchor-hrm, and they SEEM to have a pretty well established operation. ok, to be honest, actually, all i can say is that their offices are pretty nice.

do you know if the staffing agencies here in HK typically charge fees? in the US, where i've used some recruiting agencies myself, they don't charge anything. the company that hires you pays them (if you get hired, of course).

i've also found that the majority of staffing agencies that i've tried to use in the US are really useless. they just try to find any job for you that they can, regardless of your skills or if you are a good match for what the position is. mostly, they just want you to get hired so they can collect their fee from the company.

so, morningsun, you are not in HK yet but coming to HK soon? i wish i could offer some advice about job-hunting from abroad, but i'm not really sure i can tell you anything useful. especially if you are wary of using some of these agencies. i suppose your best choice then is to look on all the job search websites and apply to as many jobs as you can.

my gf is still in japan, so she hasn't had to deal with apartment hunting yet. but, the plan is for her to move in with me. i've got a good-sized 1br flat, so it won't cramp my style. i have relatives here too, so they helped me find my place. since my cantonese is really bad, i can only suggest that you find a real estate agent that specializes in helping expats. of course, it might be a bit more expensive. maybe....

good luck to you both.