[lano1976]

Hi guys,

I've just moved to Hong Kong from London as my partner has been transferred here.

I was working as an Account Director international ad agency in London, however most of the recruitment agencies/headhunters I have contacted here have told me that I am pretty stuffed jobwise as I do not speak Cantonese.

Does anyone have any ideas, leads, tips re marketing/advertising roles in HK for a non-Cantonese speaker? I am debating whether or not I should take a career step backwards (or sideways!) just to get some work/experience in HK but I'm not sure if thats a silly move....? I really hate not working though!

Any info, ideas, experiences, etc. would be great - thanks!!!

[Lammarite]

It's not so much that you don't speak cantonese- that is just an excuse they give you because the standard here is so low that anyone with a slight nouse of logic and commonsense would end up being better than anyone else in the agency.
Your best bet is to approach the more 'western' agencies which tend to be non-affiliated. Off the top of my head I'd look at Lemon, Tomorrow, Jump or Grebstad. A lot of the guys in the smaller agencies will point you in the right direction as they have a vested interest in the whole scene improving and standards getting higher. After a couple of years you may find yourself wanting to go solo with the contacts you have- that's what I did.
Have you picked up a copy of Media magazine or contacted a recruitment agency called Aquent? They're both industry specific.

[lano1976]

Thanks for the quick reply, lammarite - much appreciated!

It was actually Aquent who were telling me that I would struggle to find a role without Cantonese. They didn't seem that interested at all.
Cheers for the list of agencies though - I will start getting onto them and also contacting the bigger ones. Its early days in the job search so I am trying not to get too discouraged!

Thanks for the tip on Media magazine. I'm going to buy one right now. Keep your fingers crossed for me! And if you do know anyone that needs an account handler......:-)

[Lammarite]

Try Landor Associates as well- they're very proactive and seem professional.

[Lammarite]

You're in luck! The latest issue of media has a full list of Asia-Pacific agencies in it!

[claireabella]

Yeah defo Media Mag - i work as a A.D in PR and also noticed that a lot of ads ask for cantonese, but I would apply anyway as your western experience is a big plus for them as the market is still so young and, in PR anyaway, they are keen to learn from our experiences

[Kirmo]

Hi! I run an agency here in HK, if you are still looking for work please call me on 63760234.

Cheers
Chris

[Bigrice1017]

Hi Kirmo,

Do you have any part-time job for me? I'm in the accounting and marketing field. Thanks!

Bigrice

[hbrand]

Hi Clarabella,
Maybe going off topic a tad, but I just noticed you said you work in PR - I have two interviews with different (Western) PR agencies when I arrive next week (and no cantonese either).

I'll be joining my husband who relocated about three weeks ago (sob sob...I'm missing him).

If you have any advice/hints/tips regarding PR in Hong Kong I'd love it if you had time to PM me....I agree - the idea of not being able to get a job doesn't really thrill me.

Cheers and I cannot wait to get there now! However, I think working until the final hour may have been a mistake!

[Christine_168]

Hi all -

My name is Christine and I'm a third year student at the University of Florida.

I came across this forum by accident, but now I'm glad I did because maybe somebody can help. I'm really interested in finding an internship in Hong Kong with a public relations firm for next summer. Big or small, paid or not, I just want to learn about the PR career in another part of the world and bring a little diversity and creativity to it too.

If anyone has information they can give, contacts they know of, or even advice on finding an internship in Hong Kong (I seem to be stuck on this search) -- anything is greatly appreciated! Thank you!