[HKexpat]

I would like to obtain some information on the Hong Kong job market. My spouse has been offered a position in Hong Kong starting in January, 2004. I, however, would need to find employment independently. I am a CFA charterholder (for those unfamiliar, the CFA is a globally recognized investment designation), and I have ten years experience in the institutional asset management industry, working in consulting, client services and account management.

Where can I find out about employment opportunities in Hong Kong for investment professionals? Are there any good employment web sites for Hong Kong finance positions? Are there any good "headhunters" in Hong Kong for investment professionals?

I would greatly appreciate any assistance anyone could provide me as I prepare for my exciting move to Hong Kong. Thanks.

[shri]

Don't know many head hunters in Finance, but these folks have placed a couple of people that I know.

http://www.wallstreet.com.hk/

Are you moving from the UK? Most of the funds / investment houses seem to have a fair bit of hiring in the UK for placements in HK.

[shri]

http://www.hksfa.org/ -- has a jobs page

[HKexpat]

Thanks for the links, Shri. And to answer your question I'm actually from the U.S, although I did live in London for a couple of years.

Thanks also for doing such a terrific job with this site. I have been to this site a lot lately and I find the information posted on here about living in Hong Kong invaluable.

I also see some of the folks on this site like to meet up for happy hour on occasion. When I arrive to HK you can definitely count me in (2 years in London will do that to you)!

[HKexpat]

Can anyone provide me with an idea of the CHANCES of me finding work in Hong Kong?

More specifically, I'm trying to find out if I will have any inherint disadvantages (or advantages), either legally or discriminatingly, of being a foreigner (American) that was NOT sent over by their employer. I will have a work permit and I have good work experience and credentials.

As my spouse will be on a 2-3 year assignment, how will the fact that I will likely be leaving Hong Kong after a couple of years affect my chances of getting a job?

And assuming there are no legal or other barriers, what are the chances of landing a decent mid/upper-level finance job assuming I am qualified? Again, are there any inherint diadvantages/advantages?

Sorry for all the questions. Basically, I'm just trying to get a better feel for the chances of me landing a decent job, or any job for that matter, once I get to Hong Kong. Thanks.

[HKFella]

It is true that spouses of those on expat assignments are often asked how long they can be counted on to be around, so be prepared to answer that. Sounds like you ought to have market value - many funds managers and institutional asset mgt firms here and there's also rising interest in Asian markets after many years. but don't know enough specifics about the industry to be able to make a call on chances.

[whoever]

Working for a brokerage firm, I find it is common practise for the our sales people to recommend candidates for positions within the asset mgnt. industry...

Tell any brokers you deal with currently, that you are interested in a position in HK and they should be able to spreadh the word around

[kevin]

I think "whoever" says it best. Most expat jobs here are found through friends or contacts, especially in your line of work. There are obviously a load of companies here who "may" be interested in hiring but I would aproach their US offices first or try to find contacts before you leave. You never know, they may send you over on an expat package as well!

Also check up on your work visa. Paul is correct, I doubt you will be able to automatically work here even if your spouse has a job and visa. The rules were changed a few months ago and now spouses do not automatically get the right to work. Still, you can look for work and if your credentials are good enough and you find a job then the company can apply for a visa for you.

I would not worry too much, when you are here and start settling in you will meet the right people. If your spouse has a club membership with their job then this is a great place to network.

Good luck!

[HKexpat]

Thanks for the info re work permits - we were unfortunately told differently by someone who returned from HK about 6 months ago. As my spouse has not "officially" accepted the job offer this definitely gives us something else to ponder before we officially decide. In considering my own career, I can't afford to have a 2-3 year employment gap on my resume, as I'm sure you all can understand.

[HKexpat]

Sorry to keep bringing this subject up, but I'm still hoping to get a better feel on my CHANCES of landing a job given the new immigration policy. After doing some research on the new requirements, it appears like the only potential significant road blocks are:
a. whether the job I may be applying for can be filled locally, and
b. actually applying for a work permit with the Director of Immigration

Are the new policies being strictly enforced? Is the application process arduous, time consuming for employers? Will employers shy away from hiring me for fear of violating the new policy? It seems to me like the specific rule "whether a job can be filled locally" is very subjective, and in all actuality there are probably very few jobs that CAN ONLY be performed by a foreigner. It appears like there is a lot of potential for "subject to interpretation" with this rule, which I guess is a good thing.

I realize these new rules were implemented very recently (July 1), but if anyone has any idea on how the new policy is actually being adopted by employers (finance industry) and enforced by HK Immigration, I would greatly appreciate it.

The reason for all the questions is that my spouse and I need to decide relatively soon on whether or not we are going to make the leap and move to Hong Kong. We really want to go, but the probability of me getting a job is a major deciding factor for us.

Thanks.