[shiphq]

I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to the USA when I was 3 years old. Now, 25 years later, I'm tired of American life want to return to Hong Kong.

Recently, I got my Right of Abode and permanent HKID which I qualify for by birthright.

For the past decade, I've visited Hong Kong twice a year to visit relatives....so my Cantonese is still OK. But my Cantonese is probably not good enough to survive in a Chinese-only workplace (let alone good enough to survive a job interview).

What are the odds I can find work in Hong Kong? Or would starting a business there be a better option?

I am really sick of life in the US and need a new challenge and environment. Hope someoen can give some insights. Thanks!

[cosmokat]

...similar to me. I immigrated when I was 2 and just relocated back to HK earlier this year for a job. First question is what field of work are you in right now? It really depends on the industry you're looking in..and what type of company. Not all companies here are chinese only.

[shiphq]

I graduated from a top 20 university in the United States and worked in the technology field as a web/database programmer. But my work experience is probably not long enough or impressive enough to wow an employer.

I'm wondering what are the chances I can find any lowly entry-level position (in any field) so that I can get settled in Hong Kong before seeking something that pays more. Eventually, I plan to start a business there...but that's something several years down the line.

[cosmokat]

Well, it's definitely not impossible. I think it's a plus that you have the right of abode (thus can work), so you don't need a company to sponsor you and perhaps some other attributes being educated overseas compared to the locals. Perhaps you can take some time, come to HK and look for a job. There are international recruiting companies such as Michael Page, Robert Walters and others that may be worth signing up with and meeting as well. And don't worry, interviews shouldn't be in cantonese. Good luck!!

[KnowItAll]

A good place to start is the alumni association of your school.

Find out who does what from your old uni, here in HK.

[shiphq]

How does one go about setting up an appointment to meet with those recruiters? How is the process usually like?

[dezza]

I definitely know how you feel. Like you I'm an overseas Chinese and I was bored of working/living the daily routine in Canada so I first went to China for a couple of years and now find myself working in HK. I love it.

I think with your qualifications and ROA, you won't have a problem finding a job. If you have a place to stay in HK already, then I would definitely come over and look for jobs patiently. The economy in HK is getting better now and salaries are looking to go up. It's a good time to come.

Good luck with the job search!

Take a look at my website if you're interested...

www.maskofchina.com/hk

[JimboJet]

Which part of USA did u grow up in? What did u find so boring about the place which makes u wanna move?

I grew up and spent most of my life in UK and have been back in HK for years. HK is nice but I dont plan to stay here for good as I'm bored of it now.

J

[shiphq]

Thanks to everyone who responded! How do I know which companies speak only English (or use primarily English) in their workplace?

To JumboJet, I grew up in Los Angeles. Nothing wrong with Los Angeles...just bored out of my mind with a lot cultural and political nonsense here that I can no longer identify with. I know Hong Kong has its flaws. But I've been to Hong Kong ten times in the last five years so I know what I'm getting into. Being an American citizen, I can always return to the states if I get tired of Hong Kong.

[Muse]

Hi Shiphq - regarding your question about how does one go about getting in touch with a recruiter and the process - usually they hear about you in the market and through their sources, and call you directly. However, given you're new to HK market, what I would suggest is to find out the names of different headhunting firms, and if possible, call them up to find out the person working in the field you're looking at, and directly send him/her your CV with a cover note stating what kind of position and industry you're interested in. There are lots of international recruiting firms with offices in HK. good luck!