Hong Kong : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China is widely seen as an attractive place to work and there is always competition for jobs from both domestic and overseas graduates. Cantonese is increasingly used as the language of business and unless you speak the language fluently, there will be limited opportunities available.

• Typical problems encountered: fierce competition from domestic and overseas graduates, including Chinese graduates. Finding an employer willing to apply for a work permit on your behalf may be difficult. Most expatriates in graduate-level jobs in Hong Kong have been relocated to the region by their current employer.
• How to improve your chances: professional UK-based training in areas such as law, banking, accountancy and finance, advanced manufacturing, engineering, biotechnology, computing, healthcare and architecture, planning and construction may increase your chances of finding an employer willing to apply for an appropriate visa on your behalf. Learning Cantonese will also improve your chances of finding work. For those who only speak English and who have relevant experience, there may be opportunities in areas such as teaching, media, hospitality and banking and finance.
• Language requirements: Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. English is widely used in the government and also in the legal, professional and business sectors. However, Cantonese is increasingly being used as the language of business and fluency in Cantonese is a distinct advantage for many jobs. Mandarin is also useful due to the increased trade and commercial links with mainland China. English may be sufficient for jobs with large multinational companies but knowledge of Cantonese is beneficial. You may study Cantonese in some language schools in the UK, though most are London-based such as Key Languages . There are a number of self-study courses available such as Eurotalk Interactive .

Where can I work?

• Major industries: service industry (accounts for more than 90% of gross domestic product (GDP)), especially financial and professional services.
• Major companies: Bank of China (BOC) Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways, Cheung Kong, China Mobile, China Netcom Group, China Unicom, CLP Holdings, Cnooc, Henderson Land, Hutchison Whampoa, Jardine Matheson, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Swire Pacific.
• Search for more companies: Kompass, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (includes a searchable database of member companies), Wikipedia - List of Companies in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Business Directory. The websites of professional bodies such as the Law Society of Hong Kong  may also include contact details of member organisations.

What’s it like working in Hong Kong?

• Average working hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (or longer, depending on the business), with an occasional half-day required on Saturday.
• Holidays: there are two types of public holiday in Hong Kong: statutory and general holidays. Statutory holidays must be provided to all employees. General holidays include every Sunday, all statutory holidays (12) and an additional five holidays. See the Hong Kong Government  website for more details.
• Tax rates: maximum salary tax is 17% (2009/10). Check with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department for up-to-date rates and breakdowns.
• Working practices and customs: fairly formal work environment, conservative dress code, long working hours, business networking after work - business lunches/dinners are common.