As one of the best-known suppliers of consumer and households products, P&G is on the lookout for recruits to join its Hong Kong operation. Among the openings are roles in marketing, finance, customer business development and human resources.

"The company encourages promotion from within and most of our senior executives and department heads have worked their way up our career ladder," says Kris Lui, P&G's human resources associate director for Hong Kong and Taiwan. "We are willing to invest the necessary resources to find the right people because we hope they will become our future leaders and senior executives."

Lui notes that it is corporate policy to recruit good candidates whether the economy is up or down.

The aim is to take on people with diverse backgrounds and work experience, and recent graduates.

The initial selection process includes an online test, an aptitude test and interviews. In addition, different assessment tools are used to gain a fuller understanding of each candidate's strengths and potential.

New joiners can expect a comprehensive training and development programme for their individual needs. This covers aspects of corporate operations plus leadership and communication skills, while functional training courses focus more on the skills and expertise needed for specific jobs.

"We want colleagues to understand their mission and have a sense of pride in the job," Lui says. "Most importantly, we want to see everyone working together happily and effectively."

Young guns

• P&G says its office environment is young, energetic and not hierarchical
• The interview aims at learning about the applicants without making them feel nervous