Career advice

Practical guides for a Hong Kong career

Curated writing from operators, recruiters, and HR leaders — written for people building real careers in HK.

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You have five minutes to make a good first impression
Career Coaching & Guidance

You have five minutes to make a good first impression

An experienced recruiter or headhunter will know within the first five to 10 minutes of an interview whether a candidate is suitable. First impressions are very important in an interview, especially for senior positions. After all, companies expect their key executives to make a good first impression when meeting clients or promoting their services.

How to fit right in
Career Coaching & Guidance

How to fit right in

While your technical skills and experience are important in getting a foot in the door when looking for a new job, it…

Be a social climber
Career Coaching & Guidance

Be a social climber

Most social networking sites share a common goal of connecting or reconnecting people through the internet. At some point in their history, each has built a credible following of members. It is this member base that attracts the attention of businesses wishing to identify, connect and engage with it, and eventually to sell products and services to it.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors 香港測量師學會
Advice Columnist

About The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors 香港測量師學會

Established in 1984, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) is the only surveying professional body incorporated by ordinance in Hong Kong.  As of 1 August 2014, the number of members reached 8927, of which 6049 were corporate members, 66 were associate members and 2812 were probationers and students. HKIS work includes setting standards for professional services and performance, establishing codes of ethics, determining requirements for admission as professional surveyors, and encouraging members to upgrade skills through continuing professional development.

Stretch yourself
Career Coaching & Guidance

Stretch yourself

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut at work or think that your career is not progressing at the pace you would like it to, it’s time to ask your employer about the opportunities available within the business to “stretch” or develop your skills through hands-on involvement in projects or tasks.

My Response to “A Google Programmer ‘Blew Off’ A $500,000 Salary At A Startup — Because He’s Already Making $3 Million Every Year”
Advice Columnist

My Response to “A Google Programmer ‘Blew Off’ A $500,000 Salary At A Startup — Because He’s Already Making $3 Million Every Year”

In a recent article by Business Insider, it told a story that a large, successful enterprise startup tried to poach a “programmer” currently working at Google. The startup made the programmer what it thought was a big offer: a $500,000 salary but the programmer told the startup thanks, but Google was currently paying him $3 million per year in cash and restricted stock units.

Look beyond titles
Career Coaching & Guidance

Look beyond titles

Iam often asked by candidates how transferable their experience is from one industry to the next. Frustrated by how…

IT needs soft skills
Career Coaching & Guidance

IT needs soft skills

Data analytics seems to be the talk of the town. Whether it’s helping identify business opportunities or protecting companies from cyber attacks, demand for IT professionals with these skills is set to continue. But to succeed in this highly competitive field you’ll, need more than just technical skills. You’ll also need the human touch.

Compliance is hot
Career Coaching & Guidance

Compliance is hot

The recent heavy fines imposed on global banks for violating United States sanctions has put the financial industry on alert about the risks associated with exposure to money laundering. Banks have responded by hiring thousands of new compliance experts and are spending millions of dollars to improve their anti-money laundering (AML) programmes.

Talk up your salary
Career Coaching & Guidance

Talk up your salary

Jobseekers with Cantonese, English and Mandarin language skills are at a distinct advantage in the growing Hong Kong economy.

Tips for the would-be financial controller
Advice Columnist

Tips for the would-be financial controller

Becoming a financial controller can be a springboard to a management position. Finance directors and higher executives increasingly rely on financial controllers to assume responsibility for internal finances.