Will my unsolicited job applications have any chance of succeeding?
I am currently on the lookout for a move to another job in Hong Kong but I am not finding a lot of advertised opportunities in my field (taxation accountancy). Though I am not in any rush to leave my current job, I am considering sending out some unsolicited applications.Is there any likelihood of a HR department paying any attention to an application out of the blue? If so, do you have any good tips for sending an unsolicited application that might land a job interview? I have nine years’ experience and I am a Hong Kong native.
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What does it takes to move from in-house lawyer to a law practice?
I work as an in-house lawyer, specialising in contract law, for a big international company. I have been with the company almost a decade, since I left college, but I now feel I’d like to move into a practice.Is this an easy thing to do after working in-house or would it require additional qualifications?
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Will automation kill my job while I’m away on military service?
I have lived in Hong Kong for four years, working as an auditor. I was recently summonsed for military service in my home country and, having already had deferrals twice, I can put it off no longer. Accountancy is currently experiencing a rising tide of automation so I worry that my job might no longer be there in 12 months’ time, especially as HR have informed me there is no provision for a sabbatical open to me. What do you think is the best strategy for ensuring I can return to the profession in some capacity after my enforced year out, without too many hitches?
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What would be a good career move after equities trading?
I have been an equities trader for the past ten years working on both the buy and sell sides. I feel I have done most of the things that can be done in this role and am now looking for a new challenge. I want to continue to work in finance but would like to build a new set of skills. Could you give me some advice on what areas would be good for me to look into given my current skill set and which roles are in high demand in Hong Kong? Is there anything I can start doing now which will make me a better candidate for such roles? As well as being known for having good business insight, I am also adept at dealing with clients.
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Is that extra couple of thousand really worth it?
I have worked as an accountant for a well-known retail firm for the past 10 years but have just been offered a position at a rival company. The salary offered is greater than what I currently earn, but probably less than I might stand to get at my next salary review. The position itself seems more satisfying than my current one, and the benefits package is far better. Part of me wants to take it, but I know I will regret what is quite likely going to be an effective drop in salary. HR at the hiring company says that the salary offered is the maximum the budget permits. Can I secure a clause in my contract at the new company for a performance-related pay rise within an allotted amount of time? Or do you suggest another course of action?
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Will working in charity law hinder my career ambitions?
I qualified as a lawyer two years ago and since then have been rotating through departments at an international law firm. Soon I will need to decide the area in which I want to specialise. I’ve found I have a lot of interest in charity law and philanthropy and am seriously considering this. I also have strong ambitions to become managing partner of a law firm one day. However when I look at the backgrounds of other managing partners I see that most have backgrounds in more business-related areas such as M&A, corporate disputes and investment. Will targeting charity law hinder my long-term ambitions?
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How can I stay motivated when working from home?
Career Doctor
Career Advice
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Career Doctor
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Working From Home
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flexible working environment
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motivated
My company is rolling out a new flexible working policy and it partly requires people in my department (back office support for a bank) to work at home two days a week. While I like the idea of getting up later and avoiding the commute, I have always found it difficult to get motivated at home and have been very unproductive when working from home in the past. I’m worried that this new policy is going to have a negative affect on my output and career. What can I do to improve my focus and concentration at home, and show my boss that I’m an asset in this new working environment?
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You don’t need an MBA to climb the HR ladder in Hong Kong
I love HR, but have been stuck in a middle management position for about seven years. I’d really like to climb the ladder and secure a position as a director or head of department, but am unsure how to do so. I’ve been thinking about an MBA in HRM, but the programmes available seem so expensive. Is it really worth the investment? How much of a pay rise can I realistically expect if I complete the programme and apply for a new role?
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How do I shift from traditional HR to employee engagement technology?
As an HR director, I’m partly responsible for auditing our internal systems and developing new methods for employee engagement. Having recently introduced some apps and online games to do so, I’ve realised I’m more interested in developing such tools, and would like to work for a company that does so. Considering many of these are tech or software companies, however, I’m not sure my skills are transferable. Are there development companies that need HR experts on their teams? Or do I need to gain some extra skills before making the move?
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Everyone has weaknesses so know how to talk about yours before job interviews
I’m always asked about my “biggest weakness” in interviews and never seem to answer successfully. It seems obvious to me that an honest answer will always leave a bad impression, and so I often avoid the question altogether and joke that I am a very bad tennis player. This doesn’t always amuse the interviewer. How can I best answer this question? I don’t want to be remembered as just another person who says “I’m sometimes too much of a perfectionist.”
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