Resumes for Hong Kong

Working in Hong Kong is a viable option for Australians and you can take up employment in Hong Kong by being sponsored by a local employer prior to arrival, through an intra-company transfer, or as part of the Working Holiday Maker Scheme, which allows young Australian’s aged between 18 and 30 the opportunity for a working holiday in Hong Kong.

A resume for Hong Kong, is very similar to an Australian resume, so you won’t need to completely rewrite your resume to fit in with Hong Kong recruiters requirements.

Keep it brief and to the point

Length varies within Hong Kong, depending on the seniority of the position you are applying for.  Although the strict rules about length as found in the USA don’t apply, it is important to make sure you keep it to the point and cut out all waffle.   The average length of a resume for Hong Kong is 2 to 3 pages long.    

Chronological work history rules

List your work history in chronological order (most recent experience first) and don’t bother with the functional resume format.  Cover your most recent jobs in more depth and earlier experience more briefly.  Some recruiters prefer reasons for leaving previous positions and like you to clarify any gaps in your experience.  If you are going to include this information, keep it brief and don’t include information that might be detrimental to your application.

Personal details

It is inappropriate to list personal details in a resume, such as your marital status.  Only include details such as hobbies and interests, if this detail is going to add value to your document.  For example you list your passion as conservation and you are applying for a position at the zoo.)

Focus on your achievements

As with an Australian resume, make sure you focus on your achievements and contributions in your resume for Hong Kong, and if possible quantify your achievements.  For example, using percentages when describing an improvement (improved productivity by 20%).

Language

Hong Kong has 2 official languages, namely English and Cantonese (Mandarin is the official language of mainland China).  Most employers are bilingual or multilingual, so it is OK to submit a resume in English.

Since foreign language skills are highly sought after in Hong Kong, make sure you list these within your resume.

Relevant articles and resources

• Going global - marketing yourself for an international audience
• How to write a resume (curriculum vitae) for the United Kingdom
• Creating a CV / Resume for New Zealand
• How to write a resume for the United States (US)
• Resumes for Australia
• Resumes / CV's for lawyers