As the job market becomes more globalised and developing economies are increasingly targeted, more and more businesses in Hong Kong are looking for bilingual candidates with an international mindset, according to our 2013 Hays Asia Salary Guide.
A recurring theme throughout this year’s Salary Guide is the need for candidates with not only multiple language skills, but those who can fit in with a foreign-owned company and its workers, as the trend of multinational corporations moving their offices to Asia continues.
For example, while helpdesk candidates are sought in the information technology sector in Hong Kong, there is also a particular demand for multilingual candidates who can support and integrate with both Chinese- and English-speaking staff.
Increasing competition between foreign banks in Hong Kong is also creating bright opportunities for bilingual candidates with strong financial skills.
Employers are also looking for candidates who are interested in and are able to adapt to different cultures, as this will obviously help their businesses operate more effectively and efficiently wherever they decide to locate their offices. There are also benefits for the candidate in that they will become more in-demand, leading to better job opportunities and career pathways.
Do you think you have what employers want? Check back here next week for a quick quiz to see if you’re meeting the cross-cultural demands of today’s businesses.
