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For Manuela, a seasoned Brand Manager with six years of experience in Europe's eyewear industry, securing her role at The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao was a journey of strategic networking, adaptability, and old-school business cards. Her story highlights how perseverance and cultural savvy can turn temporary opportunities into career-defining roles.
1. Networking Isn't Optional—It's Essential
Before moving to Hong Kong, Manuela had built a solid career in brand management. But her overseas experience alone wasn't enough to break into the local market.
"Networking was the key," she says. "The more events I attended, the higher my chances of meeting the right person. It's all about being in the right place at the right time."
Manuela prioritized events like Women of Hong Kong (WOHK) and interchamber gatherings, where she connected with professionals across industries. She also learned a critical lesson: business cards matter.
"If you don't have a physical card in Hong Kong, your chances of being remembered drop drastically. Digital cards or LinkedIn just don't work as effectively here."
Her follow-up strategy was equally important: "A few hours or the day after meeting someone, I send a direct email referencing our conversation. I’m telling how nice it was to meet, making sure to quote something we talked about to be "recognized”. So they remember her!
Depending on the connection, she'd either attach her online resume, request to follow up, or establish a WhatsApp conversation if numbers were exchanged (less formal, more direct, even better!). Of course, always add the person you’ve met in LinkedIn.
💡 Pro Tip: Always carry business cards to networking events. They're a tangible reminder of your presence.
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2. Flexibility Opens Doors: Embrace Temporary Roles
Manuela's job search took six months, with three offers falling through. Her breakthrough came unexpectedly: a recruiter reached out for a 6-month maternity cover that was below her seniority level.
"I took the temporary role even though it wasn't ideal. After proving my value, they offered me a full-time position tailored to my experience."
This "foot in the door" approach is common in Hong Kong, where employers often test candidates with short-term contracts before committing permanently. During her temporary role, Manuela says, "I leveraged my background and experience, taking the job seriously even though there was potentially no future at the beginning. I made sure to showcase my skills and abilities."
💡 Pro Tip: Don't dismiss temporary roles—they can lead to long-term opportunities.
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3. Stand Out with Tailored Applications and Language Skills
Manuela quickly realized that generic applications got lost in the pile. She adapted her resume to include keywords from job descriptions and tailored each cover letter to the role.
"I emphasized my understanding of APAC markets, even if my experience was limited. Employers want to see you've done your homework."
She also noted that Mandarin and Cantonese proficiency is increasingly critical in marketing roles. While she didn't speak either fluently, she stressed her willingness to learn.
💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like Jobscan to match your resume with job keywords.
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4. Ask for Help: Leverage Your Network Relentlessly
Reflecting on her journey, Manuela admits she initially hesitated to ask for introductions.
"I’m not very pushy but a direct referral is more effective than 100 LinkedIn applications. I wish I'd tapped into my network sooner."
She advises job seekers to swallow their pride and ask contacts for warm introductions to hiring managers.
However, she emphasizes the importance of mutual engagement: "Make sure not only to talk about yourself and what you're looking for professionally, but to ask questions and show genuine interest in the other person's experience and path, even if it's different from what you're looking for. This makes people more willing to share useful contacts."
💡 Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn's "Alumni" tool to find connections at target companies.
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5. Navigate Cultural Nuances: WhatsApp Boundaries and Salary Savvy
Manuela was surprised by Hong Kong's reliance on WhatsApp for work communication, which blurred personal boundaries. She learned to set clear limits after hours.
For salary negotiations, her advice is pragmatic: "Research market averages and position yourself as flexible. Even if you have a target, avoid ultimatums."
💡 Pro Tip: Use salary guides from Robert Half or Hays to benchmark expectations.
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6. Stay Resilient Through Setbacks
Job searching can be emotionally draining, especially in a new market. Manuela candidly shares, "I had a couple of down moments when I didn't know what I was doing wrong and felt stuck. And that's ok."
Her advice for maintaining resilience is practical: "Focus on something else besides the job search. Take advantage of your unemployment to explore passions and take formative courses that you can include in your CV—things you wouldn't have time for otherwise, like learning a language or improving Excel skills. There are many free or affordable online platforms for this."
💡 Pro Tip: Turn job search downtime into upskilling opportunities that strengthen your resume.
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7. Choose Your Networking Events Strategically
If time is limited, Manuela recommends prioritizing interchamber events because:
"They gather professionals from different industries and seniority levels, all with varying networking goals—some looking to hire, others seeking jobs themselves, but always professionally oriented."
She adds, "Getting in contact and introducing yourself to 'your' chamber of commerce is always useful. Companies often refer to chambers when looking for new resources."
For networking newcomers, Manuela suggests: "At the beginning, it can be helpful to prepare your professional pitch alongside some questions to break the ice. Pay attention to questions others ask you, and mentally note the ones that made you feel at ease, so you can reuse them!"
💡 Pro Tip: Prepare 3-5 conversation starters that work in diverse professional settings.
What You Can Do Now:
Key Takeaways from Manuela's Journey
- Network, network, network—events and business cards are non-negotiable.
- Be flexible—temporary roles can evolve into dream jobs.
- Tailor everything—resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
- Ask for introductions—your network is your greatest asset.
- Stay resilient—use downtime to upskill and recharge.
- Follow up strategically—personalized outreach makes you memorable.
- Show genuine interest—effective networking is a two-way conversation.
✨ Take Action Today
- Follow Fast Track Jobs HK on LinkedIn for local job leads.
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- Share this article with a friend navigating Hong Kong's job market!
Manuela's story proves that with grit and strategic networking, even a temporary role can spark a thriving career in Hong Kong. 🌟
Inspired? Share your Hong Kong job search story with us—you might be featured next!