How will you make the most of Hong Kong finance job opportunities?

The past few years may have proven to be difficult when it comes to finding a banking job - whether it is a graduate looking to take their first steps into a career in finance or an established professional with experience of the market - not just in Hong Kong, but other locations throughout the world.

However, as signs of green shoots in the global economy are now starting to be noted and banks throughout the Asia-Pacific region begin to put expansion plans into practice and buck up their hiring activity, how can those keen on a new finance job make sure that they land their ideal position?

Jobseekers may be well advised to make note of recent comments made by Simon Mortlock of eFinancialCareers.hk who points out now could be an ideal time for those with specialist skills to seek out new vacancies.

Acknowledging comments made by an unnamed recruiter that "everyone wants specialists", those looking for jobs at investment banks in Hong Kong are told that such firms are seeking "more sector-coverage experience".

Meanwhile, those well-versed in assets under management are prized candidates for private banks, as commercial banks are looking for those who can help to deliver larger client networks.

"The bar to entry has got a lot higher," Mr Mortlock states, with "the need to hit the ground running" pointed out.

There should be room for optimism for people seeking out financial services jobs as "banks do have more vacancies than last year".

However, as firms "need a lot of convincing that you are indeed the perfect candidate for them", jobseekers may want to consider making sure that their CV accurately sets out their experiences, skills and qualities.

"For most roles, your CV and the job spec should almost be one [and] the same", consumers are advised.

Such recommendations come as the commentator on Hong Kong finance jobs states that a "first-half hiring mini-boom" is expected to take place throughout the region, with Asia deemed to be "rebounding".

One of those to have been hired in recent week is Elizabeth Trinh, who was named vice-president of American Century Investment's Hong Kong office as it looks to expand its presence in the region.

And Hong Kong could prove to be a particularly good place to seek out jobs in finance as the 2010 Index of Economic Freedom released earlier this month showed the city to have the freest economy in the world.

Compiled by the Heritage Foundation, it is the 16th successive year that it has been awarded such an accolade, coming above the likes of Singapore and the United States.

But Hong Kong residents looking for new working opportunities may also want consider a move abroad as the publication also noted in recent days that banks in mainland China are increasingly looking to hire people from the city, with such organisations said to offer significant opportunities for career development due to the growing size of the Chinese financial services market.

Meanwhile, American and European firms are said to be attracted to such employers due to their language skills and their "exposure to a mature financial sector".

Regardless of whether they choose to look out for jobs in banking abroad or domestically, Hong Kong finance professionals appear well-placed when it comes to getting new work, particularly as signs of economic recovery are currently being noted, so now could be an ideal time to seek out a new position or promotion.

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