Hong Kong's robust economy saw an active labour market last year, with lots of employees switching jobs. The outlook for job-hunters is expected to remain promising throughout the year as the pace of job creation picks up.
Best of all, employment figures have improved in most sectors, for all age groups and at all levels of educational attainment, according to a spokesman for the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA).
According to figures released by the Census and Statistics Department, the total unemployment rate adjusted for seasonal variation went down to a four-year low of 5.2 per cent from December last year to February. Figures for the previous quarter were the same.
'The outlook for the Hong Kong job market is promising, with more job offers available,' said Glover Chan, HKMA senior marketing manager. 'The current pace of employment creation is actually stronger than in the past. According to a survey conducted recently, the middle management and non-managerial professionals segment recorded its highest turnover and vacancy rate in the fourth quarter of 2005.'
All of which bodes well for job seekers. But those wanting to advance their careers should carefully consider their current skills set and see if there are any gaps or areas that need to be upgraded.
'Since Hong Kong has shifted to higher value-added services and a knowledge-based economy, together with increasing economic integration with a rapidly growing mainland economy, it is always a good time for Hong Kong people to keep learning and staying competitive,' Mr Chan said.