A visit to at least one jewellery store is an essential stop on the itinerary for many tourists visiting Hong Kong every month, and that has created stiff competition in the sector for experienced sales people and promising retail staff. As a result, employers have been obliged to intensify their search for talent and one in particular has streamlined its recruitment process to ensure that good applicants receive job offers with minimum delay.
'Since the battle for talent is very intense in the retail sector, we now hire the right candidates after the first interview,' said Shirley Wong, administration and human resources manager for jewellery company Luk Fook, which has 28 branches in Hong Kong.
'If you can't make a quick decision, other companies will soon snap them up.' Ms Wong added that this approach was in line with the company's dynamic culture. Candidates wanted to know where they stood, and store managers did not want to wait longer than necessary to fill vacancies.
Besides simplifying recruitment procedures, the company, which was established in 1991, has focused attention on organising a comprehensive training programme designed to instil expertise and boost staff retention levels.
All new recruits now receive training in everything from product knowledge and providing quality customer service to making the most of their appearance and, for female employees, using make-up.
The jewellery company is co-operating with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Peking University to provide a five-day training course for its frontline staff.
