Posted on 24/07/2025 by Charlotte Frank
If you're a business support professional navigating the job market in Hong Kong right now—whether in administration, executive assistance, office management, or operations—you’ll already know that it can be hard to get noticed. The city’s reputation as a regional business hub means that job opportunities exist, but how do you ensure that your candidature stands out ?
Spending time daily speaking with hiring managers and candidates across Hong Kong, we’ve compiled our top tips that can enhance your job search and help you position yourself more strategically.
1. Ensure your CV is outcome-focused
Your CV is your personal marketing pitch. It needs to show what you’veachieved, not just what you’vedone. Many CVs still read like job descriptions. In today’s market, that’s simply not enough. Employers want evidence of impact.
Instead of:
“Managed diaries of senior executives”
Try:
“Managed complex travel and meeting schedules across 4 time zones, reducing scheduling conflicts by 40% and enabling greater client face-time for key stakeholders.”
Instead of:
“Supported office operations”
Try:
“Streamlined contract processes, resulting in a 15% annual cost saving and improved compliance with procurement standards.”
Recruiters and hiring managers are reviewing high numbers of CVs for every vacancy that they manage, by adding tangible evidence of your deliverables you can ensure that your CV stands out.
2. Consider your ‘Go to market approach’
If you are actively starting your job search you need to consider all the aspects that could create a new role - think of your job search like a puzzle. By putting all these pieces together you should be able to find a new role.
Who do you need to be speaking to? This could be recruiters and your personal network.
Does your LinkedIn profile represent you in a positive light? (We will focus on this in a lot more detail in another blog).
Which websites do you need to be looking at for vacancies? These might be linked to your recruiter network, specialist job boards or even the company’s websites.
3. Tailor your application—Every time
We know it’s tempting to use a generic CV. However, tailoring your application to the specific needs of each firm—especially in boutique asset managers, law firms, or consultancies can make a significant difference as to how your CV ‘lands’.
Use the job description to guide your language, but more importantly, show how your past experience solves their present need and role requirements.
4. Use LinkedIn as a two-way channel
Many job seekers use LinkedIn as a noticeboard or as a site to apply for roles, rather than a communication tool.
You could consider:
Sharing posts that highlight your expertise or lessons learned.
Commening on industry updates to show you're engaged.
Both of this will show recruiters that you are active on LinkedIn and could be more likely to respond if they reach out to you.
Connecting directly to recruiters and hiring managers with a message that combines your professionalism with value.
Remember, visibility attracts opportunity.
5. Create structure in your job search
Looking for a role can feel like a full-time job in itself. Without structure, it’s easy to become frustrated, especially if you aren’t getting the responses to your applications like you hoped.
You could block time for different activities:
Apply to 2–3 targeted roles
Reconnect with recruiters or update your network
Work on LinkedIn presence or refine your CV
You can then ask yourself: Was I productive? Even if there’s no immediate response, you're laying the groundwork.
Just as importantly, take breaks. Step away. Rest. Many candidates perform significantly better in interviews when they’re mentally fresh and emotionally balanced.
At Charlotte Frank, we’re seeing signs of positive movement. Business support professionals we’ve worked with are beginning to secure meaningful roles, and companies are once again recognising the value of high-calibre administrative and operations talent.
It may take time, but the right rolewill come—especially if you approach your search with a strategy, resilience, and a clear sense of your own value. Remember the puzzle.
Good luck—you’ve got this.