Successful recruitment is more than just matching up skill levels and experience required.

At Macgregor Research, we understand the importance of a holistic approach in selecting the right candidate to reflect the individual needs of each prospective Client/ Company. We not only provide qualified candidates, but candidates that match the company's business culture, thus ensuring successful assimilation and retention.

Executive search firms should reflect this holistic approach in candidate recruitment.

As a result of the continued high demand for skilled professionals, it is difficult to limit recruitment of skilled workers to just the local labor force. This is the result of Hong Kong's continued annual economic growth, and increased competition from foreign companies establishing operations in Hong Kong.

Macgregor Research considers the benefits and drawbacks (main factors highlighted below) in recruiting candidates from different labor sectors, to ensure strategic recruitment solutions.

Recruiting Locals

Benefits:

• They are already familiar with the local scene – language and culture


• Lower salary requirements and no relocation costs

Drawbacks:

• Unfamiliar with western business practices


• Unable to communicate well in English – extensive training required

Recruiting Returnees - locals educated and trained abroad who want to return home

• Familiar with western business practices


• Familiar with local culture and business environment


• Often have improved English over the locals


• Can typically find relatively inexpensive housing without much difficulty, through friends and relatives

Drawbacks:

• Significant increase in salary or perks to "poach" them from other companies

Recruiting Expatriates - westerners working in Hong Kong

Benefits:

• Skilled with previous work experience abroad


• Often familiar with the organization and its business activities

Drawbacks:

• Increased salaries due to housing benefits and hardship allowances


• No guarantee that expatriate can function successfully in HK business culture


• Often only for very senior, key positions