New Support Programme for Hongkongers Helps Ray Land a New Job

• Jobs for Hongkongers is part of the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Hong Kong Welcome Programme.
• The programme aims to help eligible BN(O) visa holders in England to improve their employability skills through an 8-week virtual/remote course, with support available in the Cantonese language.
• Find out how the team helped Ray to improve his self-confidence and find a job.

A new employability programme for Hongkongers based in England has helped a man find a job in a field relevant to his experience and skills.

Ray lived and worked in Hong Kong for most of his life, building a successful career in key account management and business development. However, around two and a half years ago, Ray and his family made a momentous decision – to emigrate to the UK in pursuit of a better future and quality of life.

They eventually settled in Greater Manchester. Ray was initially filled with hope, firmly believing that his professional background, dedication to self-improvement, and determination to learn made him well-placed to succeed in his new environment and labour market.

A challenging start

Unfortunately, he was soon faced with a series of unexpected challenges that persisted for much longer than anticipated: “I continuously refined my CV, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile, even leveraging the latest AI tools to make my applications more appealing to employers.

“All my efforts repeatedly led to dead ends – no responses, no interviews, and certainly no promising job offers.”

To begin with, Ray was grateful for the work. After all, it provided a much-needed source of income, as well as an initial boost to his self-worth. But as time went on, the long, anti-social hours left Ray feeling physically exhausted and mentally discouraged.

“My days became an endless cycle: coming home from work in the early hours of a cold winter morning, grabbing a quick meal, and collapsing into bed. After waking up, I would pick up my children from school before resting again, waiting for the night shift to begin once more.”

Still, a small ray of sunshine briefly pierced the gloom that had settled over Ray’s life. A well-known humanitarian organisation invited him to interview for a junior telesales position. After two rounds of interviews, he made it to the final stage, only to be told that he was ‘overqualified’.

It was at this point that Ray began to question his decision to move to the UK: “I had left behind a familiar home and a stable career, only to live a life that felt aimless and mechanical. What was I truly seeking? What was the point of all my efforts?”

Finding support

Then, at his lowest ebb, Ray stumbled upon Jobs for Hongkongers in a community Signal group: “I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’ I reached out to [them] and attended an online session. At first, I didn’t think it would change anything. But as the conversation unfolded, I found myself sharing thoughts and feelings I had kept buried for a long time.

“That session felt like opening a window to let in fresh air. While it didn’t change my situation

overnight, it lifted a psychological burden I had carried for so long. The organisation didn’t offer any quick fixes, but their support and suggestions made me feel less alone.”

The Jobs for Hongkongers team encouraged Ray to refine his job search strategy, helping him to improve his CV and cover letters. They also recommended free English language courses, which he soon began attending, making steady progress and learning important new skills.

Not only did this support help Ray to regain his self-confidence, but soon enough, it led to a job offer: “I received a call from an agent regarding a role I had previously applied for. It was in [a] familiar field, one I had longed to return to. Although it was a junior-level position, it represented a critical step forward.”

Getting back on track and starting a new job

Ray is adamant that Jobs for Hongkongers played a significant role in his successful job application: “Before the interview, [they] provided invaluable advice. From mock interview sessions to guidance on answering potential questions, their help not only prepared me professionally but also gave me a renewed sense of my own strengths and worth. By

the time the interviews came around, I felt calmer and more self-assured.

“After two rounds of interviews, I was finally offered the job! That moment of success was a wave of joy and relief. It wasn’t just about securing employment; it was about regaining a sense of direction and confidence.”

Given his experience, Ray would recommend the service to fellow Hongkongers in England who are looking to broaden their skillset or find a new job: “Everyone faces moments of doubt, disappointment, and even despair. What I’ve learned is that when you feel stuck, reaching out for external support can be transformative. It might not provide a shortcut to success, but the understanding and companionship you gain can reignite the strength to keep moving forward.”

Find out more

If you are a Hong Kong BN(O) national in England and you are interested in learning more about the support services we offer, visit the Jobs for Hongkongers website or email jobsforhongkongers[at]gcemployment.uk.

Jobs For Hongkongers is part of the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s Hong Kong Welcome Programme. The Growth Company delivers the programme alongside Groundwork UK and the Migrant and Refugee Centre.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 30-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Contact us today to find out more.