E-commerce professionals in Hong Kong will be the top beneficiaries of a decision by the Chinese government to postpone a tax programme as employers increase recruitment to ramp up cross-border online sales.
According to recruiting experts Hays, e-commerce companies will actively hire candidates proficient in using social media to win clients amid expectations of booming business.
“As the Chinese government delays the implementation of a tax system on cross-border sales, e-commerce players are expecting busy times ahead as demand for foreign goods will remain buoyant in the next three months,” says Dean Stallard, Regional Director for Hays in Hong Kong.
“Candidates with experience of e-commerce businesses and knowledge of the Chinese consumer market are in huge demand as employers step up expansions.”
In its latest Quarterly Report for July to September 2016, Hays finds that sales and marketing candidates with digital experience are likely to receive multiple offers as cross-border e-commerce between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland continues to grow.
“Companies, particularly operators of cross-border e-commerce platforms, will strengthen their teams to tap into the soaring demand for foreign goods by mainland consumers,” Dean adds. “They plan to establish a complete, cost-efficient and stable system before China’s new rules governing cross-border online sales are fully enforced next year.”
Candidates skilful at publishing trending topics on social media to attract audiences will stand out. Digital marketing managers are also strongly sought-after as companies are increasingly resorting to online data to gain insight into consumer behaviour.
Retail businesses in Hong Kong, on the other hand, have experienced a slowdown, and employers are now adopting a cautious approach to expanding headcount.
“It’s advisable for sales and marketing professionals to accumulate experience in internet business and mobile technologies. A fair command of digital tools such as social media will be of great benefit to career advancement,” Dean concluded.
