Hong Kong has a free market economy and is dominated mainly by the service sector, which accounts for over 90% of the GDP. The retail sector is the second largest service industry in Hong Kong and plays an important role in the economy of Hong Kong. The retail sector includesshopping centres, department stores, watches and jewellery, supermarkets, convenience stores, fashion and electronic goods etc and it offers a lot of job opportunities. In order to strengthen and sustain the improvement of the service quality, the local institutions and schools offer a wide range of service and retail programmes.
Beautician
Duties
The beautician mainly provides the facial and physical care service for the customer. They need to understand the latest cosmetology product development trend, be familiar with the cosmetology technology, have the basic knowledge and the method of skin care, so that they can provide a high-quality service for customers. The followings are their main tasks:
- Provide facial cleaning, pore cleansing, scrubbing, shoulder and neck massage, facial mask service for customers
- Provide facial and body care services for customers with cosmetic and beauty equipment
- Keep a neat and tidy appearance and wear a mask when serving customers
- Clean beauty equipment and appliances
- Recommend beauty treatments and products to customers
Working hours
About 48-54 hours a week
Working environment
Works in a beauty salon
Personality
- Attention to details
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Beautician
Approximately $9,000-11,000
Beautician
Approximately $15,000 or more
Senior Beautician
Approximately$18,000 or more
Entry requirements
- A Secondary school graduate
- Good communication skills
- Familiar with knowledge of basic beauty and care
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Caritas Insitute of Community Education - Foundation Certificate of Junior Beautician
- Career Development and Continuing Education Department - Foundation Certificate of Junior Beautician
- YMCA College of Careers - Foundation Certificate of Junior Beautician
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Hairstylist
Duties
Apart from providing professional hair styling and hair care services, hairstylists are also required to have a sense of hair styling trends. The following are the main tasks of a hairstylist:
- Hairstylist trainee is responsible for washing hair, cleaning tools and etc.
- Provide hair cutting, dyeing, perming service and etc.
- Hair and scalp care to prevent hair related diseases
- Hairstyle and styling design
Working hours
About 48-54 hours a week
Working environment
Usually works in a hair salon
Personality
- Attention to details
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Hairstylist Assistant
Approximately $8,500-11,000
Hairstylist
Approximately $13,000 or more
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Good communication skills
- Be enthusiastic about the industry
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Youth College - Foundation Certificate of Hairstyle Dressing
- New Territories Association Retraining Centre - Foundation Certificate of Hairstylist Assistant
- Training Centre - Foundation Certificate of Hairstylist Assistant
- Hong Kong Employment Department Service - Foundation Certificate of Hairstyle Dressing
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Makeup Artist
Duties
The makeup artist provides the professional makeup service for the customer, for different events including banquet, wedding, stage, magazine, movie and so on. They must have the sense of fashion trend. Cosmetic services are often referred by friends. Therefore, word-of-mouth and work attitude are very important. Making more friends and communicating with other related staff can help increase job opportunities. The following are the main tasks:
- Discuss makeup and styling with customers and provide professional advice
- Use different makeup tools to do the makeup the customer
- Do the Makeup for models, artists, brides, etc. according to different occasions and customer requirements
- Provide cosmetic demonstration service in major shopping malls
Working hours
About 48-54 hours a week
Working environment
Usually works in a dressing room, sometimes out of the office and in conjunction with a hair stylist and fashion stylist
Personality
- Attention to details
- Patient
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Makeup Artist Assistant
Approximately $12,000
Makeup Artist
Approximately $20,000
Note: The salary of a makeup artist is uncertain, usually paid per job or project.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Good communication skills
- Basic makeup knowledge and techniques
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Youth College-Certificate in Make-up and Hairdressing
- YMCA College of Careers-Certificate in Makeup Artist
Diploma Yi Jin Programme
Nail Artist
Duties
- Perform professional consultation and manicure services
- Provide treatment and product information for customers
Working hours
About 45 hours per week
Working environment
Beauty salon
Personality
- Attention to details
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Nail Therapist Trainee
Approximately $5,000-$10,000
Nail Artist
$10,000-$18,000
Entry requirements
No specific requirements
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Massage Therapist
Duties
- Reduce the tension and fatigue of the customer’s body by foot massage, finger massage, scraping, cupping and other techniques, such as tapping and kneading
- Conduct customer consultation to understand their needs
- Strengthen the key body parts according to the customer’s physical condition
Working hours
About 45 hours per week
Working environment
Beauty salons, massage centres and health centres
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Sociable
Promotion and Reference Salary
Massage Therapist Trainee
Approximately $10,000 - $13,000
Massage Therapist
$13,000-$18,000
Entry requirements
- Basic massage techniques
Example of related training and courses
Example of related training and courses
Aesthetic Medical Consultant
Duties
- Understand company’s treatment and medical products detail
- Familiar with the operation of laser and other beauty equipment
- Conduct skin analysis for customers
- Provide and introduce professional body treatment, beauty and related skincare products and services for customers
- Make a beauty plan according to customer’s requirements and condition
Working hours
About 45 hours per week
Working environment
Aesthetic medical centres or beauty salons
Personality
- Attention to details
- Sociable
Promotion and Reference Salary
Aesthetic Medical Trainee
Approximately $13,000 - $18,000
Aesthetic Medical
$18,000-$30,000
Entry requirements
- Secondary 5 or above
- One year or more clinic / beauty work experience
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Chef
Duties
The chef is proficient in cooking knowledge and procedures. Not only do they need to cook for the customers, chefs also have certain management skills to ensure the day-to-day operation of the kitchen. Chefs can be classified into Chinese chefs, Western chefs, Japanese chefs, French chefs, etc. who provide different kind of cuisines, the main tasks are as follows:
- Familiar with food ingredients and varieties, including origin, price, season, etc
- Design a food menu to control costs and profitability
- Arrange and manage the positions and responsibilities in the kitchen
- Understand restaurant and market conditions, develop and create new dishes
- Check kitchen hygiene and equipment to ensure food quality and safety
Working hours
About 54-60 hours a week
Working environment
Generally works in hotels, restaurants, etc., and has to endure high temperature in the kitchen for a long time
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Trainee Chef
Approximately $9,000-14,000
Chef
Approximately $15,000-18,000
Executive Chef
Approximately $18,000 or more
Note: Chef prospects and promotion may vary depending on the restaurants or hotels they serve.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Basic knowledge of ingredients and cooking methods
- Have a keen interest in cooking
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- Hong Kong Culinary Academy - Advanced Diploma in Hotel Culinary Management
- Hong Kong College of Technology - Diploma in Western Culinary
Bachelor Degree
Patisserie Chef
Duties
The Patisserie chef requires professional skills and knowledge to produce fine desserts. The dessert process involves multiple procedures which takes long processing time, so the patisserie chef needs to be highly patient. The patisserie chef also needs to add value and keep learning different techniques continuously so as to produce more different types of desserts, thus facilitating future advancement and development. The following are the main tasks:
- Familiar with dessert ingredients and varieties, including origin, price, etc
- Order required ingredients, organize food ingredient and inventory records
- Design menus and make desserts, such as cakes, bread, etc
- Invent and create new desserts dishes
- Check kitchen hygiene and equipment to ensure food quality and safety
Working hours
About 54-60 hours per week
Working environment
Works in hotels, restaurants, bakeries, etc
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Patisserie Chef Trainee
Approximately $11,000-14,000
Patisserie Chef
Approximately $15,000 or more
Note: Patisserie chef prospects and promotion may vary., depending on the bakeries or hotels they serve.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Have a basic knowledge of dessert ingredients and methods
- Have a keen interest in making desserts
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Diploma Yi Jin Programme
Bartender
Duties
Bartenders use different combinations of wine, juice, and ice to make drinks with different flavours, so they need to know the wine origin, how it tastes, how it is prepared, and so on. From the selection of ingredients to the wine glass, each step has to be carefully taken by the bartender. The following are the main tasks:
- Entertain guests and prepare drinks for them
- Mix and match different drinks with food for a meal
- Clean the mixing utensils and glasses
- Create new and creative drinks
Working hours
About 48-56 hours a week, mostly at night
Working environment
Generally work in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Bartender
Approximately $10,000-15,000
Bartender
Approximately $15,000 or more
Senior Bartender
Approximately $20,000 or more
Note: Bartender prospects and promotion may vary depends on dining restaurants or hotels they serve.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Have a basic knowledge and techniques in blending
- A good command of Cantonese and basic English
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Hong Kong Sommelier & Bartender Training College - Bartending Course
- Hong Kong Cocktail School - Professional Bartender Certificate Course
- Hong Kong Cocktail School - Level 1 Bartender Course
- Hong Kong Cocktail School - Certificate in Bartending Performance
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Waiter
Duties
The waiters are responsible for the daily operation of the restaurant and the provision of catering services to maintain good service quality. The following are the main tasks:
- Welcome and arrange seat for guests
- Recommend dishes and order food for guests
- Serve food and drinks to guests
- Prepare dining cutlery, cleaning and setting tables
- General cleaning for the restaurants
Working hours
About 48-60 hours a week
Working environment
Generally work in hotels, restaurants, etc
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Waiter
Approximately $12,000-15,000
Captain
Approximately $15,000 or more
Manager
Approximately $17,000 or more
Note: Waiter prospects and promotion may vary depending on different dining restaurants or hotels they serve.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Good communication skills
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Hotel Receptionist
Duties
Hotel receptionists are responsible for the front desk and welcoming guests. They provide guests with a variety of quality services and the following are the main tasks:
- Hospitality and handling of guest check-in, check-out procedures and processing of payments
- Handle booking records and arranging rooms
- Answer the phone enquiries and deliver a message to the guests
- Handle and resolve guest queries
Working hours
About 48-54 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Work in a hotel
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
- Helpful
Promotion and Reference Salary
Receptionist
Approximately $10,000-13,000
Senior Receptionist
Approximately $15,000 or more
Department Head
Approximately $18,000 or more
Note: Receptionist prospects and promotion may vary depending on the hotel they serve.
Entry requirements
- Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects (including Chinese and English Languages) in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) , or equivalent
- Fluent in Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Hotel Room Attendant
Duties
The room attendant is responsible for the cleaning of the rooms in the hotel. The following are the main tasks:
- Clean and tidy up rooms and public areas in hotels
- Change sheets, towels and other necessary supplies for guests
- Handle and resolve guest queries
Working hours
About 48-54 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Work in a hotel
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Hotel Room Attendant
Approximately $10,000-12,000
Senior Hotel Room Attendant
Approximately $12,000-14,000
Floor Supervisor
Approximately $15,000 or more
Note: Housekeeper prospects and promotion may vary depending on the hotel they serve.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Sommelier
Duties
- Keep and take good care of wine
- Match the food on the menu with different wines
- Promotes a wide range of different types of wine
Working hours
About 45 hours a week
Working environment
Usually work at restaurants
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Sommelier
About $18,000
Intermediate Sommelier
About $20,000 – 30,000
Chief Sommelier
About $30,000 – 50,000
Entry requirements
- One or more years of relevant work experience in food industry
- Pass the course and assessment conducted by the Hong Kong Association of Professional Wine tasters Association
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Barista
Duties
- Make coffee or drinks and provide instant baked food
- Provide good quality services to customer, promote and sell company’s products
- Handle daily operations in the store
- Ensuring the food is fresh and adequate
- Make sure the store in neat and clean
Working hours
About 55 hours a week
Working environment
Work at coffee shop
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Creative
Promotion and Reference Salary
Barista
About $12,000 – 15,000
Senior Barista
About $15,000 – 18,000
Entry requirements
- Degree in form 5 or above
- Hold a coffee allocation certificate will be considered first
- Active initiative, passionate to work, self-motivation, responsible and have team spirit
- Provide a good quality of customer service
- Good command of Cantonese, Mandarin and English communication skills
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Beverage Store Manager
Duties
- Responsible for basic storefront work
- Make drinks
- Prepare ingredients
Working hours
About 55 hours a week
Working environment
Work indoor
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
Promotion and Reference Salary
Beverage Store Staff
About $11,000 – 12,000
Beverage Store Manager
About $14,000 – 18,000
Entry requirements
- Good working attitude
- Good communication skills
Example of related training and courses
Not applicable
Taste Tester
Duties
- Learn the basic knowledge of food production, sources, feeding methods, etc
- Update information to suppliers
- Constantly taste food and record down the characteristics of food from appearance, smell, texture and taste
- Check the food quality
Working hours
Work around 25 hours a week
Working environment
Work in restaurant
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Taste Tester
About $20,000
Entry requirements
- Sensitive taste buds
- Willing to try new food
Example of related training and courses
Not applicable
Shop Assistant / Salesperson
Duties
The shop assistant / sales assistant is responsible for the daily operation of the shop, communication and contact with the customers. The following are the main tasks:
- Sell shop products, provide advice and recommend products to customers
- Handle cashier, goods display and merchandise arrangement
- Collect and check the goods at stock
- Welcome customers, handle inquiries and queries
- Decorate the shop window display
Working hours
About 54-60 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Usually works in shopping malls, department stores, etc
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Helpful
- Sociable
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Shop Assistant/ Salesperson
Approximately $10,000-14,000
Senior Shop Assistant/ Salesperson
Approximately $15,000-18,000
Shop Manager
Approximately $18,000 or more
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Good communication skills
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Watch Technician
Duties
With the continuous optimization of clock and watch production patterns and techniques, watch technicians need to keep abreast of new knowledge and skills. The main tasks are as follows:
- Carry out maintenance of quartz and mechanical clocks and watches
- Conduct clocks and watches and maintenance evaluation and quotation
- Provide after-sales clock and watch maintenance services
- Ensure the quality control of clocks and watches
Working hours
About 45-49 hours a week
Working environment
Generally work in a clock and watch retail shop or maintenance shop
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Watch Technician
Approximately $9,000-10,000
Watch Technician
Watch Technician Officer
Note: The salary after promotion depends on experience and work ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- A Holder of a certificate in clock and watch maintenance or electronic engineering
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Stone Assorter
Duties
In the process of making and producing jewellery, the stone assorter is responsible for the stone-laying process, and the research on the foil and match of jewellery and diamonds. Stone assorter should have a certain knowledge of jewellery, including diamond classification and specifications, jewellery production process and mosaic methods. The following are their main tasks:
- Use magnifying glasses and pincers to match jewels such as gems, diamonds and jade with jewellery
- According to the design pattern and jewellery specification, choose the appropriate jewellery, and cooperate with jewellery designer and mosaic master
- According to the customer’s request, search for the material such as splints for the jewellery to make the match lining
- In the mosaic process, make adjustment and modification depending on the effect
Working hours
About 45-49 hours a week
Working environment
General office work in a jewellery factory
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Junior Stone Assorter
Approximately $10,000-11,000
Stone Assorter
Approximately 13,000 or more
Note: The salary after promotion depends on experience and work ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Basic knowledge of jewellery, diamond grading and quality
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Jewellery Appraiser
Duties
Jewellery appraisers are responsible for the quality control of jewellery. All jewellery must be identified by jewellery appraisers before they can be purchased by jewellery retailers and wholesalers. The following are their main tasks:
- Responsible for jewellery quality control and identification
- Distinguish whether jewellery is natural, manufactured or optimized
- Operate a technical instrument to view the contents of a gemstone and issue a rating certificate report after verification
Working hours
About 45-49 hours a week
Working environment
Generally work in a jewellery factory and laboratory
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Jewellery Appraisers Trainee
Approximately $11,000-13,000
Jewellery Appraisers
Approximately $15,000-20,000
Note: The salary after promotion depends on experience and work ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- A holder of Diploma in Diamonds (DAG), Diploma in Gemmology (FGA), Gemmological Diploma from the Gemmological Society of the United Kingdom and Diamond rating Certificate (GIA) from the American Gemmological Society
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Mystery Shopper
Duties
Mystery shoppers will dress up as ordinary customers to carry out research tasks, such as shopping, inquiry services or meals. They will observe the performance of the staff according to the workflow and service standards of the enterprise, and record the whole process in a fair, impartial and objective manner, and then fill in the assessment form concretely and in detail.
- Understand the content of the test, write the report, work process, response methods, etc in advance
- Visit retail stores, department stores, or restaurants to assess the services
- Call the Customer Service Hotline to assess the operator’s services
Working hours
Around 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the test
Working environment
Retail shop, department store and restaurant
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Mystery Shopper
Approximately $12,000
Entry requirements
- No specific academic requirements
- Chinese typing skills
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Optician
Duties
- Measure, fit and dispense optical lenses
- Help clients to select and adjust the most suitable frame and lens position
- Check and ensure prescriptions for eyeglasses and lens
- Teach the clients how to take care of their contact lenses, eyeglasses and frames
Working hours
About 45 hours a week
Working environment
Usually work in stores that sell eyeglasses, contact lenses, visual aids, and other optical goods
Personality
- Responsible
- Helpful
- Be logical
Promotion and Reference Salary
Opticians
About $15,000-35,000
Senior Opticians
About $20,000-50,000
Optician Manager
About $30,000-70,000
Entry requirements
- A higher diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing or a related field
- 1-2 years’ relevant experience in a related field
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Private Detective
Duties
- Usually entrusted by a private person to investigate extramarital affairs, people, tracking, monitoring, searching for secrets
- Responsible for the investigation and detection of criminal cases
- Outdoor tracking
- Investigation by using technology tools, such as checking telephone communication and positioning records, Internet tracking and will collect photos and films for evidence
Working hours
About 56 a week
Working environment
Work indoor and outdoor
Personality
- Attention to details
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Detective
About $12,000 – 20,000
*Note: The salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- Need to have a basic knowledge of law
- Photography skills
- A holder of a Higher Diploma / Associate Degree / registered Post-secondary College Diploma or above from a Hong Kong institution of Higher Education
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Cashier
Duties
- Cash calculation (including foreign currency)
- Processing credit card transactions
- Responsible daily calculation process
Working hours
About 54 hours a week
Working environment
Work indoor
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Cashier
About $13,000 – 14,000
Senior Cashier
About $15,000 – 18,000
Entry requirements
- Secondary III or above, 1 year or more related experience
- Take the initiative, have courtesy and hardworking
- Fluent in Cantonese
- Able to speak in English and Mandarin
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Animal Trainer
Duties
Animal trainers have to establish a good relationship with animals. They alsoneed a lot of time and patience to build the trust with animals and the following are the main tasks:
- Clean animal shelters, including faeces and other contaminants
- Take care of the daily diet of animals, including the measurement of food portions and the preparation of snacks
- Nursing training and health check with animals
- Make toys, train animals for performance
Working hours
About 48 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Usually work in a zoo or themed park
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Animal Trainer Trainee
Approximately $10,000-13,000
Animal Trainer Assistant
Approximately $12,000
Animal Trainer
Approximately $15,000
Note: The salary after promotion depends on experience and work ability.
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Animal or Biology is preferred
- Have experience in taking care of animals
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
- CityU SCOPE School of Continuing and Professional Education - Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Bachelor Degree
Pet Groomer
Duties
A pet groomer provides beauty services for pets. They are required to have a knowledge of pet health care, first aid and the use of beauty tools; also, to ensure that pet beauty procedures are safe. The following are the main tasks:
- Grooming services for pets, including grooming, nail clipping, ear hair removal, hair combing, knotting, foot plucking, etc
- Design a style for pets
- Clean pet droppings
- Listen to customer’s needs, provide services and answer questions
- Responsible for shop arrangement and daily operation
Working hours
About 48 hours a week, work in shifts
Working environment
Work in a pet shop
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Pet Groomer Assistant
Approximately $9,000-12,000
Pet Groomer
Approximately $13,000 or more
Entry requirements
- A secondary school graduate
- Have love for animals
- Pet cosmetology related certificates, qualifications or professional licences are preferred
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association - Foundation Certificate in Pet Groomer and Shop Assistant Training
- HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre-Foundation Certificate in Pet Grooming Assistant Training - Youth Training Programme
Diploma Yi Jin Programme
Animal Communicator
Duties
- Communicate with animal by feeling
- Deal with various types of behavior issues of animal
- Understand animal mindset and give it some training
- Improve the relationship between master and animal
Working hours
Work irregularly
Working environment
Work indoor and outdoor
Personality
- Attention to details
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
Animal Communicator
About $15,000
* The salary may vary according to the number of work.
Entry requirements
- Have the experience of taking care of animal
- Love animal
- Holder of ISAC recognized animal communicator certificate
Example of related training and courses
Certificate