In the IT industry nowadays, job seekers need to possess two trump cards in order to enhance their competitiveness in the career market.

In the past, technical knowledge was the trump card for job seekers to join the IT industry. The first element employers usually looked for in selecting candidates was relevant academic knowledge or related working experience.

HPeople Culture
In recent years, more employers have come to realize that other aspects are equally important. Amy Li, Human Resources Director of Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Limited (HP), says, “Technical skills can always be acquired through training. In selecting candidates, we put 50% of the marks on their personal quality. For the other 50 marks, it will be on the candidate's suitability to the job.”

She says that in hiring staff, HP looks for a “can-do” attitude in job seekers. “It is essential that the staff has commitment to the job and is a good team player, contributing to the synergy in the company's developments.”

Indeed, the company's “HPeople” culture has given hints to job seekers the qualities HP looks for in candidates. The four characters of HPeople are “Pow Pow” (quality of being proud of working for HP), “In In” (innovator), “One One” (working as one unit), and “Win Win” (winning attitude).

Training Benefits All
HP welcomes job candidates with strong interest to work in IT industry even if they do not have an IT background. For example, candidates of any academic background can apply for a sales position at the company. As for consulting services staff, the company prefers candidates with engineering or computer science qualifications. To help staff without much technical knowledge, HP provides in-house training on product knowledge. Li says that 70% of such training is web-based, and 10% face-to-face classroom teaching. Apart from these, staff will receive on-the-job training. In addition, all staff, new or old, have to attend a course on the standard of business conduct every year. This is to ensure that every staff complies with the ethics and share the values of the company.

Li points out that the company always encourages staff to acquire academic qualification and recognition. For example, depending on the staff's potential and suitability, HP may subsidize staff to further study for a degree or master's degree. “Staff getting relevant qualification not only benefits themselves, but also benefits the company as this gives confidence to customers.”

Promotion Opportunities Available
With more qualifications, employees have an advantage of getting promoted. At HP, promotion is owned by each employee, supported by their manager, and enabled by the whole company, Li says. “Promotion is based on the ability of staff, not by the number of years of working experience.” She points out that employees need to know what they want and show their willingness to work. Their managers, who have more experience, will lead their staff to grow and develop in their career. From time to time, new positions will be posted internally for staff to apply for before the company recruits talents from outside. Li adds that the company has a Career Development Programme which provides a platform for staff to spell out their career aspiration, and staff can rest assured that they have lots of opportunities for career development.

Advice to Fresh Graduates
Li advises fresh graduates who would like to join the IT industry to have confidence and show a positive attitude in job interviews. “Be punctual and wear neatly. Show that you care for the job.” This year, HP is going to hire fresh graduates through college recruitment. The company is going to offer an 18-month training programme for 20 fresh graduates. Chosen candidates will receive an intensive 1.5-month training in which a mentor will be assigned to assist each of them to integrate into the company's culture. The work performance of these new staff will be monitored and reviewed throughout the 18 months.