One thousand jobs at the Four Seasons Hotel will go on offer at its three-day recruitment drive, giving Hong Kong local job market another shot in the arm.

　　One thousand jobs at the Four Seasons Hotel will go on offer at its three-day recruitment drive, giving Hong Kong local job market another shot in the arm.

　　The hotel in Central, scheduled to open in September, is seeking staff for its reception, restaurants, security operations, shops and health club.

　　Recently Hong Kong Disneyland has recruited 3,000 workers, offering above-market wages for cleaners and waiters, especially those who can speak more than one language.

　　The Four Seasons job fair will run from 10am to 7pm at the IFC Mall. 'We want to attract the most talented, enthusiastic and promising staff available in Hong Kong,' said William Mackay, vice-president and general manager of the hotel. The Toronto-based luxury hotel group said people without hotel experience could apply.

　　Jean Forrest, the hotel's regional marketing director, said the jobs would have competitive wages, but declined to disclose details.

　　Every applicant will be interviewed and shortlisted candidates called back for more.

　　Ms Forrest said: 'There will be four to five rounds of interviews. The general manager will meet every one of them.'

　　The 399-room hotel - the group's largest in Asia - will also have 519 serviced apartments for long-stay guests. It will boast three restaurants and a 200,000 sq ft spa. The hotel will not be the group's first presence in Hong Kong. Until June, 2001, it managed the Regent Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. The hotel was sold off and became the InterContinental Hotel.

　　Hong Kong's jobless rate improved sharply in February, dropping by 0.3 of a percentage point to 6.1 per cent, the biggest fall for 15 months, Census and Statistics Department figures show.

　　The rate was last below 6.1 per cent in November, 2001.

　　The jobs: 975 positions in all departments including 430 in food and beverage

　　The employer: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, a 399-room hotel at the IFC and adjacent all-suite hotel with 519 residences.