One in four employers in a survey said they are expecting to hire more staff in the fourth quarter, according to employment services provider ManpowerGroup.
Of the 167 Hong Kong employers polled, 25 percent are expecting to increase payrolls, while 17 percent expect fewer additions to their workforce.
The rest expect no changes in their hiring plans.
The poll showed the resulting net employment outlook is 8 percent, with the strongest hiring sentiment seen in finance, insurance and property.
The outlook for these sectors in the fourth quarter is 11 percent, up 6 percent from the previous quarter and 15 percent year on year.
"Equity capital markets activity soared in the first half and banks have been engaged in a talent competition as they have to meet the demand. Many Hong Kong-based firms and especially Chinese firms are still very focused on a Hong Kong listing," said Lancy Chui, senior vice president of ManpowerGroup Greater China.
Insurers are also seeing a growing business in Hong Kong and plan to hire more agents to capture new opportunities fueled by rising affluence in the Greater Bay Area, she said.
There is also continuing demand across different industries for flexible staffing.
Employers in the services sector reported optimistic hiring plans for the coming quarter, with a net employment outlook of 9 percent - 6 percent stronger than in the previous quarter and up 10 percent year on year.
Hiring intentions in the mining and construction sectors remained relatively stable since the last quarter but improved by 5 percent from a year ago.
"The unemployment rates of the construction sector recorded visible declines. Construction projects have start resuming, especially for the repair and maintenance projects," said Chui.
