Finding work in China is takes perseverance and a bit of luck. However job applicants that establish their qualifications, search in the right places and do well in a job interview will have an easy time finding work in China.
Establish Qualifications for a Job in China
Anywhere one works one needs to be qualified to work, but every culture has a different conception of what it means to be qualified. In China, academic credentials test scores and the prestige of a university count for a lot more than extracurricular activities, volunteer work and personal projects. It is important to emphasize the important aspects on a CV.
Depending on where one applies to work, it may or may not be important to speak fluent Chinese. If a position requires fluent Chinese, it does help if you have an HSK test score to prove it (the HSK is an internationally recognized test of Chinese language skill for foreigners).
However, actual Chinese ability counts for more than an HSK score. If an applicant can speak good Chinese at a job interview, it means more than a high test score.
Job Searching in China
There are number of different places to look for work in China. Local expat websites often have city-specific job listings in the classifieds section. Many of these are aimed at foreigners.
Some websites are specifically aimed at helping foreigners find work in China.
The best way to find a job in China is through personal connections. Those that have studied or lived in China before, or have connections to an overseas Chinese community should first tap into their network of friends and contacts. These people can provide valuable assistance finding a good job in China.
Job Interviews in China
Job interviews in China are similar to those abroad, but there are a few important culture differences one needs to understand. First, Chinese culture values humility. While it is important to put one’s strengths forward and sell oneself as a professional, it is also important not too appear too arrogant or full of oneself.
It is also important for job applicants to make sure whoever is interviewing them likes them. This is because personal relationships are highly valued in almost all areas of Chinese life, including the work place.
The interview is also an appropriate time to negotiate salary and benefits. It’s important to have a good idea what kind of salary will go with any particular job before the interview. Interviewers often ask job applicants what their expected salary is. Applicants should understand that this is potentially the beginning of a bargaining process and that they should not sell themselves short, or they may regret it later.
Required Chinese Level for a Job in China
Before applying for any job in China, applicants should honestly assess their own language skills. Many jobs require no Chinese language whatsoever; a few may require complete fluency and knowledge of obscure technical terms. Many more jobs fall somewhere in between.
Applicants that can speak some Chinese but do not consider themselves to be fluent need not despair. If Chinese is used mainly to interact with colleagues and not clients, basic or conversational Chinese may be perfectly acceptable. This is especially true if one’s superior is a foreigner or can speak English.
