China has been experiencing high economic growth in the construction industry and therefore provides many jobs. If you are a foreigner willing to work in construction in China there are certain aspects that you need to understand. Here are seven simple pieces of advice which will help you to get a job and be successful in the construction industry of China.
1. Find out more about constructing buildings in china
It is therefore necessary that anyone interested in the construction industry in China get acquainted with how this particular field operates. The Chinese are famous for starting and completing large infrastructural projects such as the railways, towers and cities. This is important as knowing what kind of projects are being worked on can assist one to get a job that matches one’s skills.
H2: Major aspects being the emphasis on growth areas
To be more precise some subsectors in the construction industry have been growing at a faster rate than others. For instance, environmentally sustainable construction or construction using environmentally sustainable practices is now popularly referred to as green construction; construction of smart buildings is also popular now. Which may have a greater number of vacancies in the jobs.
H2: Look Beyond Big Cities
This is because jobs abound in those hard to ignore large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, but there are many other cities as well. These places are also growing and there may be fewer competitors for jobs here.
2. Learn How to speak Mandarin Language Better
One of the biggest difficulties in working in China is language barrier. Some of the international companies’ people speak English; however, most communications on construction sites and with local companies are in Mandarin. It is, therefore, good to learn some Mandarin as this can help one land a job quickly and also do well with his/her colleagues.
H2: MOR: Vocabulary – #BasicWords for Construction
Of course when you do not speak Mandarin, it will be useful to know some basic construction words and phrases. That way employers know that you are committed to the company and the culture, making your communication skills better while on the job.
H2: Promote Learning of the English Language
For learning Chinese you can also use such programs like Duolingo or HelloChinese or any other one that is suitable for you. You can also participate in language courses or expand the practice with colleagues of the country.
3. Understand Chinese Work Culture
To all these factors, one must also add aspects of work culture in China that may well differ from what the foreigner has been accustomed to. By understanding such differences it becomes easy to co-exist with other workers and achieve set organizational goals and objectives.
H2: Build Relationships (Guanxi)
They do value relationships and this can be understood and seen in China where relationships are known as guanxi. It would be helpful if you can spend time with your co-employees and bosses and create good friendships with them; this plays a very important role in promotion. There really is more to networking than simply developing interpersonal contacts; it is about sustaining them.
H2: Respect Workplace Rules
The perceived values in China include punctuality, having respect for the bosses, as well as being a good team player. You may also have to adapt to working overtime because this is the norm with most professions including construction professions.
4. Choose the Correct Visa and Work Permits
To legally work in this country, one has to possess the right visa as well as permits to work in china. There are papers that are required for your job, and if you don’t have them, you can’t work; therefore, you have to know what you need and how to obtain it.
H2: Make an application for Z Visa
If you want to work in the construction industry you require a Z visa. This is the most common type of visa granted to foreign workers in China and it allows working participation in the country’s economy. This means that you have to find a company that can offer you a job and this company has to be based in China so that it can assist you to get this visa.
H2: Fill in all the forms needed
Once you have received your Z visa, you will require a work permit to work and in this instance your employer will assist you. Then, you’ll get a residence permit which enables you to work and reside in China. This process generally may take from a few weeks up to a month,” so it is better to start it ahead of time.
5. Highlight Your International Experience
As a foreigner you have certain qualities that will endear you to employers and make it easier for you to find a job in China. It is important to make sure to emphasize on these while searching for jobs.
Step 2: What makes it even stronger is that you should have chosen the area that relates to your special skills.
If you have any special skills, for instance if you have ever worked on green buildings, project management, or as an advanced engineer then make sure that this experience is well articulated in your resume. This is because Chinese companies tend to seek employees who have worked for foreign companies with an aim of changing their approach to their projects.
H2: In this step, the development of a solid portfolio as one of the most effective tools of investment is forecasted.
Give your potential employers what you have done in the past. Compile a portfolio of some samples of projects that have been done and if possible, prepare portfolios of projects that are most similar to those being done in China. Add any good reference you have received from your past employer.
6. Engage other professionals in the Creative Industry
It is important to extensively network in order to come across any job advertisements in China. A lot of employers don’t post jobs, and many applicants find jobs through referrals from other people, so it is always good to make new acquaintances.
H2: Attend Industry Events
The construction trade shows, conferences, and expos are commonly found in China and virtually in every Province/Country. It is always good to go for these events in order to gain knowledge about the industry and also for interaction with potential employers.
H2: Join Professional Groups
You can also make your association with the groups on issues concerning construction in China. LinkedIn, We Chat groups and forums for the Construction expats can be the starting point. These groups can assist you with connecting and also, they give information about job vacancies.
7. From the above discussion we can deduce that the recruitment agency should be worked with.
From experience, the new entrants into the China job market may struggle to make their own job hunt. Employment agencies can be beneficial in that they place people on jobs which require their specific skills.
H2: Arguments in Favour of Using an Agency
Chinese recruitment agencies understand the Chinese job market and will assist you in getting a job according to your common level. They can also assist in getting a visa for you and ensure that your contract is Neither here nor there.
H2: To Enter the Right Agency
You should try to find an agency that has good experience in assisting individuals in construction from other countries. I have recently started seeking medical attention and there is always a need to check reviews, ask friends and family and ensure I know what services they offer. Thus, the cooperation with a good agency can serve as a successful tool for the search of a job.
This is especially because getting a construction job in China if one is a foreigner is very good but it calls for certain measures. Through gaining knowledge regarding the industry, enhancing the Mandarin proficiency, familiarizing with the work climate and promoting the key strong points, one will be able to get a fulfilling job in this growing market.
FAQs:
1. To what extent is there demand for foreign workers in the construction industry in China today?
Indeed, there is a rising trend in the utilization of foreign personnel especially in the specialized fields such as green building services and project management.
2. Is it possible to find a job in the construction industry in China without having a command over Mandarin?
Though it may not be compulsory, it will be an added advantage to learn a few Mandarin words to secure a job and work well at construction sites.
3. What type of visa allows construction industry employees to be employed in China?
They include a Z visa for legal working in China, a work permit as well as a residence permit.
4. What are the ways one can look for construction jobs in China?
Some of the strategies that can be used in order to gain employment in construction industries include networking, going to industry fairs and using the services of a recruitment agency.
5. What are some important things I should know about the Chinese work culture?
The Chinese culture is very particular with the aspects of building relations (guanxi), honoring the organization policies and following local etiquette during a business trip.