One of the most significant challenges in determining how to find a job in China as a foreigner is the language barrier. Many employers demand applicants to know at least the fundamentals of Chinese, and many job boards and advertising advertisements are only accessible in the local language.
Because the market is often focused on employing local talent, the standards for expatriates wishing to work in China are stringent. Applicants must demonstrate their competency via a variety of accomplishments, degrees, and experiences.
How Is It Easy To Find A Job In China?
Tips for Business Networking in China
Professional networking, whether you are a foreigner or not, might be the key to finding a job in China. That is why knowing someone at the organization to which you are applying might provide you with a significant edge. It’s a good approach to break into the market since your connections will be able to notify you when a job comes up in their organization or perhaps promote you to their colleagues.
To effectively network, you should begin by joining discussion groups on job networking sites and getting in contact with individuals who are already working in China. If you have the chance to spend time in the city where you want to relocate, attempt to network in person as well. When you do, make sure you have a few business cards with your information in Simplified Chinese on one side and English on the other.
What is the Best Way to Apply for a Job in China Online?
If you don’t get a job via professional networking, you could try internet employment sites. Companies are increasingly advertising available opportunities online. However, the majority of these websites are in Chinese and are not always aimed at expats, making it difficult for foreigners to obtain work possibilities. As a result, if you have a rudimentary comprehension of the Chinese language, you will undoubtedly have an advantage.
Resume/CV Guidance
When creating your resume, you will need to provide unusually personal information such as your birthplace and date, marital status, and, in certain situations, the number of children as well as ethnicity. A picture should be included in Chinese-style CVs. Both the education and job experience parts are given in reverse chronological order (more recent accomplishments first), with the education section appearing first.
If you come across a job posting that seems to be a good match for you, attempt to activate your business network in China and see if you can contact a company representative. Your chances of actually being hired will skyrocket. It is important to remember that submitting unsolicited applications to various firms is not a suitable strategy to conduct your job hunt in China.
Of course, you may also post your resume on numerous professional networks and job search websites and just wait for the right job to come to you. Some expats have found jobs overseas in this manner. However, if this does not work out, you should have a sound backup plan in place.
Cover Letter Suggestions
A word of caution concerning cover letters: they are not often used in China. Instead, while describing their job history on their résumé, the candidates focus on their accomplishments.
Candidates often add a self-evaluation at the conclusion of their resume. It takes the role of the CV’s interest and hobbies section and is more widely utilized than references, which are usually not needed.
Interview Techniques
When your application is successful and you are asked to an interview, be courteous, professional, and humble, respect your superiors, but be enthusiastic and speak about your talents. Don’t be late, have your business cards handy, and try not to “lose your face.”
In China, you may go from university to working life.
Another possibility is to begin by enrolling in a Chinese university. To begin with, certain businesses may be more ready to consider you if you have graduated from a famous school of higher learning. Second, changing your visa from a student to a work visa is simpler (and less expensive for your prospective employer) than applying for an employment visa “from scratch.” Furthermore, it will allow you to spend time in China, attend interviews, expand your professional network, and contact possible employers.
The disadvantage is that a Chinese student visa does not enable students to work, therefore you must ensure that you have a financial cushion. Some language schools are less stringent about work permits, providing overseas students and language instructors with an additional source of income. However, many expats have had negative experiences with language schools, and since this method is illegal, we do not advocate it.
An internship might be a terrific method to get a foot in the door for current students and young adults. Many large Chinese corporations prefer to recruit interns and then retain them full-time if they do well.