As China furthers its foray into modernization and integration into the international sphere, many Westerners have seen the potential to seek out ambitious career prospects as project managers in the environs of the nation. Despite the natural hesitation related to engaging in a position of employment which necessitates relocation and/or representation of a foreign entity, copious researching and advanced preparation can ameliorate any trepidation and set you up for a successful relocation to the Chinese market. If you possess pre-existing knowledge pertaining to the Chinese working environment, or alternatively, are completely unfamiliar, the following suggestions may prove to be of benefit in procuring a project manager role specifically for foreign nationals residing in China.
Acquiring Necessary Qualifications and Documents of Project Manager Jobs In China
Prior to applying to any jobs, it is imperative to ensure one has the apt qualifications for remuneration. Generally speaking, companies will expect personnel to bear some form of attestant such as an accreditation or qualification that vouchsafes they have the primary aptitude and background for the position.
Since the relevant documents, such as a legitimate passport and an operational work permit, are also imperative for successful employment in China, requisite visas, such as the Z-Visa program, shall be taken into consideration; the X-Visa program, created for managers and investigators, could also be adapted. Proficiently be cautious to factor all expenses of furnishing documents for a work permit and conduct an in-depth analysis of your admitted visa schemes.
Excluding the fundamental documents and criteria, one should also ponder becoming familiar with the basics of the Chinese language as to increase the likelihood of gaining a desirable job – even if the occupation is to be short-lived, familiarity with a language inherently conveys respect towards the natives.
Developing Your Professional Network
One of the most reliable and common ways to land a job in a foreign country is through networking. Get connected with potential employers and hiring initiatives through events hosted by international organizations and recruitment agencies in your city.
Moreover, you should prioritize building an online presence as well. This will show employers that you’re serious about your job search and that you’re capable of navigating foreign job markets. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, and follow industry-specific accounts or professionals who can mentor and provide guidance.
Finally, remember that developing relationships rather than just sending out resumes will do much more in helping you as you start to work intensely on making connections. Listen more than you speak and get to know people’s passions and interests instead of focusing conversations on yourself.
Applying for Job Openings
Start your job search by looking up international job postings from China or foreign recruitment agencies based in China. Keep an eye out for wanted ads from employers who have opened up applications for project managers who match your qualifications.
In addition to job postings, apply to internship positions that may introduce you to the industry and employers of interest in China. Even if you don’t end up with an internship, many such opportunities become available every month, meaning that you’ll eventually have better odds when attempting to secure a professional role.
Finally, you can also reach out to ex-pats or foreigners who have already traveled and worked extensively in China and make it known that you are interested in job opportunities. This will give you a better chance of learning of any openings and leveraging connections made throughout the job search process.
Conclusion
Finding project manager jobs in China for foreigners can be daunting at first, but once you have the necessary documents and qualifications in order, the rest of the journey becomes easier.
Developing a professional network that consists of current and ex-pats, finding job postings, and applying internships are among the best ways of finding a job in China. Finally, because of Mandarin’s growing importance in the business world, having a basic understanding of the language may help to make your resume stand out from the competition!