Over the past years, the growth of China’s economy has been rapid and the country currently has the second-largest economy in the world (after the U.S.) In recent years, the rate of economic growth has slowed down and job prospects are generally good, although competition for graduate roles is intense.
While the country has a population of 1.4 billion, its people enjoy a relatively low cost of living compared to the UK – although this does depend on location. Major cities such as Shanghai and the capital Beijing are unsurprisingly more expensive.
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The opportunity to experience a very different culture is a huge attraction to many foreigners considering working in China. To make life a little easier, you may wish to consider taking learning Chinese Mandarin classes – not only does a second language look great on your CV, but it can also boost your chances of success when you look for work.
No matter what your profession is, there are a few things every job seeker should know about finding work in China.
1. The Chinese government is very interested in controlling its citizens and making sure they have the right skills.
2. English is a very important language in China.
3. China has an ext paying their taxes.
4. A lot of people with the right skills are willing to accept lower wages in China than they would be offered in their home countries.
5. There is a big difference in the cost of living in China versus the United States.
6. Living in China is an entirely different experience than living in the United States.
7. The best way to find work in China is to get a job first in China and then move to the United States.
8. China is a very big country with a very large population.
9. The Chinese government and companies want to make sure that new companies are not just setting up shop in China, but that they are making investments in China.
10. There are a lot of regulations in China that require companies to buy local products and hire local people.
How to get a job in China
Obviously, before you arrive in China, you should try to secure a job, as this will affect the types of visa you will apply for.
One of the easiest ways for international candidates to secure a job before making the move is through a secondment from an international company in their home country.
If it is not possible for you to attend the event, make sure that you are networking with the event organizer and other people at the event. In China, personal contacts are heavily relied upon during the job hunt as some vacancies are never formally advertised. In this situation, some knowledge of Mandarin can go a long way.
Applications in China usually consist of a CV and a short cover letter. If you are speaking Mandarin and have been offered a job in China, you will likely be asked to complete this in addition to your CV and cover letter, it is a good idea to write your application in the language to demonstrate your knowledge of it.
If your application is successful, you may be subjected to a number of interviews before discovering whether you’ve got the job.