Facing increased competition from other expats—not to mention the countless millions of twenty- and thirty-something Chinese currently seeking employment—good jobs in China are getting more scare, hiring standards are increasing and salaries are stagnating. Now more than ever, it's important for expats to know how to get the most out of their time spent working in China. Luckily, eChinacities' jobs section is here to help! And if you visit eChinacities Answers, you'll find loads of employment-related content. Read on for a selection of some of the most recent queries.

Question: Does having an HSK certificate help in finding employment in China?
HappyExpat:An HSK certificate in a way is equivalent to a college entrance examination back home. At least that is the way I look at it. But to help others understand it better, and make up their own minds, its functions are: First, to certify that the holder has acquired the required Chinese proficiency to enter a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student. Second, to certify that the holder can be exempt from taking the Chinese language course depending on the level of certification. Third, as a basis for the employers to evaluate the Chinese proficiency of the job applicants.

Question: Why am I asked about my salary expectations during interview?
icnif77: Your answer will tell them if you will be satisfied at the new job or not. They also like to show you that they have the 'upper hand' in the deal when they offer you a lower salary than you expected. You could also try not answering them about your expectations. You could reply to them that you will accept what they are offering, so they won't know what you really want…

Question: What's the best way to bargain for a higher salary?
Hugh.G: Know the going rate; don't ask for silly money. You won't get USA/UK rates of pay. This is China. Look up some job adverts in your area and print them off. Apply for those jobs but don't accept them yet. Show your boss those adverts to let him know you know the going rate. But stay polite at all times. If your boss cannot / won't give you the salary, consider extras like holidays, flat allowance, less working hours etc. If you've been provisionally accepted for another job, you have all the bargaining power. Let your boss know you know this, just don't tell him where you've been accepted for (or you may find the 'offer' is 'withdrawn'). In the end if nothing gives, you need to consider how much you need the job. Can you afford to take a holiday for a few months? If so, walk; if not, eat humble pie and accept.

Question: How do I register as “self employed”
HappyExpat: Since I do not support anyone breaking any laws or regulations, my answer will be strictly the proper legal way to become self employed.  It will be a hard and long road depending on which one of the two you choose. One way would be with a Chinese partner, where he or she will own at least 51 % of the shares and technically will be your boss. This way is easier for many reasons, since life in China is easier for locals, and the Chinese partner could get you the necessary documents to request a work visa, obtain your FEC, and later on apply for your work permit and residence permit to be self employed legally. The second way would be for you to be 100 % owner. To do that, you will have to form and register a wholly own foreign corporation, obtain all required permits, deposit the requested capital to finance the new corporation, get your FEC, work visa, and upon arrival to China apply for your work and residence permits. And even though some may tell you to just start your own business without a work visa and related documentation, I'd advise you not to do it.  If anyone snitches on you, or the police catch up with you, you'll be forced to pay a fine, close your business and maybe even be deported from China.

Question: Is working in China good for the resume when you return home?
Kaiwen: Not necessarily. It depends largely on individual circumstances. Part time foreign language teaching can sometimes be a killer toward career progression. It is almost as bad as periods of unemployment on a resume if not marketed correctly. China is possibly the worst-case scenario from this perspective, as the ESL/EFL market here has become so de-professionalized due to the nature of the education system. I guess the most positive benefit would be returning to work at companies that have direct dealings with China and are looking for people with language/cultural skills. However, even from this perspective, the large number of overseas Chinese also make this a difficult job market to exploit. Overall, I think that the benefits or negatives of Chinese experience on the resume will be very polarized. It will either be perceived as a strong positive or as a strong negative.

Skater: Definitely, many China-bound businesses or institutions will be hunting for people who have had on-site working experiences, especially those who have related business experiences or connections. It is advised that people who return to their home country should participate in the China-related business networking events, especially those organized by relevant business councils, wherein you can meet many business leaders, Chinese scholars and government officials.

WhiteBear: In one sentence: Chinese experience is always good in resume, if it is related to business.
 

Related links
Expat Q&A: Trials and Tribulations of Being an English Teacher in China
Expat Q&A: Satisfactions and Regrets on Living in China
Expat Q&A: 5 Questions and Answers about Marriage in China

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Keywords: Expat jobs in China work in China foreign jobs in China employment in China Chinese job market