You’ve updated your CV and you’re ready to start your next big job hunting adventure, this time in China. Whether you’re looking for your first China job or your fifth, navigating the job market here can be tricky at times. To make sure you’re not caught off guard, here’s a brief guide on what to expect when you’re job hunting in the Middle Kingdom.
Job Hunting. Photo: Robert S. Donovan
1) Patience is a virtue
It can take a very long time for companies to respond to an application, and we’re talking up to a few months, or sometimes, never.
Competition is fierce in a job market where you’ll be up against not only other foreigners, but increasingly against highly skilled local talent with excellent English. Make sure you start hunting at least a few months before you intend to move on as the response time for companies seems to be slower than in the West.
That said, there are two lessons to learn from this: start your job search well in advance and don’t give up hope if your dream job doesn’t respond right away.
2) Network, network, network
Networking is crucial in any job market, but in China, with its age old tradition of guanxi, this importance increases tenfold.
The first thing to remember is that while it’s tempting to only network within the expat circle, if you really want to get a grasp on the full range of opportunities in your chosen field, try your best to network within the Chinese community too. Learning some Chinese, even just the basics will help too.
Connections with people who work in HR departments of companies are extremely valuable and enquiring about job opportunities through them will get you a lot further than ‘cold’ applications through job websites and recruitment services.
Remember, as a foreigner it’s easier to network with Chinese people sometimes as you always have talking points to break the ice and people will be curious about what you do and where you come from.
Have a look at our article on how to best maximize your networking potential.
3) Things aren’t always what they seem
A lot of expats come across red herrings in their job searches.
Many expats find job descriptions that suit what they’re looking for, apply, sometimes interview, and will be offered a job which differs wildly from what they were lead to expect, some of which turn out to be the notorious ‘face jobs’; where foreigners are employed by the company for their Western appearance to basically act as a mascot to be paraded around during meetings.
Another common occurrence is recruiters mysteriously getting hold of your contact details and aggressively promoting positions to you. Love them or hate them, recruiters will play a big part in your job hunt in China, so be ready to insist on what you want and don’t be afraid to hold your ground.
Read our guide on how to spot and avoid face jobs here.
4) Manage your expectations
China isn’t the land of opportunity it once was. Ten years ago, foreigners were a much rarer commodity and native level, fluent English a sought after enough skill to land you a job that far exceeded your level of experience. However, what the foreign community has lost in terms of highly paid jobs based on very little credentials, it has gained in terms of real opportunities that can give you valuable experience, help you hone your Mandarin and lead to increased career potential in the future.
Salaries won’t be as crazily high as they used to be, especially if you are hunting from within China, but before you complain, remember that you will more than likely be receiving a lot more than your Chinese counterparts could hope to expect. See it as an important stepping stone and embrace what you can learn from the experience.
5) Cultural differences
You are looking to enter a job market in a society that is in many ways far less progressive than in the West. Your future employers and colleagues are likely to be fairly conservative, particularly among the middle aged men who dominate at management level. With this in mind there is unfortunately an accepted level of gender and racial discrimination when hiring.
Questions about your marital status, age and family situation are not only common but expected in a job interview. How you respond to these questions is up to you, but be aware that they are standard practice in the hiring process in China.
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Keywords: Job hunting in China advice What to expect job hunting in China
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i have read all over some comments here. . .i felt afraid a bit but. . .to conquer it. . . " cross the bridge when you get there. . ." this what the risk takers would like to think if they really want to explore. . . so i do. . .
Apr 14, 2018 20:59 Report Abuse
Looking at the fierce competition, the chances for a non native English teacher landing a job seem pretty bleak... I'd better gear up for a long long job hunt…
Nov 09, 2017 10:24 Report Abuse
great topic! for newbies though not us old timers...we've been here for years starting to call china home ;)
Oct 03, 2017 13:41 Report Abuse
Very good article. Super informative. As a beginner in here, I'm glad I've read it.
Aug 15, 2017 11:38 Report Abuse
Western countries also do not have jobs to offer their citizens. It is a global thing. Why would Westerners go to China to work? The backpackers are a different breed. They just want to live their lives touring different places, whether there is global slump or not. However, Westerners have a problem looking for a good-paying job in their home countries, whether they admit it or not. My cousins who are US citizens have good jobs in the US and they have never thought of going to China to find work.
Feb 16, 2017 17:28 Report Abuse
Hope getting a job hear is the fastest We are believing that it will be sooo.
Nov 01, 2016 01:39 Report Abuse
Cultural Differences: Cultures are different. It's what makes them unique. But rejecting someone becuase of the colour of their skin, is hands down racism. Colour does not define Culture*. After reading this article it really opened my eyes that people in China finds discrimination and racism acceptable. Where I come from we have laws that prohibit the abuse of humantiy, job discrimination is one of them. This is a serious issue, I been in China for a year and they not only discriminate among themselves. But they are also racist to their own kind. It is quite sad really.
Sep 13, 2016 14:21 Report Abuse
There are actually many job postings that appear daily but perhaps 99% of these seek only native English speakers. Hopefully, others who do not squarely fall within this single qualification but who are perhaps even more qualified in some other aspects would be given equal consideration.
Aug 21, 2016 23:57 Report Abuse