Beginners Guide: An Introduction to Working in China

Beginners Guide: An Introduction to Working in China
Jan 27, 2014 By eChinacities.com

China is a world of possibility. You’ll find jobs here that you could never find at home and you’ll find people here that will change your view of the world. If you are willing and work hard you can find yourself quickly gaining responsibilities and expertise, which at home would take much longer. Just imagine, within a few months you could be chief Liason Officer of a private school or the head of Marketing at a start-up.

“I’m constantly in meetings at work, which at the start I thought was pointless, but then I realized they were only pointless because no one was acting on the decisions being made. So I started to. My boss noticed and I have quickly moved up within the company”
Lillian Baker, working in Shanghai

However, not everything is sunshine and daisies when it comes to working in China; it can also be very hard to find a job that suits and obstacles often line the path. Is my Chinese good enough? What do I do about visas? How should I conduct myself during interviews and what is it like to work in Chinese office? What happens if I want to leave before my contract ends? These questions, and more, plague jobseekers looking to work in China, but eChinaJOBs is here to help.

“Before I came to China I thought getting a job here and earning a big salary would be easy. But now I know that it's not so. The job market is becoming more and more competitive as the number of foreigners increase.”
Toby Van Zyl, working in Xi’an

Thousands of English speaking jobseekers browse jobs posted on eChinacities every day, and to make the process faster you can now upload your resume, and make yourself visible to thousands of recruiters. If you are after an extra helping hand our job referral service is also available. Our team of recruitment consultants will refer your resume to clients if we think you might fit and help sent up interviews, all free of charge.

In our Helpful Career Advice section, you will find articles about working in China, and its unique business culture. From explaining how best to fill out a resume  or write a cover letter , to common jobs for foreigners and how best to network in the Middle Kingdom. We will also keep you abreast of the latest visa regulations, as well as other laws and regulations surrounding foreigners working in China.

“Once you find a job it's very rewarding working in an international environment as well as with locals. I think the experience I gain in China will be beneficial for a very long time.”
Thomas Bears, working in Shenzhen

And if you are simply after quick advice from other foreigners, why not ask our community.

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Keywords: work in China; jobseekers looking to work in China; business culture; common jobs for foreigners Working in China

15 Comments

All comments are subject to moderation by eChinacities.com staff. Because we wish to encourage healthy and productive dialogue we ask that all comments remain polite, free of profanity or name calling, and relevant to the original post and subsequent discussion. Comments will not be deleted because of the viewpoints they express, only if the mode of expression itself is inappropriate.

mahmoudeljack200

a great service and very helpful

Mar 04, 2018 16:46 Report Abuse

MrAngel

The job market for foreigners in China is very competitive, especially in first tier cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Foreigners should also consider looking for employment opportunities in second and third tier cities.

Mar 03, 2018 18:18 Report Abuse

wendy735

so after submiting my resume am l gauranteed of getting a job?

Jan 20, 2018 17:16 Report Abuse

pkr

Tips are valuable for a new comer or who is trying to enter into Chinese workforce.

Dec 26, 2017 18:09 Report Abuse

Obedaih

very helpful

Nov 22, 2017 09:03 Report Abuse

pkr

China is a vast country with big population, various culture, living pattern and new things to learn. Job is easily available and search out with interest.

Sep 15, 2017 15:44 Report Abuse

JECINTA

a great article and very helpfultoo.

Mar 27, 2017 21:08 Report Abuse

victorale

thank you for this article

Feb 16, 2017 14:25 Report Abuse

Guest14848548

Do you have any tips to get good job in China especially in teaching English in higher level.

Oct 20, 2016 14:14 Report Abuse

raremtdc7

" If you know how to cater what people's need around you, you can have everything", that i remember my chinese friend shared me when i asked her the same first phrase of your question. Chinese parents are well focus on their desire that their kids will learn an English language. My applied tip when i was in China, " be friends with close chinese parents and invite parents with their kids learn with you, 3 to 5 kids together at your free time with your English lesson and facilitation can accumulate better amount in your palm after an hour or two classes". Chinese parents are all out supportive to their children's English lesson especially when improvements are visible, then you can arrange some more classes for them during your spare time. " rapport and work integrity are high of importance to maintain.

Feb 25, 2018 15:33 Report Abuse

veranse

helpful

Jul 05, 2016 13:21 Report Abuse

BobSints

I liked the article. I do hope it'll be usefukk When I am in China working my first time

May 05, 2016 19:32 Report Abuse

Guest14280982

I believe that the biggest issue I see in seeking employment in China is not selling yourself, but age discrimination. I have scanned thousands of job opportunities available from Tianjin to Beijing...and all seem to state an age range below 40. So for myself, I see more of an uphill battle there than any other single obstacle in China.

May 13, 2015 13:24 Report Abuse

newarrior

I am 54 that is scary

Jul 31, 2017 20:22 Report Abuse