Chinese for Business Blog

If you are looking to further your career in China, it is really important to learn how to put your best foot forward during an interview. In China, the concept of face (面子 miànzi) defines all business relations, making the in-person interview (面试 miànshì) the most important factor in landing a job. China is a high-context culture, and while the same standards of interviewing in the West still apply, you need to keep your case relevant to your interviewer's cultural perspective. Making sure that you address the company’s main hiring concerns – cultural differences, commitment, and growth potential– is the best way to come across as professional. There are several do’s and don’ts that will help you see eye-to-eye with your Chinese interviewer.

Related: How To Find A Job In China

China is a dynamic job market that has distinct career advantages at the entry level if you are ambitious and enterprising, and at the senior level if you are experienced. In my experience, the opportunity to live and work in a totally different culture and environment is the biggest reward, and going to work in China is quite an adventure for most people. With the rate at which Chinese are learning English far outpacing the number of new Mandarin learners, it is no longer easy to find jobs just because you speak English. Being proficient in Chinese or at least demonstrating the intent to learn is crucial for you to show recruiters that you are invested in the country and intend to stay. Furthermore, you will want to learn Chinese if you are to make the most of your opportunity to experience this transformative period in the development the Chinese economy. To find a good job in China, you usually need to be able to apply language and cross-cultural communication skills to a specific profession. Check out this list of the top eight job markets for foreigners, so you can get an idea of some of the best places learning Chinese can lead.