Working in China
Working in China is very common now. Either you are sent to
China by your company or you apply for a job to be stationed in
China. Applying for a job in China is very common today as China
gradually becomes a economic powerhouse. In fact, many Hong
Kongers and Taiwanese feel that it is important to have good job
experience in China.
It is also very common to be posted for short working trips to
China as a technical expert or co-ordinator as China is a big
consumer of modern technology. Many companies sent their
technical staff on short assignments to familiarize their
Chinese counterpart on new technology.
Job Hunt
Many people are fascinated with China and desire to work in
China. You can apply from your home country, or like many,
purchase a ticket, land in China and start looking!
The best source of jobs is on the internet. There are many job
sites that specialises in China jobs. Alternately, pick up an
English expatriate magazine that you can find in most 4 or 5
star hotels and there are likely to be job opportunities in
there. Many of these magazines also run expatriate internet
forums where you can place your resume.
At this moment, the biggest job opportunities for foreigners are
as English teachers in schools as China raced to get itself
ready for the Olympics in Year 2008. Similarly, jobs in Food and
Beverage and the Hospitality trade is also in high demand
especially for English speaking staff.
Entry Visa
For business or short working trips, it is advisable to apply
for the Business Visa. A business visa allows multiple trips of
up to 30 days per trip for a period of three or six months
depending on the visa applied. An invitation letter from the
Chinese office is needed for the application.
For long working trips, a Z Visa is required. This allow you to
stay in China for up to one year. You will need a work permit
and a letter from your Chinese Office before a Z Visa can be
issued.
Accomodation
For those lucky to be on job assignments, the company will
likely put you up in a hotel or a service apartment. China has a
wide range of hotels and are likely to be clean and comfortable
even if in the lower classes. When travelling to smaller towns,
you may be unable to find a hotel higher than 3-stars!
For those on their own, renting a local apartment will be the
cheapest way to go in the long run. For those really on a tight
budget, look for a apartment in a local area and not in one of
those expatriate enclave.
Rent leases in China normally runs for a minimum of 6 months but
it is not uncommon to find 3 months leases nowadays. When
renting apartments, remember that it is a requirement to inform
the nearest police station of your new place of residence.
Work style
This can be a interesting area. Depending on the industry, the
history, the culture and management, working with the Chinese
can be a pleasure or a pain.
If you are working in a MNC, where the Chinese has been exposed
to western management concept, you may indeed find the working
style very familiar with that at home.
For others, work can be a nightmare in a entirely Chinese
environment. Many state enterprises or Chinese company may run
with a working culture reminiscent of the iron bowl concept of
the early 60s and 70s.
Business culture
Again, business culture in dependent on the industry, company or
even the geographical location of the company. For example, in
the North, business is seldom discussed unless there has been a
fair amount of socializing at the restaurant while in the South,
business may come before social interaction.
Overall, the business culture of China is more of human
interaction than anything else. There must be a fair amount of
socialisation and familiarisation before real discussions of any
form can proceed. Do not jump or insist on a serious discussion
on your first meeting. Please see Chinese Business Culture for
further information.
Language Requirements
It is almost impossible to work or do business in China without
some understanding of the Chinese language. It is useful to
attend Chinese classes before or after seeking work in China.
Please see Chinese Phrases page for further basic understanding
of Chinese.
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