How To Get A Good Job In China?

Your employment in China has been offered to you. A fresh chance has presented itself, and it is both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. It doesn't matter how good your credentials are or how hard you work; there are a few things you should know regardless.

Learn how to communicate in Mandarin Chinese

Regardless of how long you've studied the language, you should make an attempt to communicate in Chinese on your first day of work in China, whether you're fluent or not.

Even if you can't use it for your job, your local coworkers will appreciate your effort, even if you just use it for a small chat, niceties, and the occasional hello.

Also, try not to rely on your coworkers' Chinese proficiency as a crutch.

If you ever need anything from them, they will be pleased to assist, but you should know that they aren't there to order you meals, call you a DiDi, or deal with your landlord on a regular basis.

2. Live like a native by eating and drinking like one.

The majority of employment in China provides lots of possibilities for socializing with coworkers over lunches, dinners, and even late-night karaoke sessions. If you're going to dine, chances are you'll try some of the local cuisines.

Like with the language, your coworkers will be grateful if you at least taste some of their offerings after they've been introduced to you.

Try to be open-minded while eating dim sum, whether it's the relatively safe Cantonese kind or the incredibly spicy Sichuan variety.

Don't be shy about having a few can be is with your friends.

However, if bai jiu is on the table, politely declining is the way to go. If you become too intoxicated, you might end up looking foolish.

3. Be considerate of other people's sleep times.

One of the major cultural changes you'll see at your first job in China is that practically everyone takes asleep during lunch.

Despite the fact that you are under no obligation to sleep, you should nonetheless show consideration for the needs of others.

Avoid chatting and making phone calls if you're in the same room as someone sleeping, and wear headphones if you're viewing a film or listening to music.

Given that Chinese workers are notorious for putting in long hours, your coworkers will likely need all the rest they can get.

Participate in team-building activities.

Team-building activities are quite popular in Chinese businesses.

A sports day at the local gym, a trip to a local monument, or even a trip overseas (if you're fortunate) are all possibilities.

While certain activities may pique your interest more than others, make an effort to participate in them all.

If you don't want to go to work, don't skip a day. Missing a day sends the incorrect message to your supervisor and coworkers.

Make sporadic use of after-hours labor

It is a truth that overtime is required in almost all employment in China.

Attending work on Saturday mornings or working late nights for a tech firm are two examples of working irregular hours.

It's possible to avoid working overtime if you're a foreigner since Chinese companies are reluctant to demand additional unpaid hours from foreign employees in the same manner they do from Chinese employees.

However, if you're the only one who makes it home on time every day, it may be detrimental to team spirit.

That's not to mean you should work late every day, but if things are very hectic or there's a tight deadline, your coworkers would appreciate it if you stay a bit later than usual.

6. Have a modest attitude

Being modest is a valuable life lesson in general, but it's particularly important when starting a new career in China.

Instead of well-deserved praise or praises typically being welcomed, in China it is expected to be greeted with faux humility, even if it is true modesty.

If someone compliments your work, be sure to give appreciation to those who made it possible.

Don't take anything personally, even if someone only complements you in general.

In addition, keep in mind that it's customary in Chinese to call individuals attractive or lovely, so don't be alarmed if someone calls you any of these things.

7. Keep your mouth shut.

Again, this is sound advice for life in general, but being discreet is especially important when starting a new career in China.

People in Chinese workplaces are far less honest than in Western workplaces.

Criticizing or contradicting your coworkers in front of your coworkers is unusual, and going against your manager or supervisor, particularly in public, is a clear no-no.

Inefficiencies and pain points may be apparent while starting your first employment in China. Just be careful how you offer your critique; if you don't, it might have the opposite effect.

8. Do not use the foreigner card in any way

You should avoid playing the foreigner card in your new employment, as all of these reasons suggest.

Working against the grain is not a sustainable approach to your professional life. You may receive preferential treatment from colleagues and you may get away with more than a local in terms of skirting.

Such a mentality will encourage poor behaviors and might limit your professional development in China.

So, don't forget to play the foreigner card while you're out and about.

Whatever the case may be, who knows? You never know when you'll have to put your money where your mouth is.