How To Get A Job In Shanghai

Working in Shanghai is very attractive for foreigners. Want to be one of the foreigners working in Shanghai? You have chosen the right time! The business atmosphere in Shanghai is very favorable for foreigners who want to work in Shanghai.

Shanghai is both the largest integrated port in China and the largest container port in the world. The rapid flow of goods and the resulting rich business contacts are another big reason to work in Shanghai.Today, Shanghai is at the forefront of China's rapid economic development. This "gateway to the world" has once again attracted countless foreigners who want to develop their careers here or immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

However, it is very difficult to find a job of your own in Shanghai. Now, it's not enough to just speak English, you also have to have some Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge.

How To Get A Job In Shanghai

Get A Job In Shanghai Required Skills

Skills and Qualifications

It's better to have professional technical or business management knowledge and then polish it with Chinese language proficiency and cultural literacy than the other way around. "Hard skills" in marketing, sales, finance, consulting, IT, engineering, new technology, etc., and good to excellent professional literacy may be better than more degrees in national studies or intercultural communication, etc.

Language Requirements

Many foreign-invested enterprises and multinational corporations use English as a language in the workplace. Thus, proficiency in Chinese can be limited to specific job descriptions, but it is desirable to have at least a basic knowledge of the language. Even if language proficiency is not mentioned in the job ad, it may give you a huge advantage. While you may not need these language skills to handle day-to-day affairs, they will make your dealings with Chinese colleagues and business much smoother. Also, the better your Chinese, the more jobs you can choose from.

Business Etiquette

Just as you can't succeed in the business world of Shanghai without fluency in Chinese, most Chinese people don't expect you to be familiar with their mannerisms and nuances.

However, you should take care to understand some basic rules of etiquette to avoid making big cross-cultural mistakes in your professional life. Depending on where you come from, some of these concepts may be familiar to you, or they may require you to be intentional about remembering.

First of all, try not to forget these basic values that are often revered in Chinese culture, in business life and in other fields.

Business Meetings

Once you master the art of polite introduction, you can establish a real business dialogue with Shanghai businessmen. Here are some basic rules to consider:

Don't interrupt others while they are still talking.

Don't talk about silence, even if they start to feel uncomfortable with you.

Keep the conversation going.

Avoid small talk in the formal part of the meeting, and avoid politics in the small talk. However, your Chinese host may be interested in your family and family life. Don't mistake their curiosity for a rude interruption. Don't ask direct advice. Get used to it. For example, "we will study this" or "it's not convenient" usually means that your Chinese contacts are not interested in further studying this matter. Don't wait for an outspoken "No.". Business invitation, toasting and gift giving are other important aspects of business culture in Shanghai and other cities in China. They also have many intricate characteristics.