How to prepare for a job interview in Chinese

China's fast rising economy and emerging sectors have made it a magnet for global experts.

If you want to work in China, you may have a Chinese-language interview. Don't worry if this seems overwhelming.

Relax

This is the toughest interview tip to follow since a shaky voice or sweaty fingers might give you away. Try to relax. When worried, you tend to speak too quickly. Think before speaking. It's best to wait a few seconds to consider before replying than to start talking quickly. Carefully crafted replies and steady, controlled speech will convey confidence to the interviewer.

Swap cards

Despite WeChat, China still values business cards. Exchange business cards at the beginning of the interview, and use both hands. Bring enough business cards for many interviewers. Make a show of scrutinizing each card for a second or two and then putting it down. It also shows you understand Chinese business traditions.

Non-Verbal Communication

What you don't mention in an interview is important. Be careful of body language before speaking. Confidence, eye contact, and enthusiasm are key. In the case of equally competent applicants, interviewers are more inclined to go with someone who appeared active and happy.

Reply

Over-preparation frequently leads candidates to not answer the question presented. Certain questions will be rehearsed during preparation. You might be caught off-guard if the question is identical to one you prepared. If you don't listen carefully, the interviewer will assume you can't handle pressure. Don't be scared to say when you don't have an answer. Interviewers can typically tell if you make up an answer, and admitting you don't know demonstrates humility. If you don't know, say you're eager to learn and display another skill.

Experiment

Use employment examples when questioned about your experience. This shows you have real-world experience and can handle challenges. Prepare some relevant examples, such as an issue you addressed or a difficult coworker you handled.

Inquire

Question everything. To relax anxiety, pretend you're interviewing the employer. When they're talking, ask follow-up questions to show you're listening. This shows interest and learning readiness. Near the conclusion of the interview, you may ask questions. The worst thing you can say is nothing, so prepare basic questions and take notes throughout the interview.

Personal Questions

Certain queries that Westerners may find excessively intimate are typical in China. Include family and background inquiries. There's no issue too intimate in Chinese interviews, even if questioning women about childrearing is frowned upon. If you don't respond, you'll be informally penalized.

Start Well

You'll have formed first, second, and third impressions at the conclusion of the interview. Leave a lasting impression when the interview ends. Try ending with one of your strengths, even if the interviewer hasn't asked. What's the next step? Hello, etc. Thank your interviewers face-to-face for their time. Use the business cards you collected to add possible new colleagues on WeChat or email to say thanks. In the West, this may appear forceful, yet in China it's polite.