Working And Getting A Job In Beijing

When you getting a job and working in Beijing. which is undoubtedly quite exciting. No matter how qualified you are and how hard you work in Beijing, you need to know something important.

Here are 8 survival tips for working in Beijing.

1. Speak Chinese

No matter you have learned the language for many years, your first job in Beijing is to speak a little Chinese. You may not be able to do your work directly with it, but even if you just use it to chat, exchange greetings, or say hello, your local colleagues will appreciate your efforts.

In addition, try to avoid relying on your colleagues to make up for your shortcomings in Chinese. Although they are willing to help sometimes, they don't come to order for you, ask you Didi, or talk to the landlord for you every day.

2. Eat and drink like locals

In most jobs in Beijing, there are many opportunities to have lunch, dinner or even karaoke at night with colleagues. You are likely to have some local food. Again, like language, if you at least try the plate. It's easier said than done. It depends on whether you eat relatively safe Guangdong snacks or crazy spicy Sichuan hotpot, but try to be open-minded.

In addition, if other people are drinking, they can also drink a few dry beers together. However, I suggest that if white wine appears on the table, it's best to decline politely. Because you don't want to get drunk and lose face!

3. Respect nap time

Perhaps surprisingly, one of the biggest cultural differences you'll notice in your first job in Beijing is that almost everyone takes a nap during lunch time. Although you have no obligation to sleep, you should respect the right of others to sleep. If you are in the same room with people who are sleeping, try to avoid talking and making phone calls. If you listen to music or watch videos, use headphones. As we all know, because Chinese people work long hours, your colleagues need as much sleep as possible.

4. Participate in team building exercises

In general, the scale of team building in Beijing enterprises is quite large. These activities can be anything from a sports day at a nearby gym to a visit to a local landmark to a full overseas holiday (if you're lucky). Some activities must sound more attractive than others, but try to join them anyway. Even if you want to use your free time to do something else, you need to text your boss in advance if you don't attend.

5. Occasional overtime

In fact, in Beijing, most jobs require overtime. It may be caused by Saturday, or it may need to live in the company for a short time, especially for technology companies. As a foreigner, you can sometimes avoid working overtime first. However, if you are the only one who comes home on time every day, it may be bad for team morale. This is not to say that you should always work overtime, but when you are busy or have deadlines, your team will appreciate your occasional overtime.

6. Be modest

Generally speaking, modesty is a good life advice, especially in your first job in Beijing. In the west, people usually accept the praise or praise. In China, people expect praise to be modest, even if it is false. If someone praises your work, trust those who help you achieve it. Even if someone just compliments you, laugh it off

7. Caution

Again, advice in life is generally good, but in your first job in Beijing, there is a special purpose to be independent. Chinese professionals tend to be less outspoken than their Western counterparts. Few people criticize or refute their colleagues in front of their colleagues, and never oppose the manager or the boss, especially in public. When you start your first job in Beijing, you may find some inefficiency or pain. Just make sure your feedback is correct, or it may backfire.

8. Avoid foreign card

This attitude will promote bad habits and may hinder your career development in China. So put that foreigner card firmly in the sleeve.