Job interview in China: What you should know

23 February 2011
Job_interview_in_china

A job interview in China is very similar to one conducted in Europe.  A good preparation and some common sense will get any candidate through this step of the job search.  However, there are a few subtleties in terms of the dress code, the documents to bring, and the language aspect that are not to be taken lightly.  In such a competitive job market, a successful job interview in China is often a question of details… and the person who gets to sign at the bottom of the page is usually the one who is the most carefully prepared.

Job interview in China: European rules apply

Know the company hiring

  • Make friendly contact with a staff member.  This can get you some inside information on corporate culture (dress code, work rules, etc.) and on the stakes of the position.
  • Search the internet and gather as much information as possible about the company’s structure, its different fields of activity and its philosophy.
  • According to your research, prepare a few questions to ask the recruiter, but avoid talking about the salary on the first meeting.
  • Make sure you can elaborate on every item mentioned in your covering letter.

Do not neglect the language aspect

  • Make sure to ask beforehand in what language your job interview in China will be conducted, as it may entirely or partly take place in Chinese if the position requires it.  Otherwise, English is generally the preferred language when the use of an interpreter is not needed.
  • If your Chinese is a little rusty, take a refresher course, find a way to practice it every day, and prepare questions and answers likely to be addressed.
  • If you are at the beginner level, the easiest way to learn very basic Chinese is online.  But taking a course in England or China with a native speaker is better.

A few Chinese particularities to consider

Documents to bring

  • Business cards are very important in the Chinese culture: make sure you have enough of them printed in both English and Chinese because the person who is hiring will definitely hand you over his card.
  • Copies of your resume and covering letter
  • Transcriptions of your degrees and diplomas (very important in China)
  • Pen and paper to take notes
  • Name of the person you are meeting, address and directions to the interview location

What to wear

The dress code in Chinese companies is fairly conservative, so you should choose your outfit accordingly.

  • Men: Business suit, shirt, and subtle tie.  Wax your shoes.
  • Women: Business suit with pants/skirt or conservative dress with short jacket.  Avoid high heels.

Do not dress completely in white, as it is the color of mourning in China.  A white shirt or blouse with a colored outfit is acceptable.