Can I work in China without work experience?
Do you plan to join the Chinese labor market after graduating from a Chinese university? It may be quite daunting to join the Chinese workforce as a student at a Chinese institution, particularly if you are attending courses from outside of China thanks to Covid.
China Admissions is not a career counseling service, but we are dedicated to assisting students in all phases of the university application process and beyond. Thus, we have compiled a number of materials and studied the applicable rules for international students interested in finding employment in China.
Here is all you need to know about the Chinese job market and finding employment in China after graduating from a Chinese institution.
Can Graduates Find Employment in China? Absolutely Every Rule!
If you're planning on entering the Chinese employment market after finishing your education, there are a few things you should know.
A minimum of two years of work experience is required in addition to a Bachelor's degree from a Chinese institution in order to qualify for a work visa in China.
Certain free trade zone zones in Shanghai (more details here) or Zhuhai provide exemptions to this rule for students who graduate from top Chinese colleges and want to work there. Talk to your school or a reliable visa service to be sure this is the right route.
If you get a Master's degree in China, you won't need to wait two years for a job offer, even if you don't have any professional experience.
You can't legally be both a full-time student and employee.
In other words, these rules only apply to those in search of a full-time employment after graduation. Internships and work studies are available in China for students with an X visa. Just go here to find out more: (internships link and work-study laws).
Get Ready for China's Competitive Job Market
There are a few things you should be ready for if you are preparing to graduate shortly...
Think about where you want to work. Will it be in China, or somewhere else?
In order to get full-time employment in China after finishing school, you need...
Expert Advice for Chinese College Students Seeking Employment
Although I was not physically in China, I was able to utilize Covid to apply for and get internship, full-time, and freelance employment offers from Chinese firms. To help you out, I've listed the following:
Plan ahead and do some research
Beginning a year or more in advance, if you know what industry you want to work in, it is best to start researching job postings and company openings. Pay attention to the qualifications that modern employers are seeking in job applications. Then you'll know what you need to do to be ready and can get started on developing the abilities you'll need for a winning resume.
Complete a solid application form.
Discover what makes each document unique, and download free examples of each, here.
Canva.com also provides a free résumé builder.
The following are some things your resume should include...
Self-portrait taken by a pro
Discuss your experiences in school, job, and community service.
Expose your special abilities.
Clear and concise; not too wordy; specifically written for the job you're looking for; listing relevant references (past employers or professors who can give you a good review if needed)
Completely error-free in terms of grammar and spelling
In most cases, a resume shouldn't go beyond two pages. Half a page is too short and shows that you do not have enough experience to apply for jobs at this time.
Develop your Chinese language skills!
This is a must if you want to break into the Chinese labor market. HSK 4 or higher will provide you a considerable advantage in the employment market, even if knowledge of Chinese isn't strictly necessary. Having a command of the Chinese language is essential for finding gainful employment in China.
Keep in mind that Chinese students who have studied abroad and picked up English will also be vying with you for employment. To get the finest employment in China, you need to be able to speak both English and Chinese fluently.
Attempt to apply for several positions.
There's a good chance you won't be hired for the first job for which you apply. Even if it were, it probably wouldn't be the twentieth or fifty. There is no guarantee that you will get a response right away, but if your grades and experience are strong, you should. Consistency is the key to success. Keep in mind that a resume is not an indicator of your value. If you need assistance with your job search, don't be afraid to ask for it.
It's time to reevaluate your CV and consider if you need to acquire new talents, brush up on your Chinese, or gain an additional degree in order to become more marketable to potential employers if you've applied to hundreds of jobs without receiving a single response.