China : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Competition for graduate vacancies is intense. The main opportunities for foreign graduates working abroad in the Chinese labour market are in teaching, particularly English.

• Typical problems encountered: competition from graduates who are Chinese nationals is very high. Over six million graduates join the labour market each year.
• How to improve your chances: it is important to offer relevant, paid work experience. Many employers in China value paid work experience that is relevant rather than experience gained in voluntary and casual work. It is important to have attended a well-known, ‘big name’ university. Employers also look at university rankings. Skills sought include languages, including proficiency in English, teamwork and communication skills, leadership and ability to learn.
• Language requirements: the main language is Mandarin Chinese. The working language for multinational employers tends to be English.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: mining, textiles, chemicals, consumer products, telecommunications equipment, satellites and transportation, e.g. cars, ships, aircraft.
• Recent growth areas: plastics, rubber and pharmaceuticals.
• Shortage occupations: graduates with IT and related technical qualifications are in demand.
• Major companies: many major internationals including: Nestlé, Google, Shell, IBM, HSBC, Microsoft, Airbus, Clifford Chance and Procter & Gamble.
• Search for more companies: Kompass  and the British Chamber of Commerce in China .
• Major cities: Beijing (capital), Shanghai (largest), Guangdong, Chongqing.

What’s it like working in China?

• Average working hours: working week of 40 hours, Monday to Friday, eight to nine hours a day.
• Holidays: at least five days' annual leave which increases every year, and 13 national holidays.
• Tax rates: progressive income tax system, starting at 5% rising to 45%.
• Working practices and customs: the British Embassy Beijing  includes a guide to Business Etiquette in China  (Microsoft Word document).