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Don't Forget to Follow the Best China Job Interview Etiquette

Do you want to impress your employer in China? If that's your plan, I can help you with the best solution. I can share some etiquettes that you would follow next in your interview and find a spot in the country. China is a country where cultural values matter the most. Employers pay due attention to how you behave. When you follow some etiquette, it will showcase you that you are culturally aware and fit well in the organization. So, here are some etiquette you would follow in your next job interview in China. 

job interview etiquette china

Pay attention to Your Dress

How you look matters the most in a Job Interview. Therefore, when it comes to interview preparation, give due thoughts to your dress. Pick it carefully. Your interview outfit should be impressive, culture-appropriate, and elegant. Don't go fancy, if you are a woman. Keep it natural, tidy, and clean. As far as men are concerned, you need to wear suits. The Younger generation in China is adapting the casual dress code, but you are not them. You are an expat who needs to follow the culture, so go as elegant and suited up as possible.

Understand what to wear to a job interview 

Formal Conversation

In Western culture, people don't mind talking too much. In China, things are completely different. They don't like overtalking or extroverted behavior at all. If you want to win the attention of your employer, you need to keep your gesture as small as possible. Keep answer-to-the-point, no stories, no joke cracks, or nothing off-topic.

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Posture Matter

How you sit, how you speak, and lean forward matter the most.Don't touch your mouth. Keep your hand in your lap. Don't touch your cell phone, Chinese consider such gestures gross and highly unlikeable.

Use Chinese Phrases and Words

Chinese employers are always interested to know how you blend in your company well and how ready you are to learn Chinese. Sprinkle common Chinese phrases. The reason is to tell them, you are on the way to learning this language and have due interest in learning it further- once you become a part of it.

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Punctuality

One thing that you never want to do in China is to arrive late for an interview. If you do that you will lose many points even without starting an interview. It's because time is precious for Chinese. They consider it rude and disrespectful if you let your recruiter wait. Please, plan your travel from home to office in a way that you reach there at least 20 minutes early. When you reach there, stay attentive and readily approach when the receptionist call your name.

Use Formal Titles

You can't be on a first-name basis with your recruiters. They are formal and rely heavily on their family names. One thing to do before reaching the office is to start an inquiry about family names. Once you find it, you can use their formal family name in this manner. family name + “Mr” Xiānshēng  or “Mrs” Tàitài .

No Handshake Please

As a western, you have a natural temptation of a handshake when you reach there. But, keep in mind it's not a thing in Chinese Customs. A slight bow is required from your side, nothing more. So, stick to a respectful bow only.

china job interview behavior examples

Get a Business Card

Chinese like business cards the most. Don't have any job? No worries, you can still have some print out cards and keep them. Print one side in English and another in Chinese. Include your WeChat ID and other contact information. This card will help you make a good impression on Chinese people. When you give and receive business cards, employ both hands. Also, put card in your wallet. Don't write anything on this card- it's another thing they won't like.

No Salary Negotiation 

Chinese rely heavily on relationship building. They keep relation first than a business dealing or salary negotiation. So, if you want to blend with china life.Try to be a little slow on the part of salary.  On your first interview, keep money talk aside. You can't ask about benefits. If your potential employer brings that up, discuss it but don't take such an initiative.

Stay Humble

Chinese love modesty. They like simple living. So, you need to sell your skill but in the most humble manner. Tell your clients what you will bring for them, how you would be a valuable asset. 

Final Thoughts

Next time, you go to a job interview in China. Please pay attention to your behavior as much as you notice other things. You can’t impress clients with rude attitudes or behavior. Remain modest, talk about you but don’t exaggerate too much. If they like your behavior and think of you as an adaptable person, they won’t mind making an offer.

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