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How to stand out in China′s graduate job market

With over 7 million new graduates emerging in China every year, standing out in a crowded job market has never been so challenging. But China is changing – as the economy improves, new industries emerge and new opportunities arise. Sure, the competition may be fierce, but you have something other applicants don’t – a UK university education.

China is a country in transition. With its ever-growing economy comes an influx of new jobs and opportunities, but while there are many applicants, there is a sizeable lack in quality, skilled talent. Moreover, according to The Hays Asia Salary Guide 2015, 45% of employers agreed that this skilled labour shortage might harm the operation of their business. This is happening not just at a managerial level, but at a graduate recruitment level, too.

However, alongside these changes comes a shift in demands. China Daily recently reported that many companies had released their semi-annual financial reports for 2016. These revealed that the pharmaceutical, entertainment and computer sectors were experiencing strong growth, whereas more traditional sectors such as coal mining, textiles and chemicals saw business slow in the first half of the year.

The Hays report also pointed out that finding entry-mid level candidates for sales, engineering, technical, R&D and marketing was also a challenge – perhaps spelling good news for those returners who have studied those subjects abroad?

How to get the edge

So if you’re planning to return to China soon, here’s how to stand out from the graduate crowd…

1. Do your research

This is especially true if you are still studying or in the UK. Re-familiarise yourself with the market by connecting with employers online through social media. Most of the top 500 companies use Weibo to advertise internships, jobs and news, so follow the accounts of employers that interest you. Find employers that offer graduate focused schemes and internships, such as Deloitte and KPMG China. Don’t exclusively go for large companies as SME and start-ups can often offer more experience and progress. Luckily, GradLink works alongside these companies and more so be sure to check our news and job listings regularly.

2. Network

Build up your professional network on platforms like LinkedIn and use their pulse function to find advice from recruiters. You can also join groups and follow influential individuals in your field. Get involved in the conversation and make your voice heard. Join your university’s alumni chapter, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and the British Council.

3. Applications

Tailor your CV to the role you are applying for and really think about why that company would help your career. Follow your passionate and articulate why you want to pursue this career, how the company will help you and demonstrate an understanding of what the role entails. On that note, a one-size-fits-all cover letter can be spotted a mile off.

4. Interviews

The best bit of advice Gradlink can offer is to think long-term career rather than short-term bucks. Be enthusiastic and present, show off that good old-fashioned work ethic.

Moreover, companies realise that as a graduate you will not have much – if any – experience. Place emphasis on your potential. Demonstrate your soft skills, commitment, loyalty and your ability to learn.

5. Be flexible

Look beyond first tier cities like Shanghai and Beijing and traditional roles they offer. Be open to other careers your skills would suit. Accounting and finance degree is very common for Chinese graduates and thus is extremely competitive, so think about other industries where you can transfer your skills.

How to sell your UK education

Emphasise and demonstrate your spoken and written English. “Even companies in China who prefer to operate in Chinese, are looking for managers who speak both Mandarin and English if they want to expand abroad. They act as their bridges,” said Manoj Vohra, Asia Director of the BBC’s Economist Intelligence Unit.

Sell your university

Whether it’s a particularly relevant module, impressive guest speaker or an excellent department, sell your university’s strengths and position in global and UK rankings. For this, you can use QS World University League Rankings.

Highlight the pros of a UK approach

The UK approach is applauded by employers because it has a breadth of learning styles that creates a managerial skills-set. Explain the range of non-lecture based learning – Tutorials and the Independent Enquiry approach.

Demonstrate knowledge and exposure to UK businesses/experts

The UK is revered as a developed centre for finance, law, journalism, advertising, PR and so on, so demonstrating your awareness of it can look great to employers.

Show off your global perspective

Travelling and living in another country opens you up to new ideas and customs. This can only add to the richness of your experience and worldview.

It doesn’t matter how many applicants you go up against, if you’ve done your research and followed these steps, you are sure to stand out.

GradLink features over 500 employers and we are supported by the UK Government’s China-Britain Business Council (CBBC). To start looking for your next step, register with us today and start building your CV.