CHINA: The Overseas Job Search Process

1. China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute CHINA:The Overseas JobSearch Process Dr. Kim Beyer, Ed D, Associate Director and Ms. Sherri L. Hrusovski, M.A., Assistant Director The Career Center

2. Overview • Labor Considerations • Job Strategies/Information • Resume Preparation • Preparation for Travel • Business Etiquette/Interviewing • Q & A OBJECTIVES

3. China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute OVERVIEW

4. OVERVIEW People’s Republic of China can be divided into five regions: Western China, Northeast China, North China, South China, and Southwest China. Currently China is divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, and four municipalities; by, 2012 China will have finished their provinces and municipalities re-division plan which will increase their provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities to 50. China has the world’s largest population. Beijing is capital of China and is the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub. Communist Party of China is key policy-making body of China. National language consists of Putonghua, or Mandarin, and is spoken by 70% of the population. Since the country has been inundated by multinational companies, the increase of the English languagehas become more important in the business world. There is one written language.

5. OVERVIEW China’s educational system is a nine-year system for school-age children. Living standards are highest on the coastal areas. Coastal areas are more advanced, have a larger number of foreign involvements, and continue to grow in industrial development. Economic growth has diminished in rural areas. China’s economy is mostly controlled by State-owned enterprises; cooperative and private-sector industries have been increasing. In 2009, the unemployment rate in urban areas was 9.4%; substantial unemployment and underemployment in rural areas.

6. China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute LABOR CONSIDERATIONS

7. By the end of 2007 . . . • China had more than 5,000 enterprises established in over 172 countries and regions world wide. More recently . . . • China surpassed Japan in the GDP in 2010, becoming again the second-largest economy in the world after the United States. • Due to China’s low cost advantage more foreign companies are either establishing relationships with Chinese suppliers or adding foreign branches or divisions in China. LABOR CONSIDERATIONS

8. In 2006 China’s Labor force by occupation was . . . • Agriculture – 43% • Industry – 25% • Services – 32% China’s Main Industries . . . • Iron and steel, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparels, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear, toys, food processing, automobiles, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. LABOR CONSIDERATIONS

9. MAINLAND AREAS . . . • NORTHEAST CHINA • City of Dalian, highly incorporated by Japan (Sony, Intel, etc) and Korea (LG). • WESTERN CHINA • Cities of Xi’An and Wu’Han are Industrial areas, Water-way system, utilities, and etc. • NORTH AND SOUTH COAST CHINA • Most developed area (Bejing and Shanghai): Industrial development and foreign involvement. • SOUTHWEST CHINA • City of Kunming, where a lot of suppliers of lead and zinc are located. • Natural resources: minerals, metals, and etc. SOUTHEAST COAST OFF OF MAINLAND . . . • HONG KONG • Very Western Style. LABOR CONSIDERATIONS

10. JOB STRATEGIES and INFORMATION China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute

11. Starting your international job search is very similar to what you should already be accustom to: It involves planning and effort. Top 8 Points to notice when seeking employment in China: • Know which enterprises need foreign talent more: Talk to International recruitment or placement firms to learn of job possibilities and obstacles you may face during your search • Learn some Chinese • Make full use of the internet while job searching in China • Know which cities have more job opportunities • Wage Payment • Relevant Departments • Other problems: Learn some of the regulations such as benefits and welfare, working hours, rest and vacations, labor safety, hygiene, and social security JOB STRATEGIES

12. TOP 3 MOST PROFITABLE CAREERS IN CHINA 1. Salesman 2. Computer Software Developer – Computer Technology Industry 3. Building Contractor – Real Estate Industry AMERICAN COMPANIES BASED IN CHINA • Ford, Heinz, Intel, Disney, Coca-Cola, and GM • American companies: www.cbw.com/business/usco-shanghai/a.html CHINA’S TOP 100 COMPANIES • http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jul2005/pi20050729_4338.htm TOP 100 GLOBAL CORPORATION • http://www.corporateinformation.com/Top-100.aspx?topcase=b JOB INFORMATION

13. INTERNET RESOURCES • ChinaJob.com: http://www.chinajob.com • http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=china&gclid=COaG_ruQ6qMCFZQz5wodoiYS4g • Zhi Lian Zhao Pin = “Smart Alliance for Recruiting”: www.zhaopin.com • Jobs Dbase: www.job88.com • 51Job “I Want Job” = www.51job.com • Find Jobs in Asia and in the World: http://www.asiajobs.org • Short term jobs in Asia: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/asia.shtml JOB INFORMATION

14. RESUME PREPARATION China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute

15. Personal Information – Include birth date, sex, citizenship, phone number, email address and street address, city, state, zip, and country. Career Objectives – Briefly describe what you want to achieve and the type of position you are seeking. Education – Provide information about your secondary school/high school studies, with reference to specific courses and programs. Describe your college/university education. State your graduation year, major, and education title. Briefly describe any internship experience or thesis work: length of time, number credits, and references. Extracurricular Activities – Name your relevant extracurricular activities in which you participated; student activities, work as a SA or GA, and so on. Awards/Honors – List any awards or honors in the areas of scholastic or outstanding performances. Additional Education – List additional course studies, specialized training in areas such as languages, computers, sales, and etc. Resume Specifics

16. Work Experience – Job title first, employer name, and dates of employment (indicate full time or part time job). List the details and responsibility of your work. Highlight the information in this section that is relevant to the job you applying for. Describe how your skills have developed through your experiences. Jobs prior to your professional experience should be summarized. If there are gaps within your employment history make sure you explain briefly why. Also, if you were working part time explain why you were not working full time. For example if you decided to work part time while you were pursuing a higher education degree. Achievements/Accomplishments – This area you should concentrate on special awards recognition, promotions and etc that you received during your employment. For example, receiving an Outstanding Customer Service Award. Special Skills – Language and Computer Skills Professional Affiliations – List all professional affiliations/organizations that are relevant to the area you are interested in pursuing. Also, if you were involved with specific activities within these groups such as holding an officer position, sub-committee’s and etc please list and explain. Personal Interests – List your personal interests such as reading, sports activities, listening to music, and etc. References Resume Specifics

17. Format and Layout – Your resume/CV is a reflection of your academic training, professional background and skills. Using the information already mentioned create a reverse chronological layout. Start with your education background, and then move forward with your professional experiences. Remember your resume/CV should be written in a clear, concise, and clean manner. Length – The resume/CV should be 2 pages in length or no longer than three pages. Attachments – Although grades, certificates, and letters of references might not be required at the time of application you can submit them at the time of sending your resume. Make sure you add the most recent grades and a current letter of reference from your current employer. Usually you can present them at the time of your interview. E-mail Applications – China places recruiting ads on their websites; therefore, when you are sending your resume/cv to their web site make sure you attach your resume to the letter/e-mail. Resume Presentation

18. ZIPPY ROO MASCOT October 8, 1979 FEMALE American Citizen (330) 972-7747 ccmjobs@uakron.edu One University Circle, Akron, Ohio 44325 OBJECTIVE: Seeking an opportunity in China that will allow me to advance into an International Upper Level Management position. EDUCATION:College of Business Administration, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 01/2005 – 05/2007 Master of Business Administration, concentration in Management 9/1997 – 5/1999 Bachelor of Science in International Business Firestone High School, Akron, Ohio 9/1994 – 6/1997 Concentration on International Studies ACHIEVEMENTS: Explored markets in China for new business segments (plastics and leather) and translation into investment commitments. Built a new business from scratch into being the market leader (largest foreign supplier) in China with full integrated local operations. CAREER OVERVIEW: 06/2000-present Dow Chemicals, US Dayton, Ohio 2006-present Manager – China Division Responsibilities: Develop and implement business plans and strategies for the division. Manage north and east China sales and marketing organizations. Manage Shanghai masterbatch factory. Established recruitment and training plans to fir the needs of business development. Achievements: Built an entirely independent team covering sales, marketing production, laboratory, and logistics areas. Led the team to achieving the market leader (largest foreign supplier) position for that segment of the business. Established production and laboratory facilities; expanded to full operation in Shanghai. 2003-2006 Assistant Manager Responsibilities: Assisted with creating a new business plan. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluent English and Mandarin INTERESTS: Fine Arts, museums, playing baseball and golf. Resume Sample

19. China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute PREPARATION FOR TRAVEL

20. VISAS AND WORK PERMITS Passport must be valid for at least six months for a single or double entry within three months of date of visa issue, at least nine months for multiple entries within six months. Valid Visa is required to enter and exit China; Must be obtained from China Embassies and Consulates in your home country before travel to China. Obtain in advance the correct visa that gives you the right to work in China as there are strict procedures for foreigners who wish to obtain visa to live and work in China. Most important visa classes for foreign workers are the Business/Official Visit Visa, the Employment/Work Visa, and the Resident Visa. Student visa is “X” Visa. Business and Work Visas must be obtained prior to entry into China; numerous documents are required for visa application. Working without proper employment permit results in public security officials are authorized to terminate employment and impose a fine on the worker.

21. Health - • See a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria • Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get. • Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life. Travel Notices in Effect - • The 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China September 13, 2010 • CDC recommends the following vaccines and medicines for all travelers to China: • Routine vaccinations. • Hepatitis A vaccine AND Hepatitis B vaccine • Typhoid vaccine, especially if you will be traveling outside major cities or visiting friends and relatives • Rabies vaccine, if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors or have contact with animals • Japanese Encephalitis (JE), if you will be in China more than 30 days or are planning to spend a lot of time outdoors in rural areas • Malaria prevention medicine, if you are traveling to a part of China where malaria is present • Possible 2009 H1N1 Flu Screening for International Travelers September 13, 2010 • 2010 Measles Update September 09, 2010 • Hand, foot, and mouth disease in Asia September 08, 2010 • Update on the Global Status of Polio June 02, 2010 • Guidelines and Recommendations: Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza (H5N1) for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad November 04, 2008 • Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus: Advice for Travelers November 04, 2008 HEALTH INFORMATION

22. Currency One US $1.00 = 6.8 RMB (Renminbi Yuan) Traveler’s Cheques: Avoid additional exchange rate charges by using traveler checks in US dollars. Credit Cards American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major provincial cities in designated establishments. (Keep in mind that credit cards are usually not used beyond major cities). ATMs can generally be found in airports, hotels, shopping centers and banks. Financial Travel Products Travelex— You can use Travelex for ordering and converting money online, worldwide. They also sell prepaid phone cards and travel insurance. Visa TravelMoney Cards— Perform a search for “Visa TravelMoney Card”, and you will find a number of providers (American Express also offers similar services). They are pre-paid “credit” cards that you can use anywhere Visa (or Amex) is accepted. CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS

23. China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute BUSINESS ETIQUETTE and INTERVIEWING

24. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE Being late for or canceling an appointment can be found offensive. Chinese colleagues may arrive early for appointments. Titles are important to Chinese, so you are introduced to someone by title, continue to use their title when talking to them. Common topics of conversation may include mutual friends, weather, food, hobbies, places of education and positive events. Your family is also a topic of conversation as well. Show interest in Shanghai as they are very proud of their city; show interest in city’s culture, food, and highlights. Avoid conversation about Chinese politics and politicians, spiritual matters, and the 3 T’s (Taiwan, Tiananmen, and Tibet)

25. It is a common practice to shake hands. Be brief and soft with men and women. • Business cards (ming pian) are very important—pass over and accept with both hands. Courteous to read the card and make positive comments about the company, position or person. • Have large supply of your own business cards, with all details in both Chinese and English. • For interviews, take only slim folder holding job application documents and resume. Do not carry water bottle or coffee mug. Do not chew anything. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

26. LANGUAGE Before applying for any job in China, applicants should honestly assess their own language skills. Many jobs require no Chinese language, however, a few may require complete fluency and knowledge of obscure technical terms. If Chinese is used mainly to interact with colleagues and not clients, basic or conversational Chinese may be perfectly acceptable.

27. DRESS CODE Important to have good interview appearance and manners. How you dress is one of most important elements in being hired. Dress for job you want, not for the job you have. When in doubt, dress “professional business conservative”. Know something about company where you are interviewing. Find out what their employees wear and then dress as they are or nicer. Dress neatly and conservatively. Tropical/lightweight clothing acceptable in summer in northern China and for most of year in southern China. Men—sport or tropical coats and ties in subdued colors. Slacks and open-necked shirts suitable in summer. Women—conservative suits, dresses, or pantsuits in subdued, neutral colors (beige or brown). Avoid heavy makeup and excessive jewelry. No caps, athletic shoes, sweats or unkempt clothes. Jeans, open shoes and thongs are never acceptable.

28. INTERVIEWING Before Interview: Turn off pager and cell phone before going in to interview Observing seniority and rank are highly respected. When introduced, expect a handshake and a bow. Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact. Address Chinese by appropriate professional title plus family name. Exchange business cards; do not sit until invited Be prepared to discuss in Chinese what you have written in your resume during interview. Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and/or company Prepare questions about yourself, your qualifications, skills, experience and hobbies. Answer with full sentences; consider in advance how you might answer personal questions Prepare career success stories and mistakes you have made on jobs. Describe your learning experiences It is not uncommon for potential employers in China to ask for a specific gender, age, and even a 2x2 passport photo of you

29. INTERVIEWING During Interview: -Be modest and respectful -Keep eyes lowered and maintain good posture -Speak with calm voice, respect moments of silence, never speak in aggressive way, be concise with responses -Avoid displays of affection -Maintain distance when communicating -Show interest and talk about Chinese culture with enthusiasm -When listening to Chinese talking in English, it is very important to nod showing that you are listening and understand the speaker -Ask questions about the job, lines of authority, and future responsibilities

30. INTERVIEWING During Interview (continued): -Avoid raising issue of salary or benefits early in process -It is ok to take notes during interview -Be prepared to ask questions of the interviewer -At close of interview, reiterate interest level and availability to start. Thank everyone and shake hands -Ask “when can I expect to hear from you?” After Interview: -Send thank you note and reiterate how your experience and qualifications are good match for company. -Follow up with a letter, email, or phone call to interviewer -Following up with employer is acceptable if the original feedback date promised has lapsed.

31. Services available for current UA students and UA Alumni : Resume and Cover letter critique Interview preparation and Mock Interviews Job Search Strategies (www.Goinglobal.com) Career Advising (One-on-one appointments) The Career Center Simmons Hall, Rm 301 www.uakron.edu/career (330) 972-7747 THE UA CAREER CENTER

32. Q & A China Week: October 4- 8, 2010 Confucius Institute