摘要:In Western workplace cultures, communication is often direct. For example, during project discussions, European and American emplo
When foreigners embark on their job-hunting journey in China, being aware of certain cultural differences can significantly enhance their chances of success.
当外国人在华开启求职之旅时,了解一些文化差异能显著提高成功几率。
I. Communication Styles: The Clash between Implicitness and Explicitness
一、沟通风格:含蓄与直接的碰撞
In Western workplace cultures, communication is often direct. For example, during project discussions, European and American employees bravely voice their ideas and respond plainly to colleagues. However, in China, a more implicit style prevails. In an interview, if a foreign applicant bluntly refuses to work overtime when asked, it might sour the mood. Conversely, if the Chinese interviewer deems the candidate's experience not a perfect fit, they'll likely say something like "Your profile is great. We'll review and get back to you", which could be a polite rejection. Job seekers must decipher such cues and adjust their approach.
在西方职场文化中,沟通通常很直接。例如,在项目讨论中,欧美员工会勇敢地表达自己的想法,并直白地回应同事。然而,在中国,更含蓄的风格占主导。在面试中,如果外国求职者被问到是否愿意加班时直截了当地拒绝,可能会破坏气氛。反之,如果中国面试官觉得求职者的经历并不完全契合,他们可能会说“你的简历很棒,我们会审核后联系你”,这可能是一种委婉的拒绝。求职者必须解读这些暗示并调整自己的方法。
II. Hierarchy and Respect: Following Workplace Hierarchy Rules
二、等级与尊重:遵循职场等级规则
Chinese workplaces emphasize hierarchy. When meeting superiors for the first time, using proper titles like "Manager Zhang" or "General Manager Li" is a must. In meetings, employees customarily stand up when leaders enter as a sign of respect. In decision-making, senior leaders usually make the final calls and pass down instructions for implementation. Foreign employees should adapt to this structure to fit in.
中国职场强调等级制度。第一次见上级时,使用恰当的称呼如“张经理”或“李总经理”是必须的。在会议中,员工习惯于领导进入时起立以示尊重。在决策过程中,高层领导通常会做出最终决定并下达执行指令。外国员工应该适应这种结构以便融入其中。
III. Relationship Building: The Magic Power of "Guanxi"
三、关系建立:“关系”的神奇力量
In some Western job hunts, skills and resumes might land you a job. But in China, networking or "guanxi" matters. At industry events, a foreigner exchanging cards and chatting with execs can build connections. Later, by keeping in touch, they might be considered first for relevant openings. Nurturing relationships can open unexpected doors.
在一些西方求职过程中,技能和简历或许就能帮你获得工作。但在中国,“人脉”或“关系”很重要。在行业活动中,外国人交换名片并与高管聊天可以建立联系。之后,通过保持联系,他们可能会被优先考虑相关职位空缺。培养关系可以打开意想不到的大门。
IV. Work Ethic and Pace: Dedication and Collaborative Advancement
四、工作态度与节奏:奉献精神与协同进步
Chinese workplaces are known for dedication, especially in sectors like IT and finance where long hours are common. Foreigners joining these fields should anticipate longer working days. While Western workplaces sometimes stress individual speed, in China, teamwork reigns. In software projects, for instance, multiple departments collaborate, communicate, and reach consensus at each stage. This may take longer but ensures quality.
中国职场以奉献精神著称,尤其是在IT和金融等长时间工作较为常见的行业。加入这些领域的外国人应该预料到更长的工作日。虽然西方职场有时强调个人速度,但在中国,团队合作才是王道。例如,在软件项目中,多个部门会合作、沟通并在每个阶段达成共识。这可能需要更长时间,但能确保质量。
Remembering these cultural nuances helps foreigners integrate better and boosts their job prospects.
记住这些文化细微差别有助于外国人更好地融入并提升他们的求职前景。
V. Resume Requirements: Cultural Distinctions in Details
五、简历要求:细节中的文化差异
In China, resume requirements contrast with those in Western countries. Besides highlighting work experience, skills, and education like Western resumes, Chinese ones often need more personal information. Gender, date of birth, and marital/family status are commonly included. For instance, gender might matter in some industries, and family details can indicate work stability. In contrast, Western resumes usually skip such details. Foreign job seekers in China must note these differences and adapt their resumes to improve their odds of success.
在中国,简历要求与西方国家有所不同。除了像西方简历那样突出工作经验、技能和教育背景,中国的简历通常还需要更多个人信息。性别、出生日期以及婚姻/家庭状况等常常被包含在内。例如,在某些行业,性别可能很重要,家庭细节可以表明工作稳定性。相比之下,西方简历通常会省略这些细节。在中国求职的外国人必须注意这些差异并调整简历,以提高成功几率。
来源:外事商务咨询中心