Introduction

Finding the people you need to run your business in China is not significantly different to recruitment in the UK. There are several recruitment agencies currently operating in China, and most operate under the same standards that you would expect of a firm in the West. They will do the sourcing, pre-interviewing of candidates and charge you a percentage of the placed staff’s first year earnings or a one-off fee.

In addition, there are a number of recruitment websites advertising both for job seekers and employers, which can be highly effective. Another option is to recruit from the huge Chinese population at UK universities.  Visa regulations allow Chinese graduates to undertake training and work experience in the UK, before moving to China to take up positions.

One challenge that companies recruiting in China will face is the increasing competition for experienced managers and high calibre individuals and as China’s economy continues to grow this will only intensify. Skills levels of employees can be an issue at all levels, in many locations demand for skilled workers outstrips supply.  Local education establishments will often assist with collaborative programmes, but this can have significant lead time. 

Local and foreign companies are recruiting from the same pool of employees who have the right technical and language skills as well as managerial experience. Candidates with the requisite skills and experience will be in demand and command high salaries. If you are not prepared to offer appropriate remuneration, you will have great difficulty hiring people with these skills. Many employees will leave their current companies for ones that are offering better compensation packages.

You will need to determine what you are willing to pay at the beginning of the recruitment process. It is important to note that salaries in China have increased over the last few years and will continue to do so. It would be advisable to conduct some market research to get a clear idea of appropriate salary levels for the positions you wish to fill so that you can make an offer that is in line with current market rates.

CBBC can help you find appropriate staff throug the CBBC's Employment Services. For more tips on what to consider read on about recruiting in China.