Job fairs for foreigners grow more competitive

The State arm of China that recruits foreign experts to the mainland is hot on the trail for more foreign jobseekers. But this time, the bar has reportedly been set much higher.

Expatriates who have impressive academic credentials and professional qualifications are increasingly sought-after in the Chinese job market, say organizers of the annual Beijing Job Fair for Foreigners, which was held on April 16. The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs has sponsored the event since 2005 and event organizers say the job fair has helped many expats living in China meet their career goals.

Organizers say more skilled overseas professionals are needed to fill in mid-senior level vacancies in the mainland's fastest growing sectors.

Li Hai, project manager of the job fair and an official with the State administration, says the fair this year offered a more diversified range of jobs though higher requirements have been established for the applicants' academic achievements and professional qualifications.

Visitors at the annual Beijing Job Fair for Foreigners held on April 16 by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. The fair attracted more than 70 companies, offering 1,000 vacancies. Organizers say foreigners with impressive academic credentials and professional qualifications are increasingly sought-after in the Chinese job market. Provided to China Daily

"This year's event has more high-level jobs available than in any of the past events," Li says.

He says previous fairs were dominated by English teaching positions at schools and language-training organizations, but this year 80 percent of job openings are for jobs outside of that field.

"Applicants who are more likely to land an ideal job in China at present are experienced professionals with backgrounds in engineering, finance, marketing, law, biology and medicine. This trend may continue in following years," Li says.

According to the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, there were more than 200,000 foreigners staying in Beijing last year. The report says that 90 percent of the foreigners have bachelor's degrees or higher. Most of them have jobs in business services, manufacturing, computer and software engineering.

"English skills are no longer the competitive edge they used to be for foreigners seeking jobs in China. To be more attractive, applicants need to show more professional qualifications to demonstrate their competency," says Xue Ruiqi, director of the Shanxi Overseas Talents Liaison Management Center, which participated in the job fair.

"We are in desperate need of foreign experts in (industries of) work safety, clean energy, solar power, environmental protection and eco-agriculture We need to introduce overseas talents to help us realize Shanxi's sustainable economic development," Xue says.

Li says as more domestic companies expand overseas, they are in need of highly educated and senior professionals who have working experiences in both China and abroad and are able to adapt to multicultural workplaces.

He says the fair this year has brought more than 70 companies with 1,000 job openings. At least 1,500 candidates met face-to-face with prospective employers, he adds.

"The global financial recession, coupled with the rise of opportunities in China, have brought more people from abroad to seek their fortunes in China," Li says. "But Chinese employers are becoming increasingly picky about the qualifications held by foreign candidates, as competition in the expatriate job market becomes fiercer, especially in Beijing and Shanghai."

He says many employers are now requiring applicants to have Chinese language skills.

According to event organizers, 90 percent of attendees this year hold a bachelor's or master's degree while 8 percent hold a doctorate or post-doctorate degree. Eighty percent of the attendees came from the United States and Europe.

Many job seekers say the growing number of highly qualified applicants has made it more challenging to find a job that they want.

"I am interested in a business management position offered by Shougang Group (a Beijing-based steel company), but the requirement of 'rich working experience' is keeping me away from even asking the human resources manager," says Spaniard Julio Albert, 28, who has a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's in commerce.

As a foreigner who can speak basic Chinese, Albert is eager to find a job in sales, business consultancy and investment management.

But for experienced candidates, the fair paints a more promising outlook. "I want to find a senior position in business management or at a law firm. I've already spotted several good options at the fair," Javlen Julian says, also a Spaniard.

He says he has 15 years of experience as a legal practitioner and sales manager. With two master's degrees in law and marketing combined with his work experience, Julian is optimistic he will land a good job in Beijing.

Li says that "in the past decade most foreigners come to China as retired technicians. But now more young professionals would like to stay and start their careers here".

Li says he is busy making preparations to hold a similar job fair in Guangzhou on April 23.