If you’re interested in working in China, you may want to consider Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.
In just several decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a small border city into one of China’s most important innovation and economic centers. As the birthplace of China’s tech hardware ecosystem and a hub for both startups and global R&D centres, it attracts professionals from around the world seeking dynamic, high-growth opportunities.
While it is now harder for foreigners to find jobs in China, I believe there are still many opportunities for those willing to put in the work, adapt to the local market, and work in locations outside expat-heavy first-tier cities like Shanghai. This is especially true in cities like Shenzhen, where speed, execution, and local market fit can matter more than credentials alone.
I first moved to Shenzhen in 2014 to work with Huawei, one of China’s most well-known (and infamous) tech companies. Since then, I have gained a lot of experience working and managing teams inside Chinese companies. Based on this, I’ve prepared some key advice for foreigners looking to succeed and prosper in China’s tech capital.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about these tips for working in Shenzhen:
- You don’t “need” to know Chinese before you come, provided you have the right skills
- Learning Chinese will increase your effectiveness, especially in roles requiring management or cross-departmental alignment
- You need to understand the specific pain points of Chinese companies and why they hire foreigners
- Position yourself based on what Chinese companies want, not how you view your own “value”
- Don’t just apply to jobs, be strategic and locate key decision makers
- Build relationships with recruiters in your target industries
- Put in the work yourself – Don’t just ask others for shortcuts
- Read the “Five O’Clock Club” books for a full job search system
- Decide if “China tech” is the right fit for you
If you’d like to learn more about Shenzhen, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn via the link below. I post regularly about work and life in the city, China Speed, and Chinese innovation.
If you’re interested in thoughtful perspectives on China, cross-border work, and how culture, incentives, and organizations shape real outcomes, you’re welcome to subscribe to China Culture Corner and receive future posts by email.
I also share related ideas and longer-form video commentary on LinkedIn and YouTube, and post updates across the channels linked above.
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You are based in Shenzhen and your blog is Shenzhen or tech focused; however, in reality, there are no more opportunities in Shenzhen for foreigners than other places. I could speak about benefits and opportunities in other areas of China and provide evidence about such but that does not make them more attractive or better, necessarily.
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Hi there, the purpose of the video is not to claim there are more jobs in Shenzhen than other locations, rather to provide tips on finding a job specifically in Shenzhen. There are certain aspects of the city that make finding a job here different than in other cities.
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Interesting comments, Sean, and greetings from the Neihu District (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neihu_District ) in Taipei, Taiwan. I suspect that your comments apply equally to job-seekers on this side of the Straits. It would be interesting to hear comments from any expats working in venues here such as the Neihu Technology Park, etc. (https://foreigner.ntpc.gov.tw/home.jsp?id=56de9066ec3d1da5 ). I’m a bit removed from that world, as the lion’s share of my professional training and experience has to do with teaching and languages. Let me segue into a language & teaching-related question or two for you or anybody, though: any thoughts on how to land either contract work teaching English/Business English in-house or as a contractor? Those opportunities exist here, although I’ve been unsure as to how to crack that nut in Neihu or elsewhere in Taipei. In your experience, do those opportunities exist in your neck of the woods as well?Thanks, Dan Villarreal–PS: You are spot-on about the requirements-slash-need to learn Chinese. I only study once weekly, one-on-one, no homework/no tests, due to my busy work schedule & my Mandarin is conversational. I get by OK. On the other hand, I’ve met expats who’ve lived here for decades who know less Mandarin than does my coffee cup! I don’t know how they manage.
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