Beau Parrish

Ganji: Web Classifieds in China

Ganji (赶集网): A Look at the Giant Chinese Classifieds Platform

Ganji (赶集网 / Gǎnjí wǎng) is a giant classifieds platform in China that has gone through quite a successful journey. Since its founding in 2005, the firm grew to a valuation of over a billion $USD by 2015!  While it may be easiest to first compare it to Craigslist in the US, you’ll soon see how it grew beyond that to become more like eBay, Handy, Zillow, and (now mostly) Indeed throughout the ride. In this article, we cover Ganji’s Company History, Service Offerings, Memorable Name, and Key Leader.  Ganji (赶集网): Company History March 2005: Ganji.com website was officially launched. The team is based out of Beijing and prioritizes building the best online classifieds product in China.  August 2007: Ganji sets up strategic partnership with Hong Kong media giant TOM Network. November 2008: Just a few years in, Ganji is selected as “Top 100 Domestic Commercial Websites” by the leading Chinese category magazine Internet Weekly.  December 2009: The firm opens a sizeable Shanghai branch as both web traffic and headcount rise. 2009 statistics show that Ganji.com’s user stickiness (accounting for things like time spent on site and total pages viewed per user) is the best of China’s classified sites. January 2010: Ganji makes its first notable acquisition, purchasing tech communications firm 263.net. May 2010: Receives a joint investment of nearly US$20 million from Nokia Growth Partners Fund and Lanchi Venture Capital. Screenshots from the Ganji App around this time March 2011: ‘Ganji Group‘ is officially launched to capitalize on the massive trend in and uptick of group buying in China.  May 2011: Receives a US$70 million investment from Capital Today and Sequoia Investment, setting a new fundraising record in China’s online classifieds competition.  July 2011: New relationships! Services ‘Ganji Marriage’ and ‘Ganji Life 2.0’, featuring an online dating platform, were released.  November 2011: Noteable service Mayi 蚂蚁短租 (Mǎyǐ duǎn zū) is launched to serve the short-term rental and homestay market in China. CEO Yang Haoyong regards Mayi (also referred to as ‘Ant Short-term Rental’ in English) as “Ganji’s second entrepreneurial project.” April 2012: Ganji launched Wowotuan (55tuan.com) as a dedicated group-buying e-commerce platform. The brand goes on to raise hundreds of millions in capital from investors like Goldman Sachs. As of 2024, the brand is focused on electronic/mobile payment and Point-of-sale (POS) services for merchants. One of WowoTuan’s modern merchant payment devices. February 2013: Ganji.com hit some big user numbers. During this time, the platform had an average of 2.35 million new posts per day, 21.69 million visitors per day, and 253.66 million page views per day. August 2014: Ganji’s total financing surpasses USD 200 million. CEO Yang Haoyong publicly states plans to take the company public in the United States in June 2015.  Two of China’s largest classifieds sites join forces in 2015 April 2015: 58.com announced that the company would strategically invest in Ganji, in a deal valued at USD $1.15 billion. 58 acquired a 43.2% stake in Ganji for 34 million common shares (17 million ADSs) and US$412.2 million in cash. January 2022: 58.com announced that its now subsidiary  ‘Ganji.com’ / ‘赶集网’ 更名“ will be renamed ‘Ganji Direct Recruitment’ / ‘赶集直招’ and that the platform will primarily focus on the recruitment and jobs market. Ganji (赶集网): Service Offerings As of 2022, Ganji is primarily focused on the first item of this list – Jobs! The other services on this list all started out under the Ganji brand umbrella, but have been either merged into an existing 58 Tongcheng brand or spun off to another brand name entirely. From the start, Ganji planned on offering a comprehensive online classifieds platform in China that offered a diverse range of services, not unlike Craigslist in the US.  Here’s a breakdown of the main service categories offered across Ganji’s platform lifespan (2005-present): Job Listings: Ganji has a strong foundation as a posting platform for job seekers and employers. Users can browse job listings, post resumes, and connect with potential employers, similar in function to top international job sites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn Jobs. As of 2022, the platform name has been changed to reflect the brand focus on this core competency: ‘Ganji Direct Recruitment’ / ‘赶集直招’ (Gǎnjí zhí zhāo). Real Estate Services: The Ganji platform used to include a large real estate section where users could find residential and commercial property listings for sale or rent. This has since been spun off into the Mayi and 58 Tongcheng brands.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7L1EVifwFU 2014 Job & Real-Estate focused Ad spot for Ganji – featuring the Donkey mascot! 3. Second-hand Goods: Users could buy and sell used items, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and more. This service has been directed towards 58 Tongcheng’s primary goods market.  4. Local Services: Ganji facilitated the advertisement of various services – popularly local ones such as tutoring, home maintenance, cleaning, and event planning. This is also under the 58 Tongcheng brand now. 5. Automotive Listings: The platform featured another section for buying and selling vehicles, mostly second-hand used cars.  6. Group-buying Services: Ganji had a leg up on the competition when got in on the group-buying craze, as it already had millions of local service businesses signed up on its platform. The business was spun out into its own brand, Wowotuan, which now offers a number of services for local merchants. 7. Pets: In the advertisement below, ‘Find a pet’ (找宠物 Zhǎo chǒngwù) is displayed prominently on one of the bags. It seems that pets were a large part of the former Ganji platform, and likely now under the 58 brand in some way. Ganji Advertisement: “We’ve got it all!” (啥都有 Shà dōu yǒu) Ganji (赶集网): The Name The term ‘Ganji’ (赶集) in Chinese is commonly translated to English as ‘Go to market‘. The second part of the name in Chinese, 网 (wǎng)  just means ‘web’ in the sense of the internet 🙂 The Ganji Founder: Mark Yang Haoyong (杨浩涌) The Ganji founder has been a key part of the firm’s direction and success over the years.  At the end of December 2004, Yang had hustled up USD $100,000 from friends to start an online classifieds business.  By March

Ganji (赶集网): A Look at the Giant Chinese Classifieds Platform Read More »

Items on Resumes in China

11 Unique Things On Resumes in China

The Chinese Resume! While it shares a lot with the international resume, it has a decidedly different set of standards as well. Today we dive into 11 unique differences that you’ll find on most Chinese CVs. If you happen to be the chosen one on your team combing through these CVs, check out our related coverage on tips for choosing the most reliable candidates in China.   Working on your own Resume and job applications? Check out our friends over at Resume Captain.  The Chinese CV – loaded with everything you need! ⛩ 1) Professional Photo The vast majority of Chinese CVs contain a professional photo. This photo is most often on the top line of the CV – on the left or right, and sometimes center position.  When possible, this photo is taken in a more professional manner, with the candidate dressed up in business attire and the photo taken by a pro photographer. Job hopefuls in China across industries and career paths have professional photos taken every several years, at most career stages. In every step of a China-based career, from new College graduates to the CEO level, professionals have this photo ready to go. A Shanghai professional, professionally holding her professional-photo adorned Resume! 2) Gender CVs in China most often contain a line for gender. The Chinese word for ‘gender’ is: 性别 (xìngbié).  Male: 男 (nán) Female: 女 (nǚ) Note: While this field is seen a lot, it is not required and is just as often seen left out. 3) Relationship/Marital Status Another line commonly seen on a Resume in China is ‘Marital Status’. In Mandarin, Marital Status: 婚姻状况 (Hūnyīn zhuàngkuàng)Married: 已婚 (yǐ hūn)Single: 单身 (dānshēn)Divorced: 离婚 (líhūn) Again, this field is also optional. If the candidate feels comfortable displaying this information, they do so.  4) Height Interesting one! This writer is making a note to do a poll on why height is included on Chinese CVs. I’ll be back with some (hopefully) interesting feedback on the why. In the meantime – here’s how it’s displayed in Mandarin: Height: 身高 (Shēngāo) The listing is traditionally written out in centimeters. For example: ‘175cm’. 5) Identification Number (Shēnfèn zhèng) The ‘ol national ID number, every country has them! This number is displayed most commonly in government-related industries. In China, this category also includes State-owned Enterprises across most sectors and public-facing positions.  Identification Number: 身份证号 (Shēnfèn zhèng hào) For non-Chinese citizens, a passport number will do fine! Passport Number: 护照号 (Hùzhào hào) …in this case, one may also include – Nationality: 国籍 (Guójí) 6) Age Another personal item to add to the list, and one that commonly uses the Chinese date format we just looked at (see #7!). Many candidates choose to list their age on their CV in China. The line is usually as so in Mandarin: Date of birth: 出生日期 (Chūshēng rìqí) Followed by that lovely date format ~ YYYY年MM月DD日   or   YYYY年MM月.  7) Target Salary Chinese CVs can be quite direct! Many candidates choose to include a target salary range to set expectations upfront. This writer is personally a proponent of both employers and candidates setting a clear salary range in Job Descriptions and CVs, respectively.  We have seen firsthand how much time this simple line can save.  Expected Salary: 期望薪资 (qīwàng xīnzī) The salary can be listed as a monthly or annual amount. Wade quickly through the sea of candidates with target salary expectations! 8) Wechat ID We saved a big one for number 8, the king of all numbers in China. Wechat!  We’ve taken a look at the importance of Wechat in the professional spaces of China. Wechat is so prominent in modern professional exchanges that it has practically replaced email, even in the recruiting process! Even our own recruiting pros accept CVs via Wechat on a daily basis, as it is such a primary form of communication for life in China. Armed with nothing but an empty briefcase and a crisp Wechat QR code,the new graduate bravely faces the job market! 9) Date Format yyyy/mm/dd The most common date format in China is the yyyy/mm/dd  or yyyy/mm format. Dates listed on a Chinese CV are most likely going to be in this format. In the Chinese language, this format can be written quite clearly by only adding 2-3 characters: YYYY年MM月DD日   or   YYYY年MM月.  Which is kind of like doing this in English: YYYYyear MMmonth DDday   or   YYYYyear MMmonth.  While it may not be what all international parties are used to, the date format is admittedly clean and logical. Fair warning – once you begin to use it, it may be tough to go back! 10) Beefed up Education Section Education is one of the cornerstones of modern Chinese society. The Chinese CV often reflects this by being a section that is emphasized greatly. Degrees and certifications are highly valued in this society, so why not emphasize them on an application Resume? Education sections can be placed above Work Experience on many Resumes. The industry and career path do matter here. Some careers in China, much like that of anywhere else, have expected educational paths to take and hurdles to surpass.  Great educational accomplishments, furthermore, are simply a great way for candidates to stand out amongst peers.  11) Underlying Humble Presentation and Language Save this as bonus one when revisiting. 11) Statement of Intention or Objective Statement (Instead of Cover Letter) While investigating Cover Letters in China, we concluded that this Statement of Intention or Objective Statement basically serves as a substitute for the traditional Cover Letter.  Our recruiting staff reflected on this in the Cover Letters article: “We more often see that they’ll write a short sentence, based around their motivations.” – Ms Chen, Recruiting Pro “Instead of a [cover] letter, it’s a very simple why I think I’m suitable for this position in a couple of sentences.” – Ms Zhu, Recruiting Pro While this statement may sometimes be included in email text or via Wechat message, it is just as common to see it toward

11 Unique Things On Resumes in China Read More »

Maternity Leave in China

Maternity Leave Policy and More Benefits for New Moms in China

This one goes out to all of the hard-working mothers in China! Let’s take a look at general maternity leave and some of the other relevant benefits for working moms across China.  For those curious about the dads, we have a companion post on Paternity Leave in China. Some other related benefits you may want to learn about are Marriage Leave in China & Childcare and Elderly Care Work Leave in China. Maternity Leave in China (产假) China mandates paid maternity leave for employees on a national level. As of 2023, the national policy is 98 calendar days: 15 days before the birth and 83 days after the birth. National-level Maternity Leave Policy According to a 2023 report from INLPR (the International Network on Leave Policies and Research), maternity leave policy is as follows: National Policy: 98 calendar days, including 15 days before the birth and 83 days after the birth. Maternity leave is NOT obligatory, and mothers can choose to take less time off according to their situation. A 2021 survey on the implementation of maternity leave across China showed that about four-fifths of female employees take the full amount of maternity leave. Province and City-level Maternity Leave Policies So the national level policy is a non-negotiable across China: 98 days, 100% paid, funded (mostly) via state insurance. Provinces and Cities in China can and do choose to refine their maternity leave policies to build on this. Here are some of these policies across the country: Jiangsu Province: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to 128 days. Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Hebei, Hubei, Guangxi, Fujian, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Anhui, Shandong, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to 158 days. Guangdong and Chongqing: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to 178 days. Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Gansu: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to 180 days.  Henan, Jiangxi, Hannan, and Qinghai: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to 188 days.  Tibet: Maternity leave extended from 98 days to up to 1 year!  Not to worry, new mom – you’ve got (at least) 98 days of paid leave coming your way! Maternity Leave with Second and Third Children in China Many provinces and cities have specific extensions for the (super) moms giving birth to multiple children. In Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Zhejiang, for example, 30 days can be added to leave if the mother has two or more children. A full 6 months can be added if a mother in Shaanxi province has three children. Is Maternity Leave Paid in China? Yes! Paternity leave mandated by both national and provincial-level governments (listed above) is to be paid at 100% of salary. Payment for maternity leave is funded by the Maternity Insurance Fund for employees included in national-level insurance. Employers should note that if they are not paying into national insurance on behalf of the employed new mother, they are on the hook to pay the full benefit amount for the entire maternity leave time. [INLPR] Further Maternity Benefits in First-Tier Cities Shanghai and Beijing In Shanghai, female employees: Who are 28+ weeks pregnant receive an extra 1 hour break per day (paid at 80% of their earnings) and can not be scheduled night shifts. Can take a ‘fetus protection leave.’ Can take a two-and-a-half month’s break before giving birth to a child (paid at 80% of their earnings). In Beijing, female employees: Can adjust the allocation of extended maternity leave with the father, and consent of employers. So, for example, a mother can voluntarily reduce her maternity leave and give the amount to the father as government-paid paternity leave. Who are 7+ months pregnant, receive extra rest time during working hours, and can not be scheduled for night shifts from 22:00 to 6:00. Mom and Babe relaxing in the Hutongs, enjoying their childcare leave perk Further Maternity Leave Benefits Multiple Births (twins, triplets, etc): Mothers who have multiple births are entitled to an additional 15 days of leave for each additional birth. Obstructed Labor: Mothers who suffer from dystocia are offered an additional 15 days of leave. Pre-Natal Complications: A miscarriage in the first 4 months of pregnancy entitles 15 days of maternity leave; one after 4 months of pregnancy entitles 42 days of maternity leave. Post-Natal Complications: Female employees who still cannot work after maternity leave, due to physical problems or other difficulties, can (with the approval of their work units) obtain additional leave in most locations. “Our mom got an extra 15 days of maternity leave!” Maternity Breastfeeding Benefits for New Mothers in China China also has a national-level policy around breastfeeding. During the period of breastfeeding (including bottle-feeding) for infants under one year of age, employers must: Not extend mothers’ working hours or arrange night shifts for them. Arrange at least one paid hour of breastfeeding time during the working day. Mothers who have had multiple births (twins+) are entitled to another paid hour of breastfeeding time per day.   In some provinces, additional breastfeeding leave can be applied for after the end of Maternity leave: Shaanxi: If employers cannot guarantee breastfeeding time and provide breastfeeding conditions, 3-6 months of paid breastfeeding leave can be granted. This sounds like a great way to signal how important the Shaanxi government takes the topic. Hainan: After Maternity leave, employers are given incentives to agree to breastfeeding leave until a child’s first birthday, paid at no less than 75% wage. Guangxi: Mothers who have difficulty with caretaking after the Maternity leave ends can be granted six to twelve months of breastfeeding leave, paid at 80% of earnings. The History of Maternity Leave in China 1951: The Labour Insurance Regulations of the People’s Republic of China stipulated that female employees must be given a total of 56 days of maternity leave at full wages. 1988: Labour Protection for Women Staff Members and Workers extended the length of Maternity leave from 56 days to 90 days. 1995: The Labour Law of the People’s Republic of China

Maternity Leave Policy and More Benefits for New Moms in China Read More »

58 China's Modern Classifieds Super App

58.com (58同城): China’s Largest Classifieds Site and Much More

58.com (58同城 / Wǔbā Tóngchéng), often referred to as ‘The Craigslist of China’, is a massive classifieds platform that has been growing healthily in both users and scope since its founding in 2005. While the comparison to Craigslist was very fair back in the firms’ early days, the modern 58 TongCheng more resembles a combination of eBay, Indeed, Handy, and Zillow than it does a traditional Web 1.0 classifieds site.  In this article we cover 58’s Company History, Service Offerings, Memorable Name and Key Leader.  Hiring in China? We can help. Post open roles across China’s top job sites, classifieds, and networking platforms — lower hiring costs by over 80%. Edit Template 58 Tongcheng (58同城): Company History 2005: Yao Jinbo founds 58.com in Beijing. He still serves as the CEO as of 2023.  2007: The company thrives via a simple classifieds model. Throughout the year it sets up office branches in Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. The team builds out localized websites for more than 160 cities across the country. 2009:  Registered users surpass 100 million! 2011: Chinese celebrity Yang Mi becomes the first celebrity spokesperson for 58.com – beginning a years-long relationship between the two. This event ushers in an era of massive marketing and national brand recognition for the platform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=CKWrY-QCywA Yang Mi’s ad spot for 58.com in 2019 2013: 58.com was officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: ‘WUBA’), raising $187 million USD in the process. 2014: Strategic investments and acquisitions. In 2014, 58.com began deploying its capital in a significant way. Highlights for the year include investments in eDaijia (e代驾, Real Estate), Momo (陌陌, Social Media and Dating), Baojia (宝驾租车, Car Rental), and purchase of Charm 91 (购魅力91, Recruitment).  2015: Two giants merge (and more acquisitions). In April, 58.com announces a strategic investment and merger with Ganji, their biggest competitor and second-largest classifieds portal in China at the time. Founder CEO Yao Jinbo refers to the former rivalry between 58 and Ganji as “the most intense on the Internet.” Throughout the rest of the year, the newly formed 58 Group acquires other service giants Anjuke (安居客, Real Estate), ChinaHR (中华英才网, Human Resources), Jxedt.com (驾校一点通, Transportation and Licensing), and invests in Tubatu (土巴兔装修网, Home Decoration).  NYSE banner on day of 58.com listing under ticker ‘WUBA’ 2018: In a widely promoted partnership, 58 launches its WeChat App and secures a $200 million USD investment from Tencent for its newly launched University-focused platform ZhuanZhuan (转转, Recruitment & Second-Hand Services). The company reports adding 100 million users in 2018 alone.  2020: A group of investors including Warburg Pincus Asia LLC, General Atlantic Singapore Fund Pte Ltd, Ocean Link Partners Ltd, Founder/CEO Jinbo Yao, and Internet Opportunity Fund LP (an entity controlled by Yao) take 58 private off of the NYSE. The deal values the company at about $8.7 billion USD. 2022: The Ganji brand is changed from ‘Gangji Web’ (赶集网 Gǎnjí wǎng) to ‘Ganji Recruit’ (赶集直招 Gǎnjí zhí zhāo). The intent is to refocus the brand from general classifieds to recruitment and jobs. 58.com Advertisement: ‘Find a Job on 58 TongCheng’ 58 China (58同城): Service Offerings 58.com (58同城) is a comprehensive online classifieds platform in China that offers a diverse range of services. Here’s a breakdown of the main service categories on 58’s flagship platform: Job Listings: 58 is a prominent posting platform for job seekers and employers. Users can browse job listings, post resumes, and connect with potential employers, similar in function to top international job sites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn Jobs. Real Estate Services: The platform includes a robust real estate section where users can find property listings for sale or rent, including residential and commercial properties. Second-hand (and first-hand) Goods: Individuals can buy and sell second-hand goods, ranging from electronics to furniture. The platform serves as a virtual marketplace for pre-owned items similar to eBay. And just like eBay, this marketplace has over time grown to include traditional retailers also selling first-hand goods.  Local Services: 58.com has a robust local services listings section which includes in-home services, beauty and wellness, education, and a whole lot more. The platform is used by local businesses across China to reach a broader audience and advertise in-person services. Automotive Listings: The platform features another expansive section for buying and selling vehicles, including both new and used cars. It provides a dedicated space for both individuals and dealerships to showcase vehicles and connect with potential buyers. Home Services: In addition to the local services section, there is a dedicated area for in-home services such as housekeeping, moving, nannies, repairs, and anything else you might imagine! Recycling Services: As of my last visit to the site, 58 has added recycling services to the marquee along with the previous categories. Looks like a pretty straightforward way for businesses to connect with local recycling services for practically any category of goods. Promoted Services of 58 Tóngchéng: ‘Find a Job’ / ‘Find a Home’ / ”2nd Hand Cars’ 58.com: The Unique and Memorable Name While the number 58 might not signify anything special to most, one thing is for certain – 58 as a company name is super easy to remember and even easier to type into a browser. I’d go as far as to say that after reading this article, you’re likely to relate this simple two-digit number to this Chinese company for the foreseeable future! And that’s part of what makes a great brand name – simplicity and memorability. So how did 58.com get its name? Where did the number 58 come from? Is ’58’ significant in the Chinese language?  These are some of the questions this writer had, and boy does the Chinese internet have some interesting answers! Let’s break down the full Chinese name a bit first for context: 58同城 / Wǔbā Tóngchéng The number 58 in Chinese is pronounced Wǔbā. The next part, 同城 Tóngchéng, translates to ‘Same City’. SOME of the 58 naming theories from the Chinese Internet: When the company was founded, it had 58 employees. [1] The founder

58.com (58同城): China’s Largest Classifieds Site and Much More Read More »

Paternity Leave in China

Paternity Leave Policy and Benefits for New Working Dads in China

This one goes out to all of the hard-working fathers in China! Let’s take a look at general paternal leave and benefits for working dads across China. (in case you’d like to know about the moms as well, here’s out companion piece on Maternity Leave in China..! Some other related benefits you may want to learn about are Marriage Leave in China & Childcare and Elderly Care Work Leave in China.) Paternity Leave in China All provinces of China support paid paternity leave. The amount of time for paid paternity leave ranges from 10 to 30 days. According to a 2023 report from INLPR (the International Network on Leave Policies and Research), paternal leave policy is as follows: National Policy: None. There is no statutory requirement for paternal leave on the national level. Province Level: Supported in all provinces. Paternity leave policies are generally the responsibility of individual provinces, and the exact amount of time varies across the country: 10 days: Shanghai. 15 days: Beijing.* 20 days: Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hunan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi (conditional). 25 days: Ningxia, Jilin. 30 days: Yunnan, Gansu, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Tibet. *Bonus! In Bejing and other select provinces, you can trade extended maternity leave days for more paternity leave days with your spouse! From Bejing.gov:  “Transfer of a female employee’s extended maternity leave to her husband: In the event that a female employee wishes to shorten the extended maternity leave to which she is entitled, her husband’s paternity leave may be extended accordingly, provided that the couple’s employers agree with such transfer. It is advisable that employers improve their leave management systems in ways that allow for such transfer against the proofs issued by a couple’s employers.” – Regulations of Beijing Municipality on Population and Family Planning Close the Wechat down for a few days dad – childcare leave is offered all across China! Is Paternity Leave Paid in China? Yes! Paternity leave mandated by the provincial-level government (listed above) is be paid at 100% of salary. When Should a Working Father take Paternity Leave in China? There is no legal requirement as to when the Paternity leave should be taken. Companies are encouraged to consider fertility policies and keep records of leave. Working Fathers-to-be may want to check with their employer in advance to prepare a plan for paternity leave. Paternity Leave – Enjoy it when needed (within reason)! Annual Parental Leave in China Another Good-to-know Benefit for New Working Fathers Parental leave in China is a relatively recent benefit.  In 2019, a government entity related to Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Development of Infant Care Services under 3 years old, encouraged all provinces of China to explore parental leave. In 2021, parental leave was officially added to The Population and Family Planning Law of the People’s Republic of China. Parental leave is provided in China, and ranges from 5 days (in places like Beijing and Shanghai) to 30 days (in Shaanxi province). A majority of provinces provide 10 days of parental leave. Here are some exceptions: 5 days: Beijing, Shanghai. 15 days: Shanxi, Gansu, Qinghai. 30 days: Shaanxi. Only Promoted (no set government policy): Jilin, Jiangsu. Give them paid leave, and the China-based working fathers shall rejoice! When is Parental Leave Taken in China? Parental leave is taken after maternity and paternity leave. It is generally provided annually for the first several years of the child’s life (following the child’s birthday as a calendar). Here’s an example of the policy laid out in Beijing (from Beijing.gov):  For every full year of a child’s life, either of his/her parents shall be entitled to a parental leave of five business days until he/she has reached three years of age. In the event that an employee fails to take his/her annual parental leave, the parental leave will not be carried over to the next year. For instance, if a child is born on June 1, 2021, either of his/her parents shall be entitled to a parental leave of 5 business days in each of the following periods: June 1, 2021-May 31, 2022, June 1, 2022-May 31, 2023, and June 1, 2023-May 31, 2024.   Is Parental Leave Paid in China? Yes. Parental leave mandated by provincial-level governments (listed above) is paid at 100% of salary. Hiring in China? We can help, and stay within your budget!  The TeamedUp China Super-Recruiters are on the scene!  Our China Recruiter Pro service helps companies utilize leading Chinese job platforms such as Maimai, Zhaopin, 51job, BOSS Zhipin, Lagou, and Liepin. Contact Us for a free consultation to discuss hiring goals, salary & compensation budgets in China, and if TeamedUp China is the right fit to support your organization. Book A Call Get in Touch Let’s find your next great China-based team member today.  References & Further Reading: Beijing.Gov: https://english.beijing.gov.cn/latest/lawsandpolicies/202112/t20211223_2570599.html Leave Network: https://www.leavenetwork.org/fileadmin/user_upload/k_leavenetwork/annual_reviews/2023/Blum_etal_LPRN_full_report_2023.pdf ROEDL: https://www.roedl.com/insights/china-special-leave-maternity-parental-paternity-nursing-family-planning

Paternity Leave Policy and Benefits for New Working Dads in China Read More »

Salary Data for Graduate Degree Holders in China

Average Salary Ranges for New Graduate Degree Holders in China

So how much are China’s Graduate Degree holders earning these days? This article will take a look at what Doctorate, Post-Doctorate, and Master’s degree holders are earning in China, and also compare to non-graduate degree holders for good measure. We did a more focused look at undergraduate salaries in China if you’re interested! We’re going to break down 2023 data sets from two of China’s largest HR companies: Liepin & 51job. They are both among China’s biggest job portals and have some of the largest amounts of local, first-hand, high-quality data points. It’s important to note that the data reflects recruited salaries, or the publicly listed salary information that companies advertise on their platforms.  Let’s dive into some data! Hiring in China? We can help. Post open roles across China’s top job sites, classifieds, and networking platforms — lower hiring costs by over 80%. Edit Template Average Salary for Graduate Degree Holders in China The average salary in China for new Master’s degree graduates in 2023 was ¥13,087 RMB ($1,832 USD) per month. The average salary in China for new Doctorate degree graduates in 2023 was ¥31,875 RMB ($4,461 USD) per month. Left chart: Growth in Average Salary across all education levels in China. Grey bars: The average monthly salary by Education level in China, countrywide. Orange bars: The average monthly salary by Education level in Beijing. Key Points The average monthly salary for new doctorate degree holders is more than 2x that of Master Degree holders, and more than 3x that of undergraduate degree holders. Adding a master’s degree as an undergraduate degree holder in China, on average, boosts your salary by nearly 80%. Education is highly valued in China and having a validated, focused, high level of it is rewarded highly in the job market. Job Demand by Education Level in China The demand for Doctorate degree holders in China rose 202.1% from 2021-2023. The demand for Master’s degree holders in China rose 142.6% from 2021-2023. The left side of this info set shows education requirements as a percentage of total jobs posted on Liepin’s platform over 3 years. The right side shows the percentage change by education levels over the same timeframe. From 2021-2023: The percentage of job listings requiring a doctorate degree rose from 0.4% to 1.4% (a 202% jump!). The percentage of job listings requiring a master’s degree rose from 2.2% to 6.3% (a 142.6% uptick). The percentage of job listings requiring a bachelor’s degree rose drastically, from 28.8% – 42.9%. This jump in undergraduate requirements coincided with a decrease in jobs posted with technical school requirements (32.2%-24.3%) Most In-Demand Industries for Graduate Degree Holders in China The Medical, IT, and Telecommunications industries have biggest demand for both Doctorate and Master’s degree holders. According to this set of data, the industries with the most demand for Doctorate degree holders are Medical, IT, Telecommunications, Scientific Research, and Machine Learning. The industries with the most demand for Master’s degree holders are Medical, IT, Telecommunications, Finance, and Machine Learning. Communications/Semiconductor. We’re just swapping out the Scientific Research for Finance here (MBAs were included). Related Resources: Tech Salaries in China: What Top Companies are Paying Talent How Modern Chinese Workers Look for a Job in 2024 Average Salary Ranges for New University Graduates in China Top 10 Highest Paying Cities in China (2024) Average Software Engineer Salary in China: 14 Sources Compared Average Salary in China: Local Data 2023+2024 Hiring in China? We can help, and likely lower your hiring costs by over 80% We’ve been recruiting in China since 2014! Our China Candidate Sourcing Service helps companies post & promote open roles across top Chinese jobs & networking platforms. Let’s find your next great China-based team member together.  Book A Call Post a Job Contact us to discuss hiring goals, salary & compensation budgets, and if TeamedUp China is the right fit to support your organization. New here? Get 26% off your first job post with us. Edit Template References & Further Reading: 51job: https://www.51job.com/ Liepin: https://www.liepin.com/ Zhihu: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/662462921 Douban: https://www.douban.com/note/851712203/?_i=0206956zzWvVrO The Paper China: https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_23851263

Average Salary Ranges for New Graduate Degree Holders in China Read More »

Cover Letters in China - What's Normal?

Our Guide to Understanding Cover Letters in China

Cover Letters! A majority of the world’s largest job markets love them (see graph below). But what about China?  Let’s clear up some common questions that our HR & recruiting team gets from all sides of the hiring process in China! Any big countries missing here? Graph Source: Resume.io Are Cover Letters Used in China’s Job Market? Cover Letters are *not requested or used* for the vast majority of positions in China. In short, not really.  I first took this question to our own China recruiting team – who always make sure to ask twice about Cover Letter requirements.  Our Recruiting manager Ms Chen (who has probably fielded over 50,000 Resumes for us) is decided: “The cover letter is not the usual in China, people don’t use it when applying for a Chinese position,” referring to the application flow of Chinese companies, “we more often see that they’ll write a short sentence, based around their motivations.” Ms Zhu, with over 10 years of experience in HR and hiring out of Shanghai, adds: “Instead of a letter, it’s a very simple *why I think I’m suitable for this position* in a couple of sentences.”    So what about the Chinese candidates who do send a cover letter? “Those that send a cover letter are usually sending it in English. For the most part, they don’t even have a Chinese version because it is so uncommon,” adds Recruiting Pro Ms Chen, “they’ve never even been asked to write one in Chinese.” The first known Cover Letter in Shanghai belonged to Canadian merchant Thomas Bailey (1/2) 🤠 What Percentage of Job Candidates in China Submit Cover Letters? After recruiting for hundreds of Chinese companies and receiving tens of thousands of applications since 2014, our recruiting team estimates only 1-2% of Chinese candidates submit a Cover Letter! And we’ve almost never seen a Chinese one. When it comes to International companies operating in China, there is a much bigger tendency to require Cover Letters in China as per a global standard. When a cover letter is required, it’s important for international companies to remember that most Chinese candidates (and maybe up to 99% of them!) do not have a cover letter prepared already and have not needed one for all or most of their other job applications.  “What is this thing… you call… The Cover Letter?!” 😯 What is Common in China Instead of a Cover Letter? A concise statement at the top of the CV: This is a humble and straightforward 1-3 sentences on why the candidate thinks they would be a great fit for the job. It is in the same location as an ‘Objective Statement’ on a Western CV. If possible via email or form, a short (2-3 sentence) statement in the email body: This is a statement of application intent and a polite request for consideration. Keywords: adding the right keywords to a CV/application on the major Chinese jobs platforms is an important step to stand out. A Bigger focus on Certificates and Degrees: In China’s highly competitive job market, educational and professional milestones mean a lot in the journey to get ahead. This area of the CV garners more focus and space than it would in many international Resumes. Special interests section more developed: Much like in the rest of the world, this section gets stuck at the bottom of most Chinese CVs. It is, however, given more space to breathe and is valued by many Chinese companies looking for the right culture fit with applicants. The Chinese CV – loaded with everything you need! ⛩ What do Chinese Companies do Regarding Cover Letter Requirements? Chinese companies, the vast majority of the time, don’t mention Cover Letter at all on the Job Description. It is completely optional, and not expected. Furthermore, there are no penalties for not submitting one, it simply isn’t really a thing across China! Unless specifically mentioned in the JD, a cover letter can be ignored in China. Instead of a cover letter, Chinese Companies move right to these things when evaluating candidates: Keyword & Search Optimizations: Over half of hires in the domestic Chinese market are done on China’s job and networking platforms. Companies can refine their search in a massive way by starting there. The Certifications and Degrees category becomes more important: Ongoing education is huge in China – candidates can continue to put themselves in more elite categories with verified accomplishments. More pre-interview evaluations: Candidates hoping to work at tech giants like Alibaba take both technical and comprehensive tests. Should My Company Still Require a Cover Letter When Posting Jobs in China? We suggest keeping the cover letter optional in China. Here’s why: Most great candidates in China don’t already have a cover letter prepared. Requiring a cover letter is an extra daunting step that we see high-potential candidates bail on more often than not. Other Companies Don’t Require it. The biggest, newest, most innovative companies in China don’t require it. They are already enough to compete within the job market. This is another (albeit minor) side hurdle for candidates to work with other companies instead of yours. Having a mandatory cover letter, especially in English, discourages A LOT  of great candidates from applying for a position. Unless they are previously familiar and very positive on your firm, a majority of top-tier talents in China will simply skip over a job application that requires an English cover letter. They can apply to dozens of similar jobs at Chinese private and public companies without having to bother. Keeping it optional on the Job Description gives candidates paying attention an easy way to stand out. When that 1-2% of candidates DO include a cover letter in China, it’s always great to see. Great candidates are ready to send you the Chinese comparable – a very purposeful and thought-out target statement and courteous email introduction. That’s not bad! China values modesty. Let’s face it – sometimes cover letters don’t feel the most genuine, and it’s not something a

Our Guide to Understanding Cover Letters in China Read More »

Salary Data for China's University Graduates in 2023

Average Salary Ranges for New University Graduates in China

So how much are China’s young and bright college graduates earning in today’s jobs landscape? We’re going to break down 2023 data sets from two of China’s largest HR companies: Liepin & 51job. They are both among China’s biggest job portals and have some of the largest amounts of local, first-hand, high-quality data points. It’s important to note that the data reflects recruited salaries, or the publicly listed salary information that companies advertise on their platforms.  For visual data used, I’ve included the original Chinese versions and also added Google-translated English versions. In case you’re curious, we did a sister article on salary ranges for China’s graduate degree holders. Let’s dive into some data! Hiring in China? We can help. Post open roles across China’s top job sites, classifieds, and networking platforms — lower hiring costs by over 80%. Edit Template China New Graduate Salary Snapshot 🎓 Overall Average Salary ¥10,342 / month ($1,435 USD) 🚀 Top Paying Field Artificial Intelligence (AI) Avg. ¥18,592 / month 🌱 Fastest Salary Growth Elderly Care +88.1% (2021-2023) 🏙️ Top Paying Cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai Avg. > ¥12,000 / month Average Salary for University Graduates in China, 2021-2023 The average salary for new University graduates in 2023 was ¥10,342 RMB ($1,435 USD) per month. This first set of data above looks two things: Blue line = The average actual monthly salary of new college graduates in China, country-wide, 2021-2023. Orange line = The average expected monthly salary of new college graduates in China, country wide, 2021-2023. Key Points The average monthly salary for the class of 2021 was ¥9,292 yuan ($1,289 USD) per month and for the class of 2023 ¥10,342 RMB ($1,435 USD) per month. The average salary increased 11.3%  (¥1,050) from 2021-2023, but actually dropped slightly between 2022 & 2023. The expected monthly salary of fresh University graduates is lower than the actual salary, which is quite unique! This may be the result of prolonged economic uncertainties in China for the past few years, dating back to 2020. Average Salary for University Graduates in China, by Industry The average salary in China for Artificial Intelligence (AI) graduates in 2023 topped all professions: ¥18,592 RMB ($2,579 USD) per month. Highest-Paying Industries for China’s College Graduates There are obvious ones on this list like AI and blockchain – it’s no secret that these newer fields need a lot of help to develop. The Elderly Care industry coming in at #3 is interesting and reflects the great demand companies have for assistance and better solutions to take care of China’s aging population.  Average monthly salary by industry:  Artificial Intelligence (AI): ¥18,592 yuan ($2,579 USD) Blockchain: ¥17,467 yuan ($2,423 USD) Elderly Care: ¥16,992 yuan ($2,357 USD) Aviation/Aerospace: ¥16,042 yuan ($2,226 USD) Telecommunications: ¥15,792 yuan ($2,191 USD) Computing Hardware: ¥14,508 yuan ($2,013 USD) Medical Outsourcing: ¥14,175 yuan ($1,967 USD) Semiconductors: ¥14,008 yuan ($1,943 USD) Smart Hardware: ¥13,933 yuan ($1,933 USD) Academic Research: ¥13,708 yuan ($1,902 USD) Medical Technology: ¥13,125 yuan ($1,821 USD) Media & Publishing: ¥13,017 yuan ($1,806USD) Cloud Computing & Big Data: ¥12,975 yuan ($1,800 USD) Vehicle Manufacturing: ¥12,850 yuan ($1,783 USD) Fintech: ¥12,717 yuan ($1,764 USD) New Energy Vehicles (NEV): ¥12,483 yuan ($1,732 USD) Banking: ¥12,458 yuan ($1,728 USD) New Energy (non-vehicle): ¥12,275 yuan ($1,703 USD) Network & Information Security: ¥12,258 yuan ($1,701 USD) Software: ¥11,683 yuan ($1,621 USD) Fastest-Growing Industries for China’s College Graduates The average salary for new graduates in China’s Elderly Care industry nearly doubled between 2021-2023. Salary growth over 3 years 2021-2023: Elderly Care: 88.1% Media & Publishing: 82.7% Medical Outsourcing: 58.5% Blockchain: 49.7% Artificial Intelligence (AI): 47.9% Top 20 Highest-Paying Cities for University Graduates in China New Graduate Salary Hotspots in China Highest salaries concentrated in Tier 1 cities: Tier 1 Cities (> ¥12,000 / month) Beijing Shenzhen Shanghai Tier 2 Cities (> ¥10,000 / month) Guangzhou Hangzhou Hefei Nanjing Xi’an Suzhou Wuhan/Ningbo Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai top this list – each with an average of monthly salary of over ¥12,000 yuan ($1,665 USD). Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Guangzhou rank as the top four in salary. These 4 China mega-cities accounted for nearly one-third of all new college graduate jobs posted on Liepin in 2023 (32.45%). Hangzhou, Hefei, Nanjing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Wuhan, and Ningbo closed out the top 10, all exceeding an average of ¥10,000 yuan ($1,387 USD).10,342 yuan) per month. Interestingly, while there is a decent amount of correlation, there are some key differences when compared to the general top 10 highest-paying cities in China (this data set included ALL jobs info, not just new University graduate positions).  Related Resources: Tech Salaries in China: What Top Companies are Paying Talent How Modern Chinese Workers Look for a Job in 2024 Average Salary Ranges for New Graduate Degree Holders in China Top 10 Highest Paying Cities in China (2024) Average Software Engineer Salary in China: 14 Sources Compared Average Salary in China: Local Data 2023+2024 Hiring in China? We can help, and likely lower your hiring costs by over 80% We’ve been recruiting in China since 2014! Our China Candidate Sourcing Service helps companies post & promote open roles across top Chinese jobs & networking platforms. Let’s find your next great China-based team member together.  Book A Call Post a Job Contact us to discuss hiring goals, salary & compensation budgets, and if TeamedUp China is the right fit to support your organization. New here? Get 25% off your first job post with us. Edit Template References & Further Reading: 51job: https://www.51job.com/ Liepin: https://www.liepin.com/ Zhihu: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/662462921 Douban: https://www.douban.com/note/851712203/?_i=0206956zzWvVrO The Paper China: https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_23851263

Average Salary Ranges for New University Graduates in China Read More »

13th Month Salary in China

A Guide To The 13th Month Salary Bonus In China

In China, the concept of a 13th-month salary has become a common and expected practice in the business world. This additional month’s pay is a form of bonus or year-end reward for employees, providing financial relief and motivation during the festive Chinese New Year season. In this article, we will delve into the history, rules, and best practices surrounding the 13th-month salary bonus in China. What is a 13th Monthly Salary Bonus? Let’s get this one out of the way first! The thirteenth salary is an extra payout beyond the regular monthly salary, serving as an annual bonus. Its value is often equivalent to an employee’s monthly salary. Depending on the country, the bonus can be paid as a lump sum or distributed in multiple installments.  It is most commonly a mandatory policy in Central and South America, customary in Western Europe, and a mix throughout Asia. Source: 13th Salary (global) History of the 13-month Salary in China The tradition of a 13th-month salary in China has its roots in international commerce, where it was initially introduced to boost employee morale and loyalty as China industrialized and capitalized throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Over time, this practice made its way into the Chinese business landscape as companies recognized its positive impact on employee engagement and retention. Is a 13th Month Salary Bonus Required in China? While not mandated by law, the 13th-month salary has become a customary practice in many Chinese companies across all industries. It reflects a commitment to employee well-being and serves as a recognition of their hard work throughout the year. Depiction of Caishen (财神), God of Wealth in China.Caishen’s name is often invoked during Chinese New Year celebrations. When is a 13th Monthly Salary Bonus Paid in China? 13th month salary bonuses are traditionally paid out around the Chinese New Year holiday. This is the biggest holiday in Chinese culture and there is a week-long national holiday in China during this time.  International companies still often stick to a globally set time, for example, end-of-year. While this isn’t likely a deal-breaker for Chinese workers, it is important to communicate bonus timings clearly and in advance.  Do Chinese Employees Expect a 13th Monthly Salary Bonus? It’s important to layout that the bonus is… Voluntary in nature: The provision of a 13th-month salary is not legally required in China. Companies choose to adopt this practice voluntarily, and the terms are generally outlined in employment contracts or company policies. Calculated in many ways: The calculation of the 13th-month salary can vary. Some companies provide a full month’s salary as a bonus, while others may use a percentage of the annual salary. Commonly, it is equivalent to one month’s average salary based on the employee’s total earnings during the year. 13th Month Salary vs Other Types of Bonuses in China There are 3 main considerations to take in here: Most other bonuses are considered benefits, while the 13th-month distribution is usually considered, and taxed as, salary. Most bonuses are based on individual or company performance, while the 13th-month salary bonus tends to be fixed regardless of performance. Most other bonuses are not outlined in the main employment contract, but rather in supplementary agreements. The 13th-month salary bonus is often in the salary clause of the main contract. Possible result if M.C. Escher was ever inspired by the topic “Salary Bonuses in China” 13th Month Bonuses in China: Local Company Examples So we’ve learned that it’s widley used, but not required by law. What do industry-leading companies actually do in practice? Let’s take a look at what some domestic giants do when it comes to a 13th-month bonus:  1. Alibaba Group: Bonuses with a Personal Touch Alibaba, one of China’s tech giants, is known for its unique approach to the 13th-month salary. In addition to financial bonuses, Alibaba often includes personalized gifts or experiences for its employees. This personal touch enhances the sense of appreciation and makes the bonus more memorable.  2. Tencent: Performance-Based Rewards Tencent, another major player in the Chinese tech industry, takes a performance-oriented approach to the 13th-month salary. Employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the year may receive higher bonuses. This strategy not only motivates employees but also aligns with Tencent’s focus on excellence and growth. 3. Huawei: Tailored Rewards for Different Roles Huawei, a global leader in telecommunications, adopts a customized approach to the 13th-month salary. The company tailors bonuses based on the roles and responsibilities of employees. This ensures that the reward is proportionate to individual contributions, fostering a sense of fairness and recognition. 4. Lenovo: Encouraging Team Collaboration Lenovo, a prominent multinational technology company, emphasizes team collaboration in its 13th-month salary strategy. The company often allocates bonuses based on team achievements, fostering a sense of unity and shared success among employees. This approach promotes teamwork and a cooperative work culture. 5. BYD: Early Payouts for Employee Convenience BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is known for its employee-friendly approach to the 13th-month salary. The company often disburses bonuses a bit earlier than other companies, allowing employees to better plan and enjoy the festive season. This considerate timing contributes to a positive employee experience. 6. JD.com: Financial Planning Workshops JD.com, one of China’s largest e-commerce companies, goes beyond the monetary aspect of the 13th-month salary. The company provides financial planning workshops or seminars to help employees make informed decisions about managing their bonuses effectively. This holistic approach demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being beyond just financial rewards. 7. Baidu: Creative Bonus Structures Baidu, a leading Chinese tech company, is known for its creative bonus structures. In addition to the traditional 13th-month salary, Baidu sometimes introduces special bonuses tied to specific achievements or milestones. This dynamic approach keeps employees engaged and motivated throughout the year. 8. Haier Group: Flexible Bonus Distribution Haier, a multinational home appliances and consumer electronics company, adopts a flexible approach to bonus distribution. The company may choose to distribute the 13th-month salary in installments throughout the year, providing employees with

A Guide To The 13th Month Salary Bonus In China Read More »

Lagou China - A Site for Tech Jobs

Lagou (拉勾): The Jobs Portal Focused on China’s Tech Talent

Lagou (拉勾 / Lā gōu), also referred to as Lagou Zhaopin (拉勾招聘 / lā gōu zhāopìn), is a giant Chinese jobs platform focused on STEM jobs – that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, & Maths. Lagou’s customer list is a who’s who of Chinese titans: Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, ByteDance (Douyin/Tiktok), Billibilli, Meituan, Weibo, Huawei, XiaoHongShu, Xiaomi, Pinduoduo, Kuaishou, Trip.com, Didi, Ant Group, Midea, & JingDong (JD.com) – just to name a few! This is where China’s tech giants from all types of service and product sectors go to find engineering & tech talent. With top-tier Demand from notable companies comes a great Supply – skilled STEM workers in China have all at least heard of Lagou. In this article, we cover Lagou’s Company History, Service Offerings, and Competitive Advantages.  Lagou team celebrates the company’s 9 year anniversary in 2022 Lagou (拉勾): Company History 2013: Xu Dandan founds Lagou in Beijing. From the start, Lagou was positioned as a vertical recruitment platform for Internet talents. Referring to the target of tech talent with in-depth knowledge of certain skill sets, the founder said the company had a focus “One inch wide and one kilometer deep”. 2014: Funding rapid fire! Lagou has a BIG second year, convincing 3 sets of investors that it has a unique and valuable proposition in the Chinese HR landscape. It probably helped that the platform snagged over 1 million registered users in its first year of business!  January 2014: Raises $330,00 USD from angel investors. March 2014: Raises $5,000,000 USD in series A.  August 2014: Raises $25,000,000 in series B. 2015-2016: With a war chest of financing and connections, Lagou enters a stage of rapid growth and expansion. The firm sets up an education unit with the aim of providing quality training to make candidates “more valuable”.  March 2016: Raises $34,000,000 USD in series C funding round. Qiming Venture Partners again joins this round after participating in series B. 2017: In September, the Chinese HR services company 51job acquired a controlling stake in Lagou, marking a significant development in the company’s history. September 2017: Raises $120,000,000 USD in series D funding.  2018: Reaches 1.2 million companies registered, 34 million job seekers registered. At this stage, the platform is receiving over 12 million job applications every month.  2019: The platform broadens its focus to cover various industries beyond just IT and technology. 2020: Lagou reaches over 25 million users. 2022: The company’s annual employment promotion following Chinese New Year hits record heights. During the promo, an average of 100 new jobs were posted every minute, and someone received an offer every 6 seconds! 2023: After 10 years, Founder & CEO Xu Dandan steps down. HR giant and controlling owner 51job takes over management.  Founder/CEO Xu Dandan at a company event in 2019 What Lagou (拉勾) Offers Lagou (拉勾) is a prominent Chinese HR service that has become a key player in the country’s talent acquisition and recruitment landscape. Its functionality and advantages make it a valuable resource for both job seekers and employers. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what Lagou offers: Functionality: Industry-Specific Job Boards: Lagou provides specialized job boards for different industries, ensuring that job seekers and employers can connect within their respective sectors. Unlike many competitors, Lagou has very specific categories and specializations when it comes to STEM-related fields. This specialization makes it easier for job seekers to find targeted positions relevant to their expertise. Company Profiles: Employers can create detailed company profiles, showcasing their corporate culture, values, and available job opportunities. In addition to financial figures, Lagou encourages companies to emphasize their qualitative aspects: Mission, founding team, values, etc. These profiles serve as a valuable resource for job seekers looking to understand the organizations they might join. Job Search: Lagou offers a robust job search feature. Job seekers can filter job listings based on various criteria, including job title, location, industry, and company size. This makes it easier for professionals to find job opportunities that match their preferences. Lagou stands out here due to it’s refined and specific search for technical skills and qualifications. Personalized Job Recommendations: Lagou employs advanced algorithms to offer personalized job recommendations to users. These recommendations take into account the user’s qualifications, experience, and preferences, making the job search process more efficient and targeted. Community and Networking: The platform has a community and networking aspect, allowing professionals to connect, share knowledge, and engage in discussions related to their fields of interest. This feature promotes interaction and collaboration among users. While Lagou isn’t billed as a networking site, it has amassed a great community for tech-related discussions and a set of resources for STEM-related content.  Offline Career Events: Lagou hosts numerous offline career events and job fairs across China. These events facilitate in-person networking opportunities and can be especially beneficial for job seekers and employers looking for face-to-face interactions. As mentioned above, many of these events boast EXCELLENT results, such as the 2022 Chinese New Year promotional event when 100 new jobs were posted every minute, and someone received an offer every 6 seconds! Competitive Advantages: Industry Specialization: One of Lagou’s primary advantages is its industry specialization. The company has said from the start that it will be a tech-first and deep-focus technology needs. By doing this, Lagou has become the go to spot for certain types of positions including software, hardware, aerospace, automotive/NEV, blockchain, and AI. By focusing on these specific sectors, the platform helps job seekers and employers within those industries find the most relevant and tailored opportunities.  Company Insights: Job seekers can gain valuable insights into companies by exploring detailed company profiles. Lagou differentiates a bit here – the company profiles are organized more like Crunchbase than Indeed, suiting a tech-centric environment. This part of the site promotes companies in a way similar to Silicon Valley – founders, story, mission, and funding are all presented proudly.  Personalization: Lagou’s use of advanced algorithms for personalized job recommendations streamlines the job search process. This feature saves time and effort for job seekers by presenting them with job opportunities that

Lagou (拉勾): The Jobs Portal Focused on China’s Tech Talent Read More »