Remember that your resume for China should be targeted and easy to scan in order to get you to the next stage: a job interview!

Although not required, we highly recommend to include a photo. A head-to-shoulders picture, wearing professional business attire and looking serious (not smiling)! into the camera.

The term resume is more commonly used instead of CV, often using a more narrative style. International (oriented) companies may ask for a CV though. Make sure it is always reverse chronological order, with the most recent activity first.

It is essential to include your name, address, phone number, and email address under personal details. Information like gender, date of birth, and nationality are given too. Make sure your CV is concise and detailed. If you are fluent in both languages, prepare both a Chinese and English version of your resume. If only submitting the English version, it is helpful to duplicate your name, contact address and company names (if you already have some local work experience) in Chinese.

This is your chance to sell yourself, but keep it modest …

Academic qualifications are essential for Chinese recruiters. If you are a recent graduate, or you do not possess significant work experience, state your educational background before the work experience section. Include all necessary information such as the name and location of the institution, dates of attendance, type and name of the degree, as well as major and areas of emphasis.

This section should state your experience in reverse chronological order. You should include only the work experience relevant to the job you are applying for. Try to use facts and quantified data to prove you have certain skills. Numbers and specific results achieved constitute concrete examples of your performance and work-related skills, and are in general preferred by recruiters.

Use power words and action verbs to describe your achievements, such as designed, provided, delivered, organised, demonstrated, trained, managed, developed, etc. Bullet-point these at the start of a sentence for maximum impact.

List other experiences or extracurricular activities, especially those that illustrate leadership, communication, or teamwork abilities.