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Posts: 7

Governor

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Q: Good starting salary in Shenzhen?

Dear All,

 

I have an interview soon for a company based in Shenzhen.

My prospective employer wants me to make an offering on my expected salary.

The role is as a Sales Manager for a IT and E Commerce service provider operating in many cities across greater China.

What do you guys suggest for an acceptable base salary for British graduate with a good science degree in Shenzhen?

 

Thank you all!

OP

7 years 46 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - Shenzhen

 
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Emperor

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I'd throw this back on your prospective employer and ask what they pay someone else in this or a similar role.

You are being put at an immediate disadvantage with this question and it is not a good way to start if this is your first time to be working in China.

They are just looking for the cheapest employee rather than the best, and will most likely use whatever figure you give as an excuse not to employ you.

 

Sorry to sound negative, but this is how many Chinese businesses operate.

You would want to be getting a good salary if it is a Chinese owned company as you will have to put up with a lot of BS that you would not get as a graduate in Britain.

 

I would also prepare well with detailed questions about work conditions, hours and responsibilities as you can never assume that there is any employee protection that you would get in Europe.

Don't accept being BS'ed or vague or fudging answers.

If they are not up-front about things, expect to be fecked over.

 

Good luck !

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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
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Posts: 3837

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I'd throw this back on your prospective employer and ask what they pay someone else in this or a similar role.

You are being put at an immediate disadvantage with this question and it is not a good way to start if this is your first time to be working in China.

They are just looking for the cheapest employee rather than the best, and will most likely use whatever figure you give as an excuse not to employ you.

 

Sorry to sound negative, but this is how many Chinese businesses operate.

You would want to be getting a good salary if it is a Chinese owned company as you will have to put up with a lot of BS that you would not get as a graduate in Britain.

 

I would also prepare well with detailed questions about work conditions, hours and responsibilities as you can never assume that there is any employee protection that you would get in Europe.

Don't accept being BS'ed or vague or fudging answers.

If they are not up-front about things, expect to be fecked over.

 

Good luck !

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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1198

Shifu

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18k a month with accomodation would be a starting point depending on experience.

expatlife26:

why would someone downvote that, that sounds like a good starting salary for a fresh grad? If anything it seems a little unrealistically high for a fresh grad without any experience. Maybe 18K pre tax with no bennys or housing is a best case for this situation.

7 years 46 weeks ago
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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
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Just as important as the salary.....can they legally employ you? Can they get you a Z-visa/work permit?

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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
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Shenzhen is not cheap. Housing prices are high. The wife told me last week that SZ housing costs are equal to HK now. But there will still be cheaper places to live.

Starting salary depends on your experience. Sales manager, I would suggest 45k quid a year as a good starting point. It all depends on where you are selling to, who you have to negotiate with, and what you are selling.

If it is a western company, ask for a western wage. If it is Tencent, ask for $150k a year. If it is a Chinese company and you are the only western employee, do some research on UK job websites and find the going rate for the job and the experience you have. Then ask for that. Start high.

I made the mistake of underselling myself in China. Take it from me, start high.

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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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Thanks for the answers so far guys!

Some answers have referred to my experience level.

To clarify I am a fresh graduate!

In this field I have zero experience other than volunteering work.

Hotwater:

Then I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you've got about zero chance of getting a work permit. Even TEFL teachers need to have two years post-graduation work experience to get an employment permit. 

 

Has the company confirmed they can offer a Z-visa/work permit?

7 years 46 weeks ago
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ScotsAlan:

Hot water is correct. Are they licensed to employ you? I hope you have not been offered a sales job for financial products. If it's Austin Morris, avoid. Too many financial scams in China.

7 years 46 weeks ago
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7 years 46 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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Get a job in science! pays a lot better. Or go to Hong Kong where you can be making $3,000 or even $4,000 a month if you're lucky enough. As for Shenzhen... try to aim for something around 20,000 RMB a month (imo).

cwzialor:

I have a degree in Biotechnology, do you have any avenues you recommend for finding a job in China or Hong Kong? Thank you!

7 years 1 week ago
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7 years 45 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77