Being a foreigner looking for a job in a Taiwanese company can be a challenging experience. While it’s true that speaking Chinese can help ease the process, it’s not always enough to overcome cultural and communication barriers. While I love teaching English, my expertise is electrical engineering and data science. I know there are many foreigners like me living in Taiwan who want and are able to do more.
One common issue that foreign job seekers face is the fear of colleagues or managers having to speak English to accommodate them. This is a valid concern, as English is not the native language of most Taiwanese people, and many may feel uncomfortable or insecure about their proficiency in it. Moreover, the pressure to communicate in a foreign language can cause misunderstandings and frustration, which can lead to a toxic work environment.
So, what can foreign job seekers do to overcome this barrier and find a job in a Taiwanese company? Here are a few tips:
Highlight your language skills
Even if your Chinese isn’t completely fluent, it’s still a valuable asset to have and can make people feel at ease communicating with you. Make sure to highlight your language skills on your resume, cover letter, and during job interviews. Whether it is a light conversation about your hobbies and favorite things in Taiwan or a deeper conversation about your field of expertise, either way, speaking to the hiring manager or other employees in Chinese will surely make them feel more at ease and comfortable with you. I remember mentioning my new-found love for stinky tofu臭豆腐 and the rush of walking in the night markets夜市, which made me more relatable to Taiwanese employees. This also emphasizes your willingness to learn and adapt to different communication styles.
Network and build relationships
Networking is crucial in Taiwan, and building relationships with local professionals can help you break the ice and gain trust. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and seek out mentors or advisors who can guide you through the job search process. By establishing a rapport with local professionals, you can demonstrate your interest in Taiwanese culture and your commitment to building a successful career in Taiwan. After all, an employer would probably not be too excited about hiring someone who would just leave Taiwan at the first opportunity they get right?
Be patient and persistent
Finding a job in Taiwan may take longer than expected, this is true even for my Taiwanese classmates in my master’s program. Be patient and persistent in your job search, and don’t be discouraged by rejection or setbacks. Keep refining your job search strategy, updating your skills, and seeking feedback from recruiters or hiring managers. Remember that finding the right job is a process, and it takes time and effort to achieve your goals. The process looks different for everyone. For some, it is about getting a job and getting promoted after working for a time; for others, it includes moving to a foreign land, getting a higher degree, and then navigating life. I am the latter. It is a nerve-racking but very exciting period of life. So, keep pushing!
Consider working for an international company
If finding a job in a Taiwanese company proves challenging, consider working for an international company with a presence in Taiwan. International companies often have more diverse and inclusive workplaces, and they may be more accommodating of language barriers and cultural differences. Moreover, working for an international company can provide you with valuable cross-cultural experience and exposure to different business practices and perspectives.
Opening expressions for small talk with a foreigner
And if you see me in your office, here are some expressions you can use to talk to me:
- Greetings:
- “Hello, my name is [Your Name]. What’s your name?”
- “Nice to meet you. I’m [Your Name].”
- Small talk:
- “Where are you from?”
- “How long have you been living in Taiwan?”
- “What brought you here?”
- Polite phrases:
- “Excuse me, could you repeat that? I didn’t quite catch it.”
- “Thank you for your help.”
- “I look forward to working with you.”
Stay Patient
Remember to listen attentively, be patient, and show interest in peoples’ culture and background. This will help to establish a positive and respectful working relationship.
And if you need a machine learning and data science expert with a masters in Electrical Engineering who is fluent in English, Filipino, with some knowledge of Chinese and a love for Taiwanese food, please hire me.
