If you’re looking to expand your team in China, 51Job is a top-notch platform for connecting with potential candidates — and it’s free for first-time users. This guide will walk you through how to hire on 51Job effectively.
The Platform at a Glance
So, what jobs are actually worth posting on 51Job? Launched in 1998, 51Job was the first China-based recruitment firm listed in the U.S. (2004) before going private again in 2022. Thanks to its longevity, the platform offers a wide array of services—resume databases, outsourcing, and more. However, as the platform operates mainly in Chinese, most foreign companies use it primarily as a basic job board.
51Job caters to a broad userbase in the job market, serving multinational corporations, large national Chinese corporations, and local Chinese enterprises. IBM, Air China and China Mobile are among their biggest regular clients.
Likewise, the company is a popular option for both white-collar employees/professionals and blue-collar workers. They also offer dedicated channels for recruiting recent graduates, among others.
TOP TIP: While 51Job’s massive user base makes it a solid starting point, it shouldn’t necessarily be your only recruiting channel. For specific hiring needs, you’ll likely want to combine it with other platforms. For example, Liepin is better for executive search and senior-level talent. The smart play is often to cast your net across multiple platforms – 51Job for its broad reach, plus a more specialized platform that aligns with your specific hiring goals.
How to Post a Job on 51Job
Posting a role on 51Job is relatively straightforward.
- Create an Account:
- Head to 51Job.com and register for an employer account.
- You must have a registered Chinese business entity to create an employer account.
Note: If your company does not have a local entity, consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) to legally hire employees in China.
- Verify Your Company:
- 51Job needs to verify that your company is legitimate.
- Enter your company name – the system should automatically recognize your address. This is the most crucial step!
- You’ll need to upload a clear image of your company’s business license.
- Important: The image must be in JPG, BMP, or PNG format, and less than 10MB. Do not edit the image in any way!
- Verification usually only takes 2 hours; however, this will extend outside of business hours.
- Post Your First Job:
- Once your company is verified, you can post your first job.
- If you’re Chinese isn’t great, you can use the website’s GenAI tool to help you fill out the job information.
- Job Posting Review:
- After you submit your job posting, it goes through a manual review process.
- Expect a 2-hour wait (but plan for longer): The review should take around 2 hours, but that’s just an estimate, and outside of normal business hours, you may be waiting longer!
- Once approved, your job will be displayed on 51Job.
Pricing & Packages
Good news! If you’re new to 51Job, you’ll get one free job posting slot for 30 days when you register a recruitment account. This is a great way to test the waters and see if 51Job is a good fit for your hiring needs. After that, you’ll have to fork out for a VIP package.
Paid Options
As with many Chinese subscription services, there’s a bewildering array of packages to wade through. The entry-level option starts at around $44 per month, with pricier tiers unlocking features like direct candidate messaging and boosted post visibility. Let’s cut through the clutter and focus on the straightforward options:
VIP Monthly Card – Standard Edition (318 Chinese Yuan/30 days):
What you get:
- 3 Listed Job Slots: Post up to 3 job openings simultaneously.
- 100 Proactive Talent Views/Day: Browse 100 candidate profiles each day.
- 40 Proactive Chats/Day: Send initial messages to 40 candidates each day.
Why Choose This Package?
This package is perfect for companies just starting out in China or those with a few key roles to fill. It allows you to actively search for candidates without a large commitment.
VIP Monthly Card – Premium Edition (398 Yuan/30 days)
What You Get:
- 5 Listed Job Slots: Post up to 5 jobs.
- 100 Proactive Talent Views/Day: Browse 100 profiles.
- 50 Proactive Chats/Day: Message 50 candidates each day.
- 1 “Super Exposure” (3 days): Boost your job’s visibility for 3 days.
Why Choose This Package?
This option offers a great mix of features for businesses looking to enhance their reach. The “Super Exposure” and “Smart Invitation” features help you attract top talent more effectively.
VIP Quarterly Card – Premium Edition (988 Yuan/90 days)
What You Get:
- 10 Listed Job Slots: Post up to 10 job openings.
- 150 Proactive Talent Views/Day: View 150 candidate profiles each day.
- 80 Proactive Chats/Day: Send messages to 80 candidates each day.
- 1 “Super Exposure” (7 days): Boost job visibility for a week.
- 1 “Smart Invitation” (100 people): Invite 100 candidates.
Why Choose This Package?
If you anticipate ongoing hiring needs over the next few months, this package provides excellent value. The increased slots and proactive features allow for effective recruitment strategies over a longer period.
Time You’re Hiring with Seasonal Trends
Remember to time your hiring appropriately. The Chinese job market is seasonal. Don’t expect a steady stream of candidates year-round.
- Post-Chinese New Year (Q1): This is often a very busy period. Many people reassess their careers after the holiday and are actively looking for new opportunities. This means a lot of recruits on the market. However, be prepared for increased competition for talent – and potentially higher salary expectations.
- October (Post-National Day Holiday): Similar to after Chinese New Year, you might see a surge in job seekers.
- Year-End Slowdown: Things tend to quiet down towards the end of the calendar year.
- Campus Recruitment (Q4): If you’re looking to hire fresh graduates, Q4 is prime time for campus recruitment.
51Job Key Takeaways
51Job remains one of China’s most accessible and comprehensive job boards, making it a solid foundation for your recruitment strategy. The platform’s free trial offer makes it a no-brainer for testing the waters, and its straightforward posting process means you can be up and running quickly. However, keep in mind:
- The platform works best as part of a wider recruitment strategy. Consider combining it with specialist platforms like Liepin for executive roles
- Timing is crucial – align your hiring with Chinese market seasonality
- The mainly Chinese interface means you might need local support
For most companies operating in China, 51Job should be part of your recruitment toolkit – but not necessarily your only tool. Start with the free trial, measure your results, and then decide if a paid package aligns with your hiring needs.
