When hiring a candidate in China, you must be mindful of how they translate to others as per Chinese business culture. After all, your team on the ground represents your company, and your candidate needs to succeed in managing relations with suppliers in your absence and provide insight and presence where you cannot.

Punctuality is essential in Chinese business culture. If meetings or deadlines are not adhered to, it can be perceived as a sign of disrespect. In the eyes of a potential employer, this would reflect poorly on your organisation as a whole. Accordingly, it is vital to find a punctual and reliable candidate. They should also be able to adhere to deadlines set by you as the employer.

Another important aspect is the ability to build and maintain relationships. In China, 'Guanxi' refers to the relationships between people. Strong Guanxi networks are crucial to doing business in China. Whilst it will primarily be senior leadership's role to navigate stakeholder relationships, your team members need to build good relationships with suppliers, customers and other key personnel. They should be able to maintain these relationships over time.

Of course, it is vital to find a candidate with the necessary skills and experience for the role. However, in China, it is also beneficial to find a candidate who understands and is familiar with the Chinese business culture, economy and language.