A well-written application letter in Mandarin can be helpful when looking for work in a Chinese-speaking area or organization. Not only does it highlight your language skills, but it also shows that you appreciate and comprehend Chinese culture and business etiquette. This article offers suggestions for structuring, terminology, and writing techniques to help you create a standout application letter in Mandarin.
Introduction to Chinese Application Letters
An application letter, often called a cover letter, introduces yourself and your qualifications for the job. In the Chinese business world, it is known as a 求职信 (qiú zhí xìn). It accompanies your résumé or CV and provides additional information, giving a more personal touch.
Basic Structure
A Chinese application letter typically follows a three-part structure:
- 开头 (kāi tóu) – Opening: Introduce yourself, and mention the position you’re applying for.
- 正文 (zhèng wén) – Body: Detail your qualifications and experiences, and explain why you’re a good fit for the job.
- 结尾 (jié wěi) – Conclusion: Express gratitude for the reader’s time, state your desire for an interview, and provide your contact information.
Useful Vocabulary
Here are some key phrases and terms that can be useful:
- 我想申请…职位 (wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng…zhí wèi): I would like to apply for… position.
- 我在…工作过 (wǒ zài…gōng zuò guò): I have worked at…
- 我有…的经验 (wǒ yǒu…de jīng yàn): I have experience in…
- 我毕业于… (wǒ bì yè yú…): I graduated from…
- 感谢您考虑我的申请 (gǎn xiè nín kǎo lǜ wǒ de shēn qǐng): Thank you for considering my application.
Tips for a Successful Letter
Formality: The Chinese business culture values respect and formality. It’s best to avoid colloquial language.
Addressing: If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, use their full title and surname, e.g., 王经理 (Wáng Jīnglǐ), meaning Manager Wang.
Brevity: Chinese business communication values conciseness. While you want to convey all necessary information, aim for brevity.
Use of Honorifics: It’s customary to use honorifics like 您 (nín), the polite form of ‘you,’ instead of the more casual 你 (nǐ).
Proofreading: Ensure your letter is correct. Errors can be seen as a need for more attention to detail.
Example Letter:
张经理 (Zhāng Jīnglǐ),
上海金融公司 (Shànghǎi Jīnróng Gōngsī)
尊敬的张经理 (Zūn jìng de Zhāng Jīnglǐ),
我想申请财务分析师的职位。 (Wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng cáiwù fēnxī shī de zhí wèi).
我在北京大学获得了财务管理学士学位，并在华尔街工作过两年。(Wǒ zài Běijīng Dàxué huò dé le cáiwù guǎnlǐ xuéshì xuéwèi, bìng zài Huá’ěrjiē gōngzuò guò liǎng nián).
感谢您考虑我的申请。(Gǎn xiè nín kǎo lǜ wǒ de shēn qǐng).
期待您的回复。(Qīdài nín de huí fù).
李华 (Lǐ Huá)
电话 (Diànhuà): 123-456-7890
Remember, if you’re interested in working in a Chinese-speaking setting, learning how to write an application letter in the language can be helpful. It displays your dedication and versatility, two highly regarded qualities in the international employment market.
FAQs: Writing an Application Letter in Chinese
1. Can I write my application letter in Chinese when applying for a job in a Chinese-speaking country?
Although it isn’t always required, it can provide a competitive advantage. If the job requires you to interact with local clients or partners, it demonstrates your eagerness to learn the local language and culture, which could give you an advantage.
2. Should I include both English and Chinese in my application letter?
It can be advantageous if the business has an international presence or offers bilingual jobs. But make sure the content of both versions is the same.
3. How long should my Chinese application letter be?
Chinese business communication values conciseness. Typically, a one-page letter is preferred. It should be direct and to the point but comprehensive enough to cover your qualifications and intentions.
4. Can I use a translation tool to write my application letter in Chinese?
While translation tools have improved over time, they could be perfect and capture the nuances or formality required for a business letter. If you’re not fluent in Chinese, it’s best to seek help from a native speaker or professional translator.
5. How do I address gender in my application letter?
Chinese don’t have gender-specific pronouns in written form (both ‘he’ and ‘she’ are written as 他). If you don’t know the gender of the person you’re addressing, you don’t need to specify. Using the person’s full title and surname is a respectful and safe approach.
6. I’ve learned Simplified Chinese. Can I use it to apply for jobs in Taiwan or Hong Kong?
Taiwan predominantly uses Traditional Chinese, while Hong Kong uses both forms but leans more towards Traditional. It’s best to write your application letter using the script prevalent in the region you’re applying to. This shows cultural awareness and adaptability.
7. Is it appropriate to include personal stories or anecdotes in my Chinese application letter?
While personal stories can sometimes help in Western contexts, Chinese business letters usually focus on qualifications, skills, and experiences directly related to the job. It’s best to be straightforward.
Contact our head teacher, Chen Huimin, at info@lcchineseschool.com if you want to learn Chinese or have additional questions about our Chinese programs.
Learn about our Internship Program in China.
Learn about holidays in China in 2023.
Get free Chinese learning resources.
