Job Discussion Forums

chinasyndrome · Posted: Sat May 31, 2003 5:34 am Post subject:

Hi Martin,

The word 'responsible' has a very good translated meaning in China and is probably the best general description you can get. In my experience so far I've found that the way a fair recommendation is written in China differs from how we might do it in western countries. They talk less about achievement and more about how they perceive you. Similarly, 'dedicated', 'hardworking' and 'made good relationships with the staff and students' are all terms that Chinese employers like to see.

Hope this helps.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Are you sure it is a "reference" letter your new employer wants, or a "release"letter.

Technically, at the end of your contract, your school should write a letter that basically says, "Johnny was a good boy. He worked the whole year, giving satisfactory service. It has been a pleasure having him, and we wish him the best at his new job"

The reality is that schools rarely bother writing such letters. The easiest way is for you to write it yourself in English, have a friend write it in Chinese, and then take it to the Dean's office to get stamped.

This is a legal requirement some provinces are doing more often now. For the new school to be able to get your approval for the new contract, get your residence card, etc., they have to show the release letter to the provincial education bureau.