There is a group that spend what they earn. They're called "yueguangzhu", which literally means "month empty generation" because they have nothing left at the end of the month. As to the great amounts of shopping available, in actuality most local people don't buy the super expensive stuff in the malls. The stores also don't seem to care that they can't move merchandise. It's really weird.
Hi Xin Lu, thank you for the insights. My wife and I have been here in China for the last 3 months traveling through the country and have been shocked by the amount of shopping available in every town/city we've visited. In some cases it seems there is more shopping available here than in most cities in the US or Europe.
I'm curious how you see the spending shift over the next few years as it seems there is more and more interest in spending money on the "show things" than saving up for the big purchase. This is merely anecdotal insight, but with the prices and amount of shopping we've seen it seems that China is heading rapidly towards a "spend what you earn" culture and I only hope that this does not continue to the point that debt and credit cards become rampant.
Do you see this trend as well? Is there a growing group who are spending money on "keeping up with the Jones (or Lees)"?
My tip is to make sure that you are positive in your interview. Don't ever be negative and if they try to get you to say something negative about your previous employer find a way to make it turn into something positive.
One tip I haven't seen yet: practice. Google common interview questions and go over how you would answer them. The point is not to cover all the questions but to become familiar with your resume and ensure you are not caught flat-footed. Combine this with research on the organization and industry and you can come up with even more specific areas to prepare in. Combine this with dressing well and acting confident (because you've prepared!) and professional, and you've just about maximized your chances of being hired.
My best interview tip is definitely dress to impress go light on the make up, jewelry and cologne and know something about the company before hand Also, make sure your resume always has a cover letter. And most importantly, do write a thank you note and make sure to stay on topic especially for all the "tell me about yourself" questions--that's always in reference to your previous work experience, not your family. Save family photos and talk for the water cooler :)
Dress for the job: Office work requires a suit for interviews. Entry-level retail interviews are best attempted in business casual outfit, a suit will make you look like a temporary worker. Management-level retail interviews should be attended in a suit.
NEVER encourage anyone or yourself to get a tattoo that shows (back, rear end, stomach, upper thighs only), multiple facial piercings or to use ear stretchers. Most companies will not hire management level or higher staff sporting either - your kid may want to be a Rapper or Rock star but it's more than likely he will be working in an office somewhere or in service industry management.
I have been to many concerts, with people standing up in front of me, since I use a wheelchair, I see a lot of backsides. Yuck! Or I sit where the seats are, thinking people will sit, and then they stand on their chairs. Then when they holler at each other, and throw beer. I don't see the concert, yet come out smelling like beer and smoke. :) I don't do either, but enjoy being with others who enjoy the same music. Sometimes! I am glad there are now accessible seating, after years of being seated in the back. Binoculars are a great help, if you can see through the people. Ditto, on the other reply on being short, add to that being in a wheelchair. I am still planning to go see Heart, they have accessible seating, so I will be able to see them!!! Not just hear them. Being frugal is a good thing, since you can get free tickets by calling into the radio station.
Having conducted a couple of interviews last week, my #1 tip is - TALK! We know what your education is and can gather a few things from your job history (or lack of), but we've found that personality is a key player in hiring someone. If your answers are non-existent or very short, it is difficult for us to gauge your ability to communicate with others and will assume you can't communicate well and we'll hire someone else! We can do plenty of training, but if you don't get along with our team and can't communicate with other depts in company, it won't work. (Let's just say I had one "painful" interview that only lasted 10 min)
The Best Interview Tip is to make sure you research a lot about the company. The time will come at the end when they ask you, "Do you have any questions for me?" and you should have a couple questions ready. This shows you took the time to really research the company, that you're dedicated, and interested in finding more about the company you might work for. Definitely don't forget to research!
Not only does it help to research the company, I find it helpful to consult a resource like the Occupational Outlook Handbook for information about the occupation you are applying for; it helps you contemplate what questions to ask.
Very interesting! I haven't tried Groupon yet although I hear so much about it every day. I really need to. It's good to know that you can not lose out though if you can't use a deal. That's so crazy too that stores are complaining for getting TOO MUCH traffic! lol
My tip would be to treat it like a critical mission: no single detail should be missed. 1) Arrive 15 minutes early to make sure you can find the office, locate reception and fill out any forms. 2) Your appearance should be well-groomed. Your hair is professional and neat, clothes are ironed or dry-cleaned, and shoes are polished. 3) Have a portfolio folder (one of those leatherbound ones) and make up professional contact cards for bonus points. 4) The most important part is how you conduct yourself in the interview> Make comfortable eye contact, listen very closely to what is being asked and provide answers that are honest but also highlight your best points. If they allow you to ask questions, show them you have done your homework and are excited about their company, product or services.
Interviews are painful and I usually feel very nervous but I know that I have one shot to convey to the interviewer who I am and why I am a good fit to the company. Convince them that your narrative fits into their narrative, goals and vision for their company. You'll be golden!
To save time, I use instant mashed potatoes for Shepherds Pie. The kids love it. Follow the directions on the box for mashed potatoes, I use the Butter and Herb flavour. Brown ground beef and open a can or corn or peas. Transfer ground beef in a square pan, then can of peas or corn, top with instant mashed potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes if desired.
dress professionally. it's always better to overdress than under-dress. arrive early or at the very least, on time. and bring copies of your resume.
Be on time.
hey guys.... Does this thing last after sunset?.... maybe for sometime?
There is a group that spend what they earn. They're called "yueguangzhu", which literally means "month empty generation" because they have nothing left at the end of the month. As to the great amounts of shopping available, in actuality most local people don't buy the super expensive stuff in the malls. The stores also don't seem to care that they can't move merchandise. It's really weird.
I love shrimps! Thank you for these ideas. :)
Hi Xin Lu, thank you for the insights. My wife and I have been here in China for the last 3 months traveling through the country and have been shocked by the amount of shopping available in every town/city we've visited. In some cases it seems there is more shopping available here than in most cities in the US or Europe.
I'm curious how you see the spending shift over the next few years as it seems there is more and more interest in spending money on the "show things" than saving up for the big purchase. This is merely anecdotal insight, but with the prices and amount of shopping we've seen it seems that China is heading rapidly towards a "spend what you earn" culture and I only hope that this does not continue to the point that debt and credit cards become rampant.
Do you see this trend as well? Is there a growing group who are spending money on "keeping up with the Jones (or Lees)"?
Be pleasant and prepared.
My tip is to make sure that you are positive in your interview. Don't ever be negative and if they try to get you to say something negative about your previous employer find a way to make it turn into something positive.
One tip I haven't seen yet: practice. Google common interview questions and go over how you would answer them. The point is not to cover all the questions but to become familiar with your resume and ensure you are not caught flat-footed. Combine this with research on the organization and industry and you can come up with even more specific areas to prepare in. Combine this with dressing well and acting confident (because you've prepared!) and professional, and you've just about maximized your chances of being hired.
My best interview tip is definitely dress to impress go light on the make up, jewelry and cologne and know something about the company before hand Also, make sure your resume always has a cover letter. And most importantly, do write a thank you note and make sure to stay on topic especially for all the "tell me about yourself" questions--that's always in reference to your previous work experience, not your family. Save family photos and talk for the water cooler :)
Liked and commented on Facebook too! :)
Dress for the job: Office work requires a suit for interviews. Entry-level retail interviews are best attempted in business casual outfit, a suit will make you look like a temporary worker. Management-level retail interviews should be attended in a suit.
NEVER encourage anyone or yourself to get a tattoo that shows (back, rear end, stomach, upper thighs only), multiple facial piercings or to use ear stretchers. Most companies will not hire management level or higher staff sporting either - your kid may want to be a Rapper or Rock star but it's more than likely he will be working in an office somewhere or in service industry management.
Research the company you're interested in, be yourself during the interview, focus on what you can accomplish for the company.
I have been to many concerts, with people standing up in front of me, since I use a wheelchair, I see a lot of backsides. Yuck! Or I sit where the seats are, thinking people will sit, and then they stand on their chairs. Then when they holler at each other, and throw beer. I don't see the concert, yet come out smelling like beer and smoke. :) I don't do either, but enjoy being with others who enjoy the same music. Sometimes! I am glad there are now accessible seating, after years of being seated in the back. Binoculars are a great help, if you can see through the people. Ditto, on the other reply on being short, add to that being in a wheelchair. I am still planning to go see Heart, they have accessible seating, so I will be able to see them!!! Not just hear them. Being frugal is a good thing, since you can get free tickets by calling into the radio station.
Adam,
That's exactly right. I think most folks who do respond to news they hear will often do it when it is too late.
I already am a fan on Facebook
Having conducted a couple of interviews last week, my #1 tip is - TALK! We know what your education is and can gather a few things from your job history (or lack of), but we've found that personality is a key player in hiring someone. If your answers are non-existent or very short, it is difficult for us to gauge your ability to communicate with others and will assume you can't communicate well and we'll hire someone else! We can do plenty of training, but if you don't get along with our team and can't communicate with other depts in company, it won't work. (Let's just say I had one "painful" interview that only lasted 10 min)
The Best Interview Tip is to make sure you research a lot about the company. The time will come at the end when they ask you, "Do you have any questions for me?" and you should have a couple questions ready. This shows you took the time to really research the company, that you're dedicated, and interested in finding more about the company you might work for. Definitely don't forget to research!
Not only does it help to research the company, I find it helpful to consult a resource like the Occupational Outlook Handbook for information about the occupation you are applying for; it helps you contemplate what questions to ask.
Very interesting! I haven't tried Groupon yet although I hear so much about it every day. I really need to. It's good to know that you can not lose out though if you can't use a deal. That's so crazy too that stores are complaining for getting TOO MUCH traffic! lol
How about some sites or something for people who don't have iPhones, iPads, etc? Not everyone is a tech-hungry Apple fanboy.
My tip would be to treat it like a critical mission: no single detail should be missed. 1) Arrive 15 minutes early to make sure you can find the office, locate reception and fill out any forms. 2) Your appearance should be well-groomed. Your hair is professional and neat, clothes are ironed or dry-cleaned, and shoes are polished. 3) Have a portfolio folder (one of those leatherbound ones) and make up professional contact cards for bonus points. 4) The most important part is how you conduct yourself in the interview> Make comfortable eye contact, listen very closely to what is being asked and provide answers that are honest but also highlight your best points. If they allow you to ask questions, show them you have done your homework and are excited about their company, product or services.
Interviews are painful and I usually feel very nervous but I know that I have one shot to convey to the interviewer who I am and why I am a good fit to the company. Convince them that your narrative fits into their narrative, goals and vision for their company. You'll be golden!
To save time, I use instant mashed potatoes for Shepherds Pie. The kids love it. Follow the directions on the box for mashed potatoes, I use the Butter and Herb flavour. Brown ground beef and open a can or corn or peas. Transfer ground beef in a square pan, then can of peas or corn, top with instant mashed potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes if desired.
look the interviewer in the eye and be confident
Great tips Nora!