The 21st century is said to be the Chinese century. With a population of 1.3 billion and a labor force of 800 million, China has the second largest GDP and is set to become the most important market in the world. With over five million university graduates each year, China will be at the forefront of technology and innovation for the foreseeable future. However, as they expand their economic and industrial infrastructure, they will require oversight and partnerships with foreign firms, and the need for executives with global experience is on the rise. Many recruiting and HR firms offer to perform an executive search in China in order to match candidates with prospective companies.

A recruiting firm helps with the language barrier that many potential applicants might find when doing an executive search in China. Larger HR firms also provide lateral services to other nations throughout Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Smaller firms, however, might have a personal touch, with an extensive knowledge of the companies in the particular area you are targeting.

Global HR firms currently conducting an executive search in China are capable of finding and screening both local and foreign, and expatriate candidates. Bilingualism is always a plus. For those living outside the country, many headhunters can conduct their initial interviews over the phone or the internet, or at the nearest headquarters. Depending on the qualifications of the candidate, certain accommodations may be offered to compensate for travel.

The following qualifications are key in any executive search in China:

• English and other language fluency

• Professional experience

• Honesty and integrity

• Location preference

• Other specialized factors that an employer deems key

For employers, HR firms typically will wean candidates to a select few, interview them, and then help with negotiations in terms of a contract. With foreign hires, contracts must often address a number of issues such as housing, government regulations, flight compensation and a host of other concerns in addition to the standard wages and bonuses. An executive search in China should encompass all these factors and provide excellent service to both candidates and employers.