Top 3 Best Job-Search Apps in China (2025) for Expats & Locals
Let’s imagine you are in China and looking for a job. Where should you begin your job search in China as an expat or local?
There are plenty of Chinese job websites available, but there’s also a more convenient and flexible way: job search mobile apps.
In this article you’ll discover the Top 3 job search apps in China 2025. These apps for finding jobs in China are popular among foreigners and Chinese professionals alike. Whether you’re searching for part time jobs, teaching jobs or tech jobs in China, these apps will help you start your career fast and easy.
Coming to Work in China
Every year thousands of foreigners come to China for work and it’s easy to see why the country offers great job opportunities across various industries especially in teaching, technology and business sectors.
There are different ways to find a job in China some people search and apply for jobs online before they arrive: negotiate terms and come to China with a Z work visa in hand. Others prefer a more hands-on approach: arriving on a tourist or business visa and job hunting in China locally, meeting employers face to face and visiting workplaces before making a commitment.
Many international students in China also start looking for future career opportunities while completing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Important note: Working on a student tourist or business visa is illegal. You must obtain a legal work visa in China to be employed.
No matter your approach, one thing is for sure – using the right tools will save you time and effort. That’s where job search apps in China come in – these apps make it easier for both expats and locals to explore job listings, connect with recruiters and apply directly through their phones.
Let’s take a look at the Top 3 job apps in China 2025 to help you start your journey.
#1: 前程无忧 (51Job): Best Job App in China for Expats & Locals
The first one and the absolute top of my list is an app called 51Job, or 前程无忧 (Qiánchéng Wúyōu).
It’s one of the best job search apps in China 2025 for both expats and locals. This app helps users find a wide variety of job opportunities in China including part time jobs, full-time jobs, remote work and even internships. Whether you’re looking for a job in Shanghai, Beijing or a smaller city – 51Job has it all.
The interface is clean and user friendly, great for foreigners in China who are not fluent in Chinese. It includes CV templates, English-language job listings and intuitive filters to help you search by industry salary range or location.
Many international users rely on this app to apply for jobs in China especially in fields like teaching, tech customer service and marketing.
Using the 51Job App: How to Find Jobs in China
Looking to find a job in China? The 51Job app is one of the most popular Chinese job search platforms. Here’s a step by step guide on how to use the 51Job app to boost your chances of getting hired.
Step 1: Create Your Resume on 51Job
To get started you’ll first need to create your CV:
Open the app and tap on 简历 Resume. You can create either a Chinese or English resume — just switch between versions using the button in the top-right corner of the screen. Fill in your personal detail’s, education background and work experience.
💡 Tip: A complete and well written resume can significantly increase your chances of getting contacted by employers.
Step 2: Start Job Hunting
Once your resume is ready it’s time to search for jobs in China.
Go to the main page (首页).
Select your city or location.
Enter the job title or keyword you’re looking for in the search bar.
It’s a simple and intuitive way to browse job opportunities across different industries and regions in China.
A Small Drawback
One downside of the app is the lack of live chat support. After submitting your resume you’ll have to wait for employers to contact you via the phone number you provided. If you’re not comfortable with phone interviews this can be a bit inconvenient
Bonus Tip: Know Some Chinese? Try These Other Apps.
The remaining two popular job hunting apps in China are only available in Chinese. If you’re comfortable with the language they can be incredibly helpful tools to explore more job opportunities and connect with potential employers.
#2: BOSS直聘
The second must have job search app in China is BOSS直聘 (Boss zhí pìn). If you’re in China you’ve probably seen its ads everywhere on the subway, buses and billboards – this app is especially popular among locals and younger professionals.
Why Choose BOSS直聘?
Unlike other job platforms, BOSS直聘 offers a real time communication feature, allowing you to chat directly with recruiters and HR managers. This makes the hiring process faster and more interactive.
How to Use the BOSS直聘 App
Getting started is easy. The interface is clean and simple making it easy for users of all levels to navigate:
- Open the app and go to 我的 (My).
- Tap on 我的微简历 to create your resume.
- Once your CV is ready, return to the main page and search for jobs that interest you.
The Best Part: Built In Live Chat
This is where BOSS直聘 really stands out! After applying to a job, the app automatically opens a chat window with the HR manager who posted the job. You can also access all your conversations by clicking 消息 Messages at the bottom of the screen. And it works both ways: if a recruiter finds your resume interesting, they can initiate a conversation with you directly via the in app live chat. No more waiting for phone calls or emails!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a faster and more direct way to connect with employers in China, BOSS直聘 is the app to try. It’s intuitive modern and offers real time interaction perfect for both local and international job seekers who are comfortable using Chinese language apps.
#3: 赶集网 Ganji Job Search + Housing in One App
The third app on our list is 赶集网 (Gǎnjí Wǎng), or Ganji – a multi purpose platform that’s widely used across China. Unlike other job search apps, Ganji is not just about employment, it’s also designed to help users find rental housing, buy or sell property and even discover part time gigs or freelance work. If you’re looking for jobs and housing in China – this app can do both.
How to Use the Ganji App
Using 赶集网 is pretty straightforward. On the main page choose what you’re looking for:
- Full-time jobs.
- Part-time jobs.
- Apartments for rent.
- Properties for sale.
- Tap 我的 (My) to access your personal dashboard.
- Create your resume under 我的简历 My CV.
- Once your CV is set up you’re ready to start your job search in China or browse available rental listings.
Pros and Cons of Using Ganji
✅ Pros:
- One app for job hunting and housing
- Ideal for people looking for part time jobs or short term rentals in China
❌ Cons:
- Since it’s a general-purpose app there are fewer job listings compared to platforms like BOSS直聘 or 51Job which focus exclusively on employment.
Even though Ganji doesn’t offer as many job listings as the dedicated apps, its versatility makes it a valuable tool especially for newcomers or those looking for short term work and temporary housing in China.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helps you find the job you’re looking for in China and makes your job hunting process simpler and more convenient. Whether you’re using 51Job, BOSS直聘 or 赶集网, each app offers something to help you land your next opportunity.
If you have any questions about how to use Chinese job search apps or need tips for creating your resume, feel free to tweet us at @thatsmandarin anytime – we’re here to help!
FAQ: Job Search Apps in China
1. What is the best job search app in China?
It depends on your needs:
- 51Job is best for a wide range of professional positions
- BOSS直聘 BOSS Zhipin is great for chatting directly with recruiters in real time
- 赶集网 Ganji is useful if you’re also looking for housing or part-time work
2. Can foreigners use job apps like 51Job or BOSS直聘?
Yes! Many foreign job seekers in China successfully uses these apps just be sure to create a clear CV and search using keywords like “foreign teacher”, “English speaking jobs” or your professional field.
3. Is it necessary to speak Chinese to use these apps?
Not necessarily. 51Job and BOSS直聘 have some English friendly features, but basic Chinese skills will definitely help especially with apps like 赶集网 which is available only in Chinese.
4. How do I create a resume (简历) on Chinese job apps?
Go to the “My” section (我的) and look for 我的简历 or 我的微简历 depending on the app. fill in your education, work experience and contact info. Some apps allow you to upload an English CV, while others may require input in Chinese.
5. Can I chat with recruiters directly on Chinese job apps?
Yes — BOSS直聘 allows you to chat directly with HR managers after submitting your application. This feature is one of the main reasons it’s so popular in China.
6. Are these apps free to use?
Yes, all three apps (51Job, BOSS直聘 and 赶集网) are free for job seekers. You may need to register with a phone number to create your profile and resume.
