Finding a job in a foreign country is never an easy process. I think it’s a lot like looking for a life partner. Besides your skills and a little bit of luck, there’s also something called fate. So, if you keep sending out CVs but don’t hear back, or get rejected after an interview, don’t be discouraged or give up. Just think that maybe the right opportunity—or the right connection—hasn’t come to you yet. That’s all.

To me, it was really tough at first. I had to attend many interviews, only to find that some jobs didn’t match my profile, while others rejected me after I had put in a lot of effort. My Mandarin ability was a big challenge, especially when applying for banking jobs. Many positions also required finance-related certificates that I hadn’t obtained yet due to the language barrier.

So I just tried to improve my Mandarin as much as possible and took the TOCFL test to prove my language skills. I also read and listened to financial and economic news to improve my understanding of the industry and learn more related vocabulary.

I think the most important thing is something everyone already knows: Mandarin. If you’re a fresh graduate with little or no work experience, that’s okay. But you should definitely learn Mandarin, even if it’s just for daily conversation. When preparing for an interview, I also recommend preparing a short self-introduction in Mandarin, even if the employer doesn’t specifically require it.

Also, depending on the field you want to work in, try to get one or two relevant certificates, either Taiwanese or internationally recognized ones. They can help you demonstrate your knowledge and show employers that you’re serious about building your career in that field.

Based on my experiences, my suggestions to the current students is: if you want to stay in Taiwan to work, my first advice is to learn Mandarin. Even basic daily conversation can make a big difference.

Also, join Facebook groups related to internships and jobs for foreigners in Taiwan, and check company websites directly when looking for job opportunities. Don’t rely only on 104 or 1111. Most importantly, follow the recruitment notices from our department coordinator, and the OIA at our university.

And don’t be afraid to apply when you see a job that matches your background. For each position, try to tailor your CV to the job requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a position related to Vietnamese market research and report presentations, you don’t have to remove unrelated experience like accounting. Instead, highlight the skills you gained from accounting that can be useful for research, such as data analysis, attention to detail, or reporting.

Most importantly, don’t wait until you meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you’re a good fit, just apply!