Networking in China isn’t just about exchanging contacts—it’s about building genuine professional rapport. Whether you’re seeking a referral, reaching out for a coffee chat, or exploring industry collaboration, knowing the right phrases and understanding local etiquette can make all the difference.
1. Making the First Move: Reaching Out Politely
Start with a brief but respectful introduction. Keep it professional and avoid jumping straight into your ask.
Examples:
Nín hǎo, wǒ shì zài LinkedIn shàng kàn dào nín de zīliào, juéde wǒmen yǒu yìxiē gòngtóng de xìngqù/bèijǐng, xiǎng xiàng nín qǐngjiào yìxiē wèntí.
您好，我是在LinkedIn上看到您的资料，觉得我们有一些共同的兴趣/背景，想向您请教一些问题。
Hi, I came across your profile on LinkedIn and noticed we have some shared interests/background. I’d love to ask you a few questions.
Dǎrǎo nín le, wǒ zuìjìn zài guānzhù guì gōngsī de fāzhǎn, tèbié gǎn xìngqù, xiǎng liǎojiě gèng duō.
打扰您了，我最近在关注贵公司的发展，特别感兴趣想了解更多。
Sorry to bother you—I’ve been following your company’s recent developments and would love to learn more.
2. Asking for a Coffee Chat or Informational Interview
In China, virtual coffee chats (via WeChat or phone) are common and appreciated when approached the right way.
Examples:
Bù zhīdào nín shìfǒu fāngbiàn chōuchū shí dào shíwǔ fēnzhōng shíjiān, wǒ xiǎng qǐngjiào nín yìxiē guānyú guì hángyè de jīngyàn.
不知道您是否方便抽出10-15分钟时间，我想请教您一些关于贵行业的经验。
Would you be open to a 10-15 minute chat? I’d love to hear your insights about your industry.
Wǒ zuìjìn zài kǎolǜ zhíyè fāngxiàng, kàn dào nín de jīnglì hěn shòu qǐfā, bùzhī néngfǒu qǐng nín fēnxiǎng yìxiē jiànyì?
我最近在考虑职业方向，看到您的经历很受启发，不知能否请您分享一些建议？
I’m currently thinking about my career direction and found your experience inspiring—could you kindly share some advice?
3. Requesting a Referral
When asking for a referral, it’s important to show you’ve done your homework and keep your request tactful.
Examples:
Wǒ duì guì gōngsī mǒu gè zhíwèi hěn gǎn xìngqù, bù zhīdào nín shìfǒu fāngbiàn bāng wǒ nèituī huò tígōng yìxiē jiànyì?
我对贵公司某个职位很感兴趣，不知道您是否方便帮我内推或提供一些建议？
I’m very interested in a position at your company—would you be open to referring me or offering some suggestions?
Zhè shì wǒ de jiǎnlì, rúguǒ nín fāngbiàn zhuǎn gěi xiāngguān de zhāopìn tóngshì, jiāng bùshèng gǎnjī.
这是我的简历，如果您方便转给相关的招聘同事，将不胜感激。
Here is my resume—if you’d be willing to pass it on to the relevant recruiter, I’d really appreciate it.
4. Following Up (Without Being Pushy)
If you haven’t received a response after a few days, a polite follow-up can show your professionalism.
Examples:
Zhǐshì xiǎng gēnjìn yíxià shàng cì de xìnxī, kànkan nín shìfǒu fāngbiàn huífù.
只是想跟进一下上次的信息，看看您是否方便回复。
Just following up on my previous message—wondering if it’s convenient for you to respond.
Lǐjiě nín kěnéng hěn máng, gǎnxiè nín chōukòng yuèdú zhè tiáo xìnxī.
理解您可能很忙，感谢您抽空阅读这条信息。
I understand you may be busy—thank you for taking the time to read this message.
5. Showing Appreciation
A little gratitude goes a long way in Chinese professional culture.
Examples:
Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín fēnxiǎng bǎoguì de jīngyàn.
非常感谢您分享宝贵的经验。
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable experience.
Néng xiàng nín xuéxí wǒ gǎndào hěn róngxìng.
能向您学习我感到很荣幸。
It’s a real honor to learn from you.
Want to feel confident reaching out in Chinese?
At eChineseLearning, our professional Chinese tutors help you master not only business language but also real-world cultural skills like networking, coffee chat phrases, and job-seeking etiquette.
Try a free 1-on-1 class today and take your networking game to the next level!
Quiz: What’s a polite way to ask for a short coffee chat in Chinese?
A. 你能给我工作吗？
B. 能请教您一些行业经验吗？
C. 咱们出来喝一杯吧？
Answer: B
