I am an American married to a Chinese woman I met while visiting China a few years ago, and I am now thinking of applying for a job at an NGO in China. My question is this: in addition to listing my usual qualifications and experience, should I mention somewhere that my wife is Chinese? It seems to me that having a spouse from the target country shows commitment to the issues and culture of that country, and a higher likelihood of adjusting well to the move. On one hand it seems a bit odd to list a qualification that is not an ‘achievement’ in the usual sense, but on the other, it might be the extra hook I might need to get an interview. And if you think it is a good idea, how would you phrase it? I am thinking it would go better in the cover letter than in the CV itself.
I think you’re quite right to put it on - it seems to me that that would be a great help in understanding and fitting in to Chinese culture. I think the covering letter is a good place for it - perhaps something like “I have long been interested in China and Chinese culture and have made many visits there. It was in the course of one of these visits that I met my wife, and I feel that my relationship with her has helped deepen my understanding and interest.”
I’m only just starting my own career, though, so I’m not too qualified to give advice.
I don’t know if would have any bearing on your situation, but mentioning (during the interview) that I was married to a Japanese woman had a positive effect in my case, as it indicated that I had “settled” here somewhat, intended to stay for the long term, and wouldn’t just pack up and go home without warning. It also gave an impression that I had ajusted more to the “Japanese Way”[sup]TM[/sup] than someone living the life of a wild and crazy guy on his own.
Assumptions can be wrong, of course, but if they’re in my favor when applying for a job I’m not going to complain.