1. EnjoyClassifieds

This is the site I check the most since it’s updated the most frequently, and has a lot of great results. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be enough moderation so a number of the postings are mis-categorized, repeat ads, or just plain spam. It also has an email interface that deters direct contact, although employers can post their contact information in their ad.

That said, some of the ads are so funny that I can look past these short comings:

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2. Shanghai Expat

Next best, but it tends to favor ‘featured’ (i.e. paid) job listings over most recent. It also has a clunky email and text editor interface to deter direct contact, I’m assuming to show employers how many applicants they get through the site.

3. Craigslist

A couple of years ago Craigslist was great for finding jobs in Shanghai. Now, it seems to be a haven for spam, scams, and self-promotion. Still, there are the occasional worthwhile positions posted so it’s worth opening a tab for.

4. City Weekend

This site frustrates me because the first page seems permanently covered with what are either heavily promoted ‘feature listings’ or spam. Other than the first 20 or so “Regional Manager Needed in Shanghai” postings, there are a few interesting ads (especially in media).

5. AdLuk

Why is it that the best job site in Shanghai also has to be the worst? This site consistently has the better positions that you would find on all of the other sites. Theoretically, you shouldn’t have to bother with any of the other links I’ve posted since this is the only one you should need.

Unfortunately, in something I can only see as a cruel joke on the unemployed, there is absolutely no contact information or way to get in touch with the employer for any of the postings. I keep coming back to it (because it does have great listings) only to have to scour other sites so I can find an email address to actually apply to the damn posting.

Even more baffling is that there are random images of Shanghai assigned to each posting. Next to an ad looking for a Financial Services Coordinator you’ll see a basket of steamed pork buns; an ad titled “Experienced Textile Manager” will be accompanied by a shot of a migrant worker in an alley eating a bowl of noodles, or of Yan An Elevated Road.

Am I missing something? What the hell is this site’s purpose?