To Chinese university graduates, the post-college job-search nowadays is like a "Long March." Not only must they go on a physical quest, traveling from company to company for leads and interviews, they must undergo various psychological frustrations along the way, as they are rejected and kept waiting for answers. Although the increasingly expanding number of graduates flooding the job market make it unfavorable at the moment, a right attitude and thorough preparation will certainly increase one's chances of finding a good job.
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Graduation season means a large number of students will soon bid farewell to their carefree college days and enter China's highly competitive job market. Actually, many students begin to feel the pressure of employment as early as a year before graduation.
Wang Wei is majoring in Chinese at Renmin University, one of the best universities in China. Although graduating from such a famous university, she says finding a good job is still extremely difficult.
"Actually my job-hunt began as early as last September. At that time many of us were at a loss. We didn't know what kind of job we wanted or what we were suitable for. My classmates and I went to every campus career talk and job fair, handing out our resumes to anyone that came. But more hopes eventually mean more frustration. Gradually I discovered that I like doing HR related jobs. So I have begun concentrating on these positions, which makes it all much easier."
Wang Wei's experience is not exceptional among young job-seekers in China. A recent report conducted by online recruiter ChinaHR.com on the job-hunting psychology of university students reveals almost half of the surveyed students could not define themselves clearly, knowing little about what they are good at and what they want to do in the future. This lack of self-definition results in high amounts of stress, making it almost impossible for such students to compete in the job market. Confusion about one's career goals is the most substantial internal challenge to overcome when seeking employment.
But after you have the advantage of knowing your own skills and interests, you can move on to the next step. Students should try to get more information about potential employers, never forgetting that internship experiences are also conducive to employment. Zhang Peng's job hunting experience has provided solid proof of this theory.
Lu Lingmin, a senior HR director, also suggests that students get employed first, and then choose a career.
"With the current situation of the job market, it's hard for grads to find a job not to mention finding a very satisfying one. So students should have realistic expectations for their first job. And sometimes you should take a job, even though it might not be your ideal. Gradually you will be able to find a career of your own. Young people just have to remember not to be too hasty!"
China Drive is one of CRI's radio programs aired from Monday to Friday. We pick the most interesting life reports from China Drive. Stay tuned.
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Director: Liu Chi