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Freshly graduated psychology major Zhang has been struggling to find a job in her desired field of market research in China. Despite sending out thousands of CVs, she has received very few responses. Zhang’s experience is not unique, as millions of graduates are entering a job market with soaring youth unemployment rates.

In June, the youth unemployment rate reached a record high of 21.3% for people aged 16 to 24. Concerns over joblessness among young people prompted authorities to halt the publication of age-related employment data, leading to skepticism about the situation in the country.

At career fairs in Beijing, many inexperienced candidates are finding it challenging to secure their first or second jobs. Attendees describe a landscape where employers mostly offer low-paying sales and administrative positions. This puts additional pressure on young job seekers who face anxiety about their future prospects.

The sluggish post-Covid economic rebound in China has contributed to the weak job market. Firms are hesitant to hire due to subdued consumer demand. Companies that have survived the pandemic’s disruptive effects prioritize their own survival when making hiring decisions. The government has also emphasized the importance of enduring hardship, suggesting that the younger generation lacks psychological pressure and motivation.

Despite recent measures by the Chinese government to boost consumption, such as organizing festivals and sporting events, more needs to be done to restore consumers’ and employers’ confidence. Certain industries, like insurance, seem to have job opportunities available, although the income is not guaranteed. Insurance companies were actively recruiting at job fairs, seeking new sales representatives who have the potential to earn substantial commissions.

Overall, the challenging job market situation in China underscores the need for further measures to support young job seekers and restore confidence in the economy.

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