Friday, 9 February 2007

Graduate Employment in China: What makes a good CV?

Hot on the heels of the previous post we now read that graduates need try hard to get an interview. This is nothing new in the West but we should be aware that even if a country grows at 10% a year it does not guarentee all graduates a high paid job.

Again, this increases the risks to those households that borrow heavily to finance their childs education. The question is how does the likelihood of getting an interview depend on (1) where the student studies and (2) the subject they studied.

How do UK graduates compare to US graduates or Chinese graduates? Is a postgraduate degree now essential to get those top jobs in high paying multinationals?

This blog will be paying particular attention to the Chinese graduate labour market in thte months to come.

21 resumes may land One interview
Shops that offer copying and printing services around universities in Beijing will likely witness a brisk surge in business after a recent survey that shows that sending out an average of 21 resumes to land an interview with a potential employer, the Beijing-based China Youth Daily reported.

The survey, conducted by the Beijing Institution of Social Sciences, polled 175 men and 284 women from nine universities.

One respondent sent out 500 resumes before landing an interview.

Regarding anticipated monthly salaries, respondents from the China University of Geosciences expected only less than 1000 yuan ($128.86) a month.

As many as 37.3 percent respondents expected 2000-2999 yuan a month while 25 percent expected 3000-4999 yuan.

Respondents from the prestigious Peking University and Tsinghua University are the most optimistic group expecting 5000 yuan or above per month.

The starting salary for an undergraduate is 2,500 yuan, according to a report from the China National Radio (www.cnr.cn).

The survey revealed work experience is a major stumbling block for undergraduates searching for jobs.

According to the China Youth Daily, , the focus on work experience indicates employers are trying to cut training costs.

Apart from work experience, sexual discrimination and majors that are not in demand are other obstacles.

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