Recently, there have been multiple job-seeking experiences circulating on Chinese social media platforms, sparking widespread discussions. Some netizens have reflected that for some basic positions with monthly salaries as low as 2,000 to 2,500 yuan, during the recruitment process there have been statements like “positions are already filled” or “fierce competition”, but behind these statements lies the involvement of relationship dealings and intermediary fees, raising doubts about the fairness of employment.
In a post online, a woman from Shanxi expressed her frustration, questioning the importance of relationships in Shanxi. She revealed that for a community grid position with a monthly salary of 2,000 yuan and no social security, even graduate students were resorting to leveraging relationships for it. Additionally, her husband paid a “facilitation fee” of 40,000 yuan to try to secure a position in the power supply company, only to have it refunded later with the explanation that “the competition was too fierce and the positions were already filled.”
Some netizens noted that such occurrences are more common in northern regions, with remarks like “even street sweeping positions require connections and offer salaries below 1,000 yuan.” Others pointed out similar situations in Guangxi, where capable individuals choose to work elsewhere, leaving behind those who are part of the network of relationships.
Miao Quan, a scholar from Beijing University of Technology, emphasized in an interview with Dajiyuan that such phenomena are no longer isolated incidents but have become prevalent in the recruitment processes of grassroots public service and career units, dominated by power-driven allocation mechanisms.
He mentioned that in some areas, formal rules often give way to the unspoken rules of a “guanxi society.” Job postings are mostly formalities to comply with procedures, as the actual recruitment results are often predetermined through recommendations and relationships in social gatherings, teahouses, and networks of intermediaries even before the interview process begins.
Miao highlighted that the crux of these issues lies in the ability of the Chinese Communist Party to directly intervene in the allocation of resources without substantive constraints, resulting in the continual bypassing of the public system.
Accounts like “Half a Bottle of Water” shared their experiences of realizing the intense competition during interviews, often involving candidates with postgraduate qualifications. They discovered that influential connections played a significant role in the selection process, leading to multiple individuals vying for the same position without success.
Another job seeker disclosed online that their family learned of a vacancy in a water supply company in Ningbo, Zhejiang through acquaintances but had to navigate through intermediaries. They were asked for 50,000 yuan to secure the position, offering a monthly salary of 3,200 yuan with full benefits. Despite paying an 8,000 yuan deposit, they were later informed that the positions were filled, and the money was returned, with the explanation that the slots had been taken by higher bidders.
Similar accounts shared in online forums have resonated with many netizens across different regions, with comments questioning the fairness of employment opportunities. Some doubted whether ordinary individuals are being completely blocked from finding avenues for decent work, while others sarcastically suggested auctioning off positions due to the fierce competition. The pervasive nature of these circumstances was also highlighted in various discussions.
Mr. Jin, a scholar from Zhejiang, mentioned in an interview that when everyone is willing to pay, competitions revolve around whose relationships are stronger and who has a higher-ranking referral person. He expressed that the feeling of being “unsuccessful even with money” not only mocks fair competition but crushes the hopes of ordinary hardworking individuals.
He further elaborated that if young people’s career starts are not based on merit and efforts but rather on the “facilitation fees” paid by their families and the connections of their elders, the channels for social mobility will be completely shut down.
According to public data, in recent years, the employment pressure on Chinese youth has been continuously escalating. Official statistics indicate that in some years, urban youth unemployment rates have exceeded 20%. Simultaneously, securing positions in government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and other stable roles has become a focal point for job seekers, intensifying the level of competition.