Vacancies for village cadres were this year opened to graduates returning from studying at foreign universities, as many jobseekers turn to practical options in a tough market.

More than 11,400 candidates applied for a chance at landing 3,127 positions citywide before the deadline on Monday, with 20 of them overseas returnees, according to data from the human resource and social security bureau. Village cadres - or cunguan - are charged with helping to boost the income of their communities. Although it often involves living in rough conditions for three years, successful candidates are usually fast-tracked to highly coveted civil service jobs.

"We've constantly received calls about cunguan opportunities from overseas returnees, so the government decided to include them in the examination this year," said Cai Baokun in the bureau's graduate employment department.

Candidates must still have permanent residency in Beijing and have gained a bachelor's degree this year or last from an overseas college accredited by the Chinese government. Of the 20 applicants, 15 have master's degrees from institutions in the United States, Britain, France and other countries. Five have bachelor's degrees.

According to official figures, the number of overseas returnees in Beijing is now 100,000. A report released last year by the Education International Cooperation Group, a consultative agency for overseas study, also showed the employment expectations of this group has become more practical, as most do not have work experience.

"I'd rather apply as a cunguan than fail to get more than 20 media-related jobs," said Liu Jing, 27, a postgraduate from the University of Sydney, who missed the application deadline. She explained that the role would give her an edge when competing for civil service posts and help her understand Beijing better.

A total of 4,759 cunguan who fulfilled three-year working contracts switched jobs between 2009 and 2010, show government statistics. About 17 percent became civil servants and 26 percent found jobs with private enterprises.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/11/2011)