'X' marks the job

• Source: Global Times
• [01:15 September 08 2009]
• Comments

By Li Helin

Life after graduation doesn't come with a set of instructions, but at least if you're in Hangzhou your job-hunt now has a map.

Wrapped in a combination of employment information and directions, Hangzhou's first "job-hunting map" will be distributed for free on college campuses, at bus stations and employment centers starting this semester.

"We clearly indicate which companies are currently hiring and provide detailed information to help undergraduates looking for a job in Hangzhou, especially new arrivals to the city," said Yu Yukuai, creator of the map.

The 22-year-old Wenzhou native got the idea while working for an employment agency in Hangzhou. He often came across newcomers having a difficult time finding their way around the city while on their way to interviews. He then passed the idea by his boss, who showed interest and agreed to fund the project as a part of his company.

"Hangzhou has a lot of jobless undergrads right now. We want to provide a way to let them know who's hiring, where to go to relax, and what they should be on the lookout during their search," Yu said. "We include all this on the map, which comes out every month with updated info."

Yu told the Global Times that he put together a team of 10 to work on his project, all young, fresh out of college and in touch with what new grads are up against while looking for work.

"Just having gone through job-hunts ourselves, we know exactly what grads need to succeed," he said.

Four months before kicking off the project, Yu and his team surveyed their demographic and were encouraged by what they found.

"Over 90 percent thought the map is a good idea, finding the map and job info combination really appealing," Yu said.

Soon after, Yu and his team began scouring the Internet and working their contacts in order to collect the most up-to-date employment information. They then purchased the necessary map data and worked with the Bureau of Surveying and Mapping of Hangzhou to help put it all together.

"There are 70 companies working with us now, each of them scrutinized by us beforehand. We want to make sure the information on our map is legit."

Most undergraduates interviewed by the Global Times said they welcomed the idea of having this kind of map to help out a job-hunt in their area.

"I think this is a practical idea, making it easier for young people to look for work. Take me for example, I come from Hubei Province, but I want to settle in Beijing, where I am studying now. A map like that would be good to me," said Du Fangzhi, a 23-year-old student at Peking University.

However, not everyone feels this idea is a winner. One of Yu's colleagues reluctant to tell his name said that his map "won't last long."

"They still have no profit model and only a few ad spaces on the back. How will they survive? It can only be called a success if the idea proves to have staying power," he said.

Although cringing a little, Yu conceded that his colleague had some points.

"Well, it's true that we're young, less experienced and people doubt whether we could keep our business running," Yu said.

Yu, whose first name means "happy" in Chinese, said he has faith in his team and is optimistic about the project, ready to make improvements as they go.

"Once on track, we want the map to be a weekly thing," he said.