Young job seekers in China are turning to unconventional methods to find employment in the face of high unemployment rates and a slow-growing economy. With a youth unemployment rate of 14.9% in December and peaking at 21.3% last June, Chinese youth are exploring new avenues to secure job opportunities.
One such method involves using the US dating app Tinder to network and potentially advance their careers. By bypassing the app's blockage in China through VPN services, job seekers are leveraging Tinder's platform to connect with individuals who may offer job leads or opportunities.
Users have highlighted the ease of connecting with a wide range of people quickly, which can be beneficial in expanding their job search beyond traditional channels. Some have reported finding hidden or uncommon job openings, both locally and internationally, through the app.
While some job seekers find success in using Tinder for networking, others have expressed concerns about potential backlash from more traditional employers. There are fears that using a dating app for professional purposes could lead to negative consequences, such as being blacklisted by state-owned companies.
Despite the innovative approach taken by Chinese youth, Tinder itself discourages the use of the app for job-seeking purposes, citing community guidelines that prohibit promoting businesses or making money through the platform.
Interestingly, this trend is not limited to China, as some Americans have also turned to dating apps like Grindr for career networking. Grindr has reported that a significant portion of its users engage in career-related activities on the app, highlighting a broader trend of using unconventional platforms for professional networking.
