Civil service exam is a tough hurdle

• Source: Global Times
• [04:25 October 26 2009]
• Comments

"I also read extensively since the test mainly evaluates your ability to react and solve problems quickly," he said.

In the end, he turned down an offer from a renowned US investment bank and chose to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"I am a Party member and used to initiate all kinds of campus activities, so the job suits me," he said. "My father is also a civil servant, the family tradition is here."

Nikki Feng, who holds a Party position, told the Global Times that many candidates applied without clear goals and plans, simply because they were not satisfied with their current condition,

"Once they enroll in the exam, they may get disappointed," she added. She said her pay and benefits are not as "ideal" as people expected.

She said it was not possible for her to get the free apartment promised with the job, and she had sacrificed her health for the department after her bosses insisted she accompany them on dinner meetings that involved heavy drinking.

Even for those who passed the cut-off line, the risk is still high, as some say they have to use guanxi or social networking to win the final interview.

Sun Ye contributed to this story