Graduates from Jiangsu colleges examine the job information offered by Heilan, a notable local fast fashion brand on Nov 20. The annual job fair for Jiangsu college graduates kicked off in the provincial capital of Nanjing that day. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

At a job fair targeting fresh graduates from Jiangsu, East China on Nov 20, the desirability of once sought-after government positions – secure, lifelong, and often dubbed an “iron rice bowl” -- was surpassed by that of jobs offered by local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Today’s job seekers, rather than searching for an easy and comfortable position, prefer one in line with their interests, or one that can realize their potential and fulfill their dreams. 

Youqiqin, an environmental S&T company based in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu, was among employers receiving a warm response from the graduates. 

“In the past, it’s hard to imagine an SME getting so much popularity among the job seekers,” said the company’s admissions officer. 

SMEs not only offer graduates a better chance to pursue self-development, but also provide better treatment; a fact that has fueled their growing popularity. 

In contrast to previous years when SME staff members were comparatively lower paid and shouldered more stress, the job market now tips toward the supply-side, meaning SMEs have an increasing demand for professionals and are prepared to offer them more generous treatment. 

According to statistics provided by the job fair, Jiangsu enterprises, especially those in the province’s pillar and key industries such as manufacturing, software and IT, the wholesale and retail trades, education, and construction, will provide an average annual salary of 70,911 yuan ($10,735) in 2018, almost 9,000 yuan more than this year. 

The number of job opportunities offered at the fair was 45,000, a year-on-year growth of 7.1 percent, while the number of graduates present at the fair was only 15,000.