Recently, LinkedIn announced that it was eliminating its slimmed-down jobs app in China after it decided in 2021 to mostly withdraw from the country, citing a “challenging” environment.
Following the app’s exit from the country, news reports have revealed that young professionals in China are using dating apps in hopes of finding employment.
Based on an article, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that the youth unemployment rate in the said country is approximately 21%, resulting in using Tinder and other dating apps as job-seeking platforms for fresh graduates. According to a data analytics report, about 275 dating sites in the country were being downloaded last year.
In interviews with Sixth Tone, job seekers shared their experiences with using Tinder to seek work. To boost their chances of finding jobs, some users have updated their pictures to messages expressing their desire to find a job.
A fashion degree holder in Beijing shared her experience using the app to look for a job. She had applied for several job positions in different job sites and hadn’t received any response from employers before she resorted to Tinder. In the interview, she updated her profile with a photo of a message saying, “Is anyone short of workers? I’m currently looking for a job. Hire me.”
“I’ve come across various kinds of advertisements and profiles on Tinder. I just thought, ‘Why don’t I advertise myself here for more exposure?,” she said.
Meanwhile, one graduate from Peking University said in the same report said that a Tinder date gave her steps on how to use the app when looking for work by matching people in the same industry.
However, a Tinder spokesperson advised people not to promote their businesses on the platform, including fundraising, advertising, and marketing, for some ethical concerns.
What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments.
