公务员的"铁饭碗"不好端

素有“国考”一称的国家公务员考试在几天前刚刚结束了2011年的笔试选拔考试。面对稳定、压力相对较小、社会地位相对较高等有利条件，国考的竞争激烈程度又创新高，这“铁饭碗”好，也不是人人都能端的……

Du Zhongquan is taking this year's civil service test. Like many seeking government posts, his top reason taking the tests is job stability.

"Most importantly, it is stable to work as a civil servant. The salary is not bad and there is not much stress. It is undoubtedly a perfect choice as young graduates are pressed by severe competition on the job market and are tired of endless job interviews."

Du says he is lucky since there are only 30 people competing for the post he applied for. The average figure is about 66 candidates per position.

And the most sought after single job, which is with the National Energy Administration, has attracted more than 4,900 applications.

Competition is tense in China's job market. And college graduates have found it increasingly difficult to find a good job.

Wang Xixin, a law professor from Peking University, says the civil service test mania will continue if the employment situation does not improve.

"College graduates are facing the growing pressure of employment since the enrollment boom that has seen the university student population swell over the last decade. Actually, those young Chinese are going crazy not only seeking government jobs but also all kinds of other job opportunities."

Apart from offering a stable job, the professor says some people believe that government experience may help improve their reputation.

"The Chinese have traditionally valued official rank. Some people would believe that working in government would mean high social status and power; and even vested interest. But they are, indeed, getting away from the purpose of civil service-which is ultimately to serve the public."

Some worry that young Chinese will lose creative entrepreneurship as more of them seek stable government jobs, but professor Wang says it is not necessarily a problem that more young people are showing interest in the civil service exam.

"I don't think we should be over-concerned about the phenomenon. I don't believe it means young Chinese are losing the spirit of entrepreneurship. Government work also demands creativity and open minds."

But the professor points out that more attention should be paid to problems behind the issue, like improving the coverage of social security in privately-owned companies and encouraging young people to start their own businesses.

For CRI, I'm Wang Ling.