Why China jobseekers use dating apps for work, recruitment sites for matchmaking

AdvertisementTrending in ChinaPeople & CultureTrending in ChinaWhy China jobseekers use dating apps for work, recruitment sites for matchmakingMany believe a recruitment-based dating app mitigates dishonesty, serves as an effective tool for risk management 2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenFran Luin BeijingPublished: 9:00am, 16 Apr 2026Chinese jobseekers are now turning to dating apps to search for work, while some recruitment platforms have become places to connect for dates instead. The youth unemployment rate in China among the 16 to 24 age group, excluding students, has remained above 16 per cent since last July. Many young people express their frustration over the increasing challenges of finding a job. Some report applying for hundreds of positions daily but receiving only a few responses. In this landscape, some individuals have taken an unconventional approach by seeking jobs on dating apps. The job market in China is extremely competitive, marked by an unprecedented number of graduates, an economic slowdown, and structural mismatches in employment opportunities. Photo: ShutterstockThey openly express their job-hunting intentions in their profiles, or seek networking opportunities after matching. AdvertisementOne Chinese woman recounted matching with a man with whom she did not initially feel a spark, but soon discovered he worked at her dream company. He ultimately assisted her in planning her career and referred her for a position. AdvertisementAnother jobseeker mentioned her preference for using dating apps for job searching, noting that people tend to respond more respectfully. AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x