The government allocates money to the neighborhood committee to help promote employment and hire staff. Zhang Lixin started work for the committee after she paid a visit to register as unemployed. Staff found she had suitable experience to fill a vacancy.

Zhang Lixin, Neighborhood Committee staff, said, "I was here for unemployment registration when the staff saw my resume and asked whether I was interested in working for the committee. I said ok, why not have a try. There was some training, and I've been working here ever since. Our task is to help people find employment, and I sometimes encourage them with my own experience."

As well as promoting job vacancies, the committee contacts businesses in the region, encouraging them to offer jobs to neighborhood residents. Today they have invited 4 companies which are offering vacancies.

Job seeker, said, "It's difficult to find a job. Here, there is one I want to take, as a security guard. The salary is over 1,000 yuan. It's enough to feed my family."

Staff of one company's human resource department say they have an agreement with the neighborhood committee, to consider people it recommends for positions.

For some, the goal is not just finding a job. They are looking for opportunities to set up their own businesses, and in this way help others.

Job seeker, said, "I am here to see what help the government can provide, if I want to set up my own business. If I have my own business, I can not only become employed myself, I can also help people around me. "

The neighborhood committee director is proud of their work. In 2008, the committee held over 20 job fairs, offering 23 hundred job vacancies, and over 18 hundred people found employment.

The global financial crisis has cast a somber tone over job hunting. Some people are worried about job security. However, job hunters are positive, and say there is hope. The central government is investing to increase job vacancies, and governments at all levels are doing more to link employers with job seekers. With the New Year, comes fresh hope.

(CCTV February 1, 2009)