Use free public employment services and gig platforms instead of paid agencies
Grade AMedium benefitMoneyFreeLittle timeNo willpower
Public agencies like employment service centers and human resources markets provide job referrals, career guidance, policy advice, and both employment and unemployment registration — all completely free of charge. In fact, the law explicitly forbids them from charging for these services. Registration and posting job listings on gig platforms is likewise free. It’s a good idea to complete your unemployment registration at the same time, since it’s required to receive unemployment benefits and qualify for assistance as someone facing employment difficulties.
- Cost
- No cost at all. You can register at any public employment service agency at the county level or higher — such as employment service centers or human resources markets. Local gig platforms also allow free registration. If you don’t know the exact location, call 12333 for help.
- Benefit
- The law guarantees that the following services must be provided at no cost: advice on employment policies; information about current job openings and labor shortages; career guidance and job matching; processing of both employment and unemployment registration; and targeted employment support for individuals facing employment difficulties. These agencies are prohibited from engaging in any commercial activities or profiting off these services. Gig platform job postings and registrations are also offered to the public free of charge, as part of the broader public employment information system. Special support is further extended to long-term unemployed workers and low-income gig workers facing financial hardship (nationwide).
- Notes
- Unemployment registration is a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits and qualifying as someone facing employment difficulties — so it’s worth completing at the same time. For gig workers paid on a daily basis, always verify your earnings on the spot, and be sure to collect the employer’s contact details and a record of the work performed.
Sources · 2
- 全国人大常委会 (2007, 2015 修正). 就业促进法（第三十五条）. gov.cn/guoqing/2021-10/29/content_5647636.htm
- 人力资源社会保障部等五部门 (2022). 关于加强零工市场建设 完善求职招聘服务的意见（人社部发〔2022〕38 号）. gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-07/09/content_5…