The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Affairs and several other departments, including the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission, have jointly issued a statement suspending on-the-spot job fairs for college graduates. This is to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. But to ensure that careers are not hit, the authorities have encouraged online job interviews and even the signing of labor contracts online.

The authorities' statement called for improved sharing of job vacancy information on websites run by governments and colleges.

It also encouraged colleges and enterprises to hold interviews online to avoid unnecessary personal contact with candidates.

College students are a valuable human resource for enterprises and the country. But in recent years they have faced great challenges finding jobs, as more students graduate from colleges during an economic downturn. According to the Ministry of Education, this year there will be 8.74 million college graduates nationwide, a record high and 400,000 more than last year.

The authorities regard graduates as a key group seeking employment. But with the novel coronavirus outbreak impacting the economy and a range of industries, college graduates could face difficulties finding jobs. It is important to reduce the pressure the epidemic places on their chances of finding a job.

Online job interviews and recruitment have unique advantages during an epidemic. Apart from removing any personal contact between the recruiter and graduate, thus reducing chances of infection, it also saves time and money. As college graduates frequently access the internet and social networking sites, it is easier for them to exploit online recruitment resources and opportunities.

Colleges should establish job information platforms for students and actively cooperate with enterprises to promote job searches. And enterprises should take advantage of such online channels as much as possible during this difficult period.

 - Wang Yiqing, China Daily