A new rule should help jobseekers avoid common pitfalls set by unscrupulous job agencies from Sunday.

Guangzhou jobseekers will have to pay only 20 or 50 yuan (US$2.4 or US$6) per month to job agencies for arranging job interviews.

The rule will make agencies help applicants file registrations, offer job vacancies and send out jobseekers' information. The standard charge for the service falls into two categories: 20 yuan or 50 yuan per person per month. Laid-off workers and college graduates will be eligible for a 50 percent discount.

Previously, job agencies demanded 100 to 400 yuan before telling jobseekers about vacancies. Some unscrupulous agencies gave jobseekers impossible leads after pocketing the commission.

The rule also changed the booth fees at job fairs from government-guided 200 yuan per booth to market-adjusted prices.

The rule will also restrict job agencies from using hidden compulsory tie-in charges. Any extended services must be approved by the pricing authority.

Job agencies must publicize their charging standards at prominent places of the business venues.

Experts say the new rule will help reduce jobseekers' risks and cost in job markets, to some extent, but will not stop some agencies from giving jobseekers unsuitable jobs and making them pay 100 to 500 yuan for more appropriate job posts.

(Shenzhen Daily April 28, 2005)