For over 20  years since its establishment, HiHonor Law Firm has been involved in public legal education and official legal‑aid services. As a specialized firm mainly practicing maritime and foreign-related matters, the firm recognizes that legal‑aid work offers valuable access to real‑world disputes affecting ordinary people. Our lawyers regularly carry out on‑site duty at the local Legal‑Aid Centre, using professional expertise to help ordinary people resolve their difficulties and legal problems.

I. Alert on Newly Observed Type of Dispute: Hidden Risks of "Guaranteed Job Placement" Offers

Since January 2026, alongside routine enquiries covering family‑related matters, labor disputes and private lending/loans between individuals, our lawyers on duty at the Legal Aid Centre have observed a rising number of disputes arising from job‑recruitment agencies. These cases offer valuable lessons for job‑hunters.

Many recruitment agencies post attractive vacancies for government‑affiliated institutions, state‑owned enterprises and reputable private-sector enterprises via social‑media platforms such as WeChat and Xiaohongshu. They draw in applicants by advertising supposed internal referral channels, stable roles, weekends‑off schedules and full social‑security benefits.

Once contact has been made, the agency charges substantial service fees of several tens of thousands of yuan (CNY), graded according to the quality of the position. Agencies then give either verbal or written promises of guaranteed job offers, with terms stating partial refunds if applicants fail to secure employment.

These seemingly reliable paid "guaranteed placement" services in fact contain serious legal pitfalls:

1. Misrepresentation of job terms and benefits

The advertised job descriptions, salary levels and welfare packages differ greatly from the actual recruitment information released by employers. Exaggerated marketing is commonplace.

2. Deliberate confusion over the employing entity

Agencies claim candidates will sign employment contracts directly with the well‑known organization. Job‑hunters later discover that they are being offered labor‑dispatch roles instead. The actual employer and nature of the post diverge sharply from what was advertised.

When job‑hunters realize the promises cannot be kept, refuse to take the post and attempt to recover their service fees under the agreement, they frequently face major obstacles. Many such agencies already have a long history of complaints and litigation. Some of these businesses and their shareholders have been listed as judgment debtors with unsatisfied court orders, leaving them with little or no ability to issue refunds. In the end, job‑hunters miss out on the role and are left out‑of‑pocket, with few realistic avenues to seek recovery.

(Lawyer Vicky WEI on duty at Legal Aid Centre on 10 Sept. 2026)

II. Risk Reminder and Practical Tips for Job‑hunters

Employment matters directly affect personal interests. Job‑hunters should stay vigilant and exercise careful judgement when encountering advertisements for paid internal referrals or guaranteed job placements.

1. Using official recruitment channels wherever possible

Recruitment for public‑sector bodies, state‑owned enterprises and major companies is published exclusively on official platforms. There are no legitimate paid referral schemes or paid‑for guaranteed vacancies.

2. Be cautious about large agency service fees

If an agency charges substantial fees while promising guaranteed employment, carefully assess whether such promises are credible and consider the high risk that recovery of these fees may subsequently prove impossible.

3. Checking the agency’s background in advance

Before signing any engagement with an agency, search its corporate record via official platforms such as the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System and other business‑check databases. Avoid entering contracts with entities that have poor credit records.

4. Reading contract terms thoroughly before signing

Pay close attention to refund rules, liability for breach of contract and clauses identifying the actual employing entity. Do not rely only on verbal promises and reject vague contractual wording.

5. Retaining full evidence records

Safely keep chat histories, marketing screenshots, bank transfer receipts and signed service contracts. These materials will serve as vital evidence if legal action later becomes necessary.

（Lawyer Vicky WEI on duty at Legal Aid Centre in 11 Sept. 2026）