Chinese job seekers see Buddhist temple recruitment ad as heaven-sent
Updated 22:47, 02-Jul-2020
CGTN
00:23

Inquisitive Chinese are getting their curiosity about temple life sated after a recruitment post by a Buddhist shrine opened the door for an onslaught of questions.

Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and wealthiest temples in east China, announced on Tuesday vacancies for two administrative positions, leaving many wondering "Am I qualified for the job?" and more asking "What's life in a temple like?"

The new hires will be tasked with writing press releases, speeches and other reports, as well as managing, updating and developing the temple's social media accounts. Ideal candidates would have to have at least a bachelor's degree in Chinese, but the post doesn't specify much else.

For those wondering, you don't have to be a monk to apply as the temple is welcoming applicants from outside the monastic circle. However, recruits will have to live on campus with one day off a week.

The job ad has gone viral since being published, receiving over 100,000 views so far on WeChat, a Chinese social media platform.

Recruitment campaigns by temples are uncommon in China. Usually, monks on the premise or devotees volunteer their time to get the job done. But precedents do exist.

In 2016, the same temple advertised a position for a social media manager. Over 1,000 applications came in, but Zhao Liangui was the lucky pick. With another round of recruitment at the temple underway, the man decided to share his own experience working at the religious site.

Zhao said little was asked of him, calling the job "a bit boring." Elsewhere, social media managers are normally under pressure to monitor, optimize and promote content, drive traffic on platforms, expand a brand's reach and audience base, but Zhao said that there were no strict requirements for Key Performance Indicators (KPI) – religious beliefs might have to do with that.

Upon inquiring more, Zhao was told that it's futile to force things, and that it's best to leave everything to fate.

The young man also said monks aren't as enigmatic as people assume. They play online games and basketball, some are really into fashion and one priest he rubbed elbows with turned out to be passionate about drones and action cameras.

Good company, beautiful environment, no workplace stress and a salary on top of all that? For many, the job offer is a godsend.

(Cover: Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. /CFP)