Vol.173 就这么考了10年，我35了 | 串台身边人
原创播客 | 房号3110
Deep Dive
Why did Siwei persist in taking the civil service exam for 10 years despite not passing?
Siwei viewed the civil service exam as a way to test his abilities annually, treating it almost like a game. He enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to evaluate his skills objectively. Additionally, he has a strong desire to serve the public, which aligns with the ethos of civil service. Despite not passing, he found satisfaction in the process and the chance to contribute to society.
What are the key challenges faced by those taking the civil service exam in Shanghai?
The civil service exam in Shanghai is highly competitive, with some positions having a ratio of 40-50 applicants per spot. The exam tests foundational knowledge and adaptability, requiring candidates to have a strong grasp of current affairs, policy understanding, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the exam environment can be physically demanding, with cold classrooms during winter exams, which deters some candidates from completing the test.
What is the trend in the number of applicants for the national civil service exam in recent years?
The number of applicants for the national civil service exam has been steadily increasing. In 2020, there were 1.27 million applicants, which rose to 1.51 million in 2021, 2.12 million in 2022, 2.6 million in 2023, and 3.03 million in 2024. This upward trend reflects the growing interest in civil service positions, likely due to the perceived stability and benefits of such roles.
What are the differences in salary and benefits between working in the public sector versus the private sector?
Public sector jobs, particularly in civil service, often offer lower initial salaries compared to the private sector. However, they provide long-term stability, higher pension replacement rates, and additional benefits like housing subsidies and healthcare. In contrast, private sector jobs may offer higher initial salaries but lack the same level of job security and retirement benefits. Over time, especially after age 50, the total lifetime income in the public sector tends to surpass that of the private sector.
What are the requirements for older candidates (over 35) to take the civil service exam?
For candidates over 35, some positions have extended the age limit to 40, but these roles typically require advanced degrees (e.g., a master's) or specialized skills. Additionally, these positions often demand significant professional experience, as they are designed to leverage the candidate's expertise to contribute to the public sector. However, the majority of positions still adhere to the 35-year age limit, making it challenging for older candidates to qualify.
What is the impact of the pension reform on civil servants?
The pension reform, which began in 2014 and is now fully implemented, aligns the pension system for civil servants with that of the private sector. Previously, civil servants had higher pension replacement rates (up to 90-95%), but under the new system, the replacement rate for newer employees is around 60-70%. While this reduces the disparity between public and private sector pensions, civil servants still benefit from additional perks like housing subsidies and healthcare, making public sector jobs attractive in the long term.
What are the key skills required to succeed in the civil service exam?
Success in the civil service exam requires a strong foundation in general knowledge, current affairs, and policy understanding. Candidates must also possess problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to adapt to different types of questions. Additionally, effective time management during the exam is crucial, as candidates often need to prioritize easier questions and return to more challenging ones later. A good command of language and writing skills is also essential, especially for essay-based sections.
- 思维老师十年考公，最终未上岸，年龄已至35岁。
- 他每年参加一次公务员考试，包括国考和市考。
- 他最接近上岸的一次是上海市委宣传部的一个岗位，总分第二，仅差0.1分。
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