It is said that students on the Mainland China have higher level of Chinese language than those in Hong Kong. But my experience of reading job applications from mainlanders has informed me that this conventional wisdom does not stand. I was simply appalled by what I saw. 

Just to name a few things: typos, wrong usage of expression, grammar mistakes, and copying and paste of old applications without even changing the date and name of the organisation concerned.

Some of the applicants are postgraduate students having just finished a Master’s degree in Chinese language.

Out of the 100 or so applications, there may be four or five applications that meet the minimum standard, meaning that no critical mistakes mentioned above have been made.

Some applicants have no regard for job-seeking courtesy. They called you up and said “I am around and I want to come to your office to see you.” When I told them that they had to wait until the screening process finishes and for further notification, they said: “But I am around, can’t I just come and see you?” I was on the verge of speechless.