BEIJING, Feb 20 Reuters China39;s job fairs are making a comeback after being forced online by COVID19 for three years, but subdued wages and less abundant offerings in sectors exposed to weakening external demand point to an uneven and guarded economic recovery.

Authorities announced hundreds of such events across the country this month, the latest sign that China is returning to its preCOVID way of life and that youth unemployment, a major headache for Beijing, may ease from its near 20 peak.

In a country of 1.4 billion people, job fairs are one of the most efficient ways for employers and workers to connect. Although attendees said their longawaited return is encouraging, some were not brimming with confidence.

I only pray for a stable job, and do not have high salary expectations, said Liu Liangliang, 24, who was looking for a job in a hotel or property management company at a fair in Beijing on Thursday, one of more than 40 held in the capital in February. The COVID outbreak has hurt many people. There will be more job seekers battling for offers this year.

Employment anxiety is widespread.

A survey of about 50,000 whitecollar workers published on Thursday by Zhaopin, one of China39;s biggest recruiting firms, showed 47.3 of respondents were worried they may lose their jobs this year, up from 39.8 a year ago.

About 60 cited the uncertain economic environment as the main factor affecting their confidence, up from 48.4 in 2022.

Job confidence of those working…