Both the number of applicants of the Common Recruitment Examination and the entry requirements to civil service have been increasing over the past few years. There were 18,300 applications in between 1995 and 1996, 20,107 in between 1996 and 1997, and 20,200 in between 1997 and 1998.

     Applicants are generally attracted by the high monthly salary and fringe benefits.

     "I admit that I apply for the job because it offers an attractive salary," said Miss Adora Yau, a Year 3 student studying cinema and television at the Baptist University. "A starting salary of $21,000 is indeed hard to resist."

     Miss Sea Yip, a year 3 translation student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, holds a similar opinion.

     "The economy of Hong Kong is still declining. I don't think many jobs have such good offers," said Miss Yip.

     "It is so convenient. All you need to do is to fill in a form. No resume or application letter is required," Miss Yip said. "You lose nothing in applying for these jobs."

     By filling in a form, applicants can apply for five civil service grades at a time, including Administrative Officer and Executive Officer grades.

     For some applicants, working for the government means a chance to serve the public.

     Mr. Joseph Wong, a Year 3 student majoring in government and public administration at the Chinese University, is one of them.

     He said, "I hope that by working as an administrative officer, I may be able to change government's polices."

     Although it seems a prevalent trend for prospective graduates to apply for government posts, there are exceptions.

     Miss Kellie Lam, 21, a fresh geography graduate of the Baptist University, said she would not consider applying for government posts.

     "I think the recruitment examination is too difficult. I don't think I will be able to pass," said she.

     A written examination consisting two papers, is the first gate to being recruited. Many applicants consider it the hardest.

     According to Miss Miranda Lai, 21, a newly appointed executive officer, the first part of the test contains multiple choice questions that test the applicant's logical thinking.

     In addition, proficiencies in Chinese and English are assessed.

     Candidates who pass the first part will be invited to sit for the second part, which comprises two papers of problem-solving tasks.

     There is criticism that the written examination is not an appropriate way in assessing applicants.

     "It puts too much emphasis on the applicants' language skills. The applicants' working ability cannot be tested," said Ms Yau.

     But Miss Lai said the job does in fact require good language skills.

     "You have to write a lot as an executive officer. You won't be able to handle the job if you can't write well," said she.

     Applicants who succeed in passing written tests will then be invited to sit for an interview.

     As there is keen competition for the posts, those who work as administrative officers and executive officers are regarded as the elite of our society.

     Miss Yip, the student who studies translation, said she felt so when she considered applying for the job.

     "The feeling was not strong. But somehow I think that only those who are smart can be administrative officers or executive officers," said she.

     Now that she has become an executive officer, Miss Yip realizes that was not true. "It's just a job. There's nothing superior or special about it," she said.

     In order to be more competitive, some applicants start preparing early for the examinations which begin in November.

     Miss Yau said she would attend the Civil Service Recruitment Talks organized by her institution to look for useful tips.

     "I will also read more English newspaper to improve my English," said she.

     But Miss Lai said she did not prepare for the examination.

     "Constant reading of newspapers is important as social issues are often asked about," said Miss Lai.

     She also said that good communication and analytical skills were essential succeed in an interview.