Urban, mobile and headed ... closer to home

In Hao Jian's eyes, Cheng Ding belongs to a group most inclined and able to move - degree holders 25 to 35 years old with a monthly income of 5,000 to 15,000 yuan, working in information technology, administration, accounting or human resources.

"Their jobs are boundary-free compared with those working in industries like finance or education, which are traditionally strong in Beijing or Shanghai," said Hao, senior human resource consultant at job-search website zhaopin.com.

Moreover, there is less job competition in second-tier cities. In IT, for instance, a Zhaopin survey showed an average of 36 job hunters compete for an offer in Beijing, 20 in Chengdu. "Plus, with working experience, it will be easier for them to find a similar job in the second-tier cities," Hao said.