Some were not sure what they were looking for exactly, but about 5,000 young job-seekers nevertheless flocked to the second annual Hong Kong Youth Recruitment fair, where 2,000 jobs were up for grabs.

Companies looking to hire staff include IKEA, Food Republic, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co, Centaline Property Agency and Cathay Pacific Airways Catering Services.

Monthly salaries offered range from HK$5,500 for kitchen staff up to HK$20,000 for beauty consultants.

Jack Tang Chu-yu, a recent Form Five graduate, said he hoped to find a summer job, but had no preference as to what field he would work in.

"I don't think the results of my public exams turned out well, so I'm looking for a job so that I can gain some work experience," Tang said. "I'm thinking of working in retail - but I'm still not sure of what career path to choose."

Vanessa Chau Yee-ping, another Form Five graduate, also felt ambivalent about her future career.

"I'm not really looking for anything in particular. I just want a job so that I can benefit from the practical knowledge," she said.

However, employers said they expect a more focused attitude among job- seekers, contrary to some students' seemingly lackadaisical approach.

"We expect applicants to have a positive attitude, as well as a strong desire to be involved with the service industry," said Panda Hotel human resources manager Yukie Tam.

"We also prefer applicants who have studied courses related to hospitality and tourism."

Jacky Wong Sai-kit, manager of communications at Hong Kong College of Technology - co-sponsor of the one- day fair - said positions fill up fast, and this year would be more demanding.

Janet Szeto Lai-ping, a college vice president, said a lot more students want summer jobs this year.