The recent recruitment of teachers in the capital city of Jiangsu province attracted a massive number of fresh graduates. About 10,000 applicants applied for 722 positions in Nanjing, according to local authorities.

Some applicants arrived at the admissions office as early as 2 a.m. to submit their applications on Dec. 1. A guard at the office said many people came with luggage, forcing the office to designate an area for their belongings. The office opened earlier than usual to receive applications.

“Our train arrived in Nanjing at 4 a.m., and we came to the office directly after getting off the train,” said Chen, a graduate of Jiangsu Normal University, who came with seven classmates.

Most applicants waiting in the queue were female. Liu Ying, a human resources employee, said there is a significant gender imbalance among Nanjing teachers, as most students who major in education at normal universities are women.

Those applicants lucky enough to be offered positions will work in kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools in four urban districts of Nanjing.