As more and more second-generation Fujianese immigrants take over their parents businesses to become the owners, the average age of proprietors of restaurants has become increasingly younger. Simultaneously, the average age of new immigrants coming to the United States is also getting younger. And unlike previous generations, many of these young people are familiar with computers.

In order to adapt to this new trend, an employment agency in Chinatown has started using the popular social networking site ICQ (a play on: I seek you) as a means to assist those who are looking for employment. The employment agency said that new Fujianese immigrants have become quite technologically savvy in seeking new employment. As a result, the agency is in the process of constructing a website that will help new immigrants learn about more employment positions.

The employment agency, located on Eldridge Street, first opened last fall. Its two owners, Denny and Amy, both second-generation Fujianese Americans, were themselves not older than 25. Usually, they like to hang out with their friends, surf the Web, and play online games. Denny said that most of the owners of the employment agencies located on East Broadway and Eldridge Street are women older than 40. Denny and Amy clearly stand out.

Observing the trend, Denny realized that the job seekers were getting younger and younger – many of them not yet 20 years old. Furthermore, the average age of the employers offering jobs, especially those located in other states, were also getting younger. Interestingly both employees and job seekers had similar pastimes; going online to play computer games, to shop, or to watch movies. After talking with other people, Denny decided to set up an ICQ group. The news spread quickly, but ICQ’s 100-person limit per group filled up within days.

Many out-of-state employers used the ICQ network to notify Denny of any open positions. Denny then posts the notices, which enables the two sides to connect with each other. They can also conduct interviews through the Internet. Denny said that this method has led to many successful employment opportunities and to a higher level of efficiency.

Mr. Li, a Fujianese restaurant owner in Arizona, pointed out that there is very little excitement in the town where he lives. When he is bored, he likes to go online for entertainment. Each month, he comes to New York to get more supplies, see friends, and find employees. Recently, he heard through friends that there was group of people who communicate with each other about restaurant jobs through the ICQ site. Although he couldn’t join because the group was already full, he thinks that it is a very good method. Many Chinese-Americans are starting to be very familiar with computers and the Internet.

Denny is currently setting up a Web site that will post employment positions all across the United States. Employers can also leave messages on the website and post news. This will help many Fujianese living outside of New York to get comprehensive news on employment opportunities as they become available.