On April 19, images shared on social media showed a hot pot restaurant in Shenzhen displaying a recruitment notice targeting fresh graduates from 985 and 211 universities for the position of reserve store manager. The notice indicated that no specific major was required, and successful candidates would receive a base salary of 5,000 yuan along with performance-based bonuses and holiday benefits, provided they met performance targets.

The role requires starting as a server, with a promotion to store manager possible after 6 to 12 months of specialized assessment. Store managers are entitled to monthly dividends ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 yuan, with no upper limit on earnings based on performance.

The recruitment was confirmed by the brand Chongqing Machang Old Hot Pot. A management representative stated that the hiring is taking place at locations in Shenzhen's Nanshan District, with two branches currently seeking staff. While the notice mentioned 985 and 211 graduates, the requirement is not strict, and ordinary undergraduate degree holders are also welcome to apply. Although the starting salary is 5,000 yuan, store managers can earn significant dividends. So far, eight management trainees have been hired across the two branches, including graduates from 985 universities.

On April 21, a reporter posing as a job applicant contacted Machang Old Hot Pot (Nanshan Nantou Street Branch). A manager at the branch, who identified himself as a 985 graduate, clarified that the recruitment is for a management trainee program. He explained that the company provides necessary training and guidance but cannot guarantee that every trainee will eventually open their own store, as some may drop out or be eliminated during the process.

The manager noted that his branch requires at least an undergraduate degree for applicants, though other locations may have lower requirements. He emphasized that the policy is not discriminatory but aims to improve screening efficiency. If trainees perform well, they can advance to store manager and open new branches, though they would need to contribute 40% of the investment and receive dividends accordingly.

In a related incident in 2025, a Fei Dachaofried chili pepper restaurant in Shenzhen posted a recruitment notice for servers stating "do not disturb if not a bachelor's degree holder." The restaurant later clarified that the requirement was set by a previous manager and that practical experience is also considered in hiring. However, employees with undergraduate degrees reportedly have better promotion prospects, often advancing to store manager within one to two years.

Officials from the Shenzhen Human Resources and Social Security Bureau commented that while companies are legally permitted to set educational requirements based on job needs, discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, or other factors is prohibited. The bureau stated that the hot pot restaurant's recruitment criteria do not constitute discrimination, as companies may establish educational thresholds according to their requirements.