Can I still be considered a fresher if I paid social security during my graduate studies and graduated and joined a state-owned enterprise?

In China, the definition of fresh graduates usually refers to graduates in the year of graduation (i.e. the date of obtaining the graduation certificate). Whether or not paying social security during graduation will affect the status of a fresh graduate depends on the requirements and policies of the recruiting organization.

Generally speaking, if you don't have a formal job during your graduate studies, but only paid social security, and you meet the requirements of fresh graduates recruited by SOEs after graduation, then you should still be considered a fresh graduate. However, the exact situation may vary depending on the SOE and the recruitment policy, so when applying for a SOE position, you are advised to consult the recruiter or HR department directly about the policy.

In addition, in order to ensure your freshman status, it is recommended that you actively pay attention to recruitment information during your graduation year, participate in campus job fairs, and prepare relevant materials in advance, such as resumes, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. At the same time, continue to improve your skills and abilities to increase your competitiveness in the job market.