BEIJING - Overseas-funded enterprises enjoyed greater recognition by Chinese jobseekers in 2012, according to a report released Wednesday.

The report, created by major employment website ChinaHR.com, said a total of 18 overseas-funded enterprises were among the top 50 best employers in the country last year.

Although the recognition of state-owned enterprises has been affected in recent years, they are still the main choices for most jobseekers, the report said.

Liu Xingyang, HR consultant at ChinaHR.com, said younger jobseekers have moved into the market, bringing greater expectations concerning innovation and responsibility on the part of their employers.

"They are different from older folks, who are more cautious and indecisive when hunting for jobs," Liu said, "That's why overseas-funded enterprises are more attractive for young people."

The report said foreign-funded companies in the finance, IT, energy and chemical industries were the most attractive for prospective jobseekers.