Evaluating Social Science in the Job Search Process

The objective of this research is to examine factors that promote job seekers’ engagement and success in their job search. Logistical characteristics of work (e.g., geographical location, hours, salary) are important, but a multitude of other psychological work factors (e.g., individual differences in work values, preferred job characteristics, personality) can influence a job seeker’s intent to seek more information about a job opportunity or apply for the job. This research will examine how job seekers interact with job postings and explore psychological factors that increase positive job search outcomes (e.g., better “fitting” jobs, following through with a job application, positive hiring outcomes). This work will make a significant contribution to the job search literature because (1) it includes a sample of real-world job seekers for greater ecological validity, (2) it examines how job seekers use machine learning enhanced technology in their job search, and (3) it will better our understanding of how psychological factors can be used to tailor job recommendations for individuals. Job seekers will be surveyed to measure individual differences and the relationships with seven key characteristics of job advertisements and job search outcomes will be explored using correlational analyses (e.g., multiple regression, repeated measures ANOVA).

Faculty Supervisor:

Joshua Bourdage;Joe Schmidt

Student:

Partner:

Acuspire

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

University of Calgary

Program: