FISHING IN DIFFERENT POOLS - JOB-SEARCH STRATEGIES AND JOB-FINDING SUCCESS IN CANADA IN THE EARLY 1980S

This article examines the job-search methods of jobless workers and em phasizes sample selectivity in choice of job-search strategies (especi ally use of public employment agencies). Longitudinal data from the La bour Force Survey of Canada for 1981, 1983, and 1986 indicate that job -search methods change with the business cycle and that many people fi nd jobs without any reported search. The determinants of job-search su ccess also vary substantially over the business cycle, implying a subs tantial social return to public employment agencies at the 1983 trough of the recession but no noticeable benefits when aggregate unemployme nt is relatively low.