Effects of individual differences and job search behaviors on the employment status of recent university graduates

This study examined the effects of individual difference variables (self-es teem, job search self-efficacy, and perceived control over job search outco mes) and job search behaviors (preparatory and active job starch behavior, and job search intensity) on the employment status of recent university gra duates at the time of graduation and 4 months later. The results indicate m at only job search self-efficacy predicted the three job search behaviors. Job search self-efficacy also predicted employment status at graduation, an d perceived control predicted employment status at both time periods. Activ e job search behavior and job starch intensity predicted employment status at graduation, and preparatory job search behavior predicted employment sta tus 4 months after graduation. Implications for the design and measurement of future job search research are discussed. (C) 1999 Academic Press.