Who Chooses Whom? Conceptualizing Informal Job Search as a Self-Regulated Process
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Abstract
Using personal networks for job search is a well-established job search strategy. Yet, we know little about how people decide who to approach for job search assistance. I articulate a self-regulatory conceptualization of informal job search to describe how job seekers plan, organize, and conduct informal job searches. Using a time-separated study design and a sample of 297 job seekers from diverse occupational backgrounds, I identified three job search strategies based upon how people evaluate their job search contacts' willingness and ability to provide access to instrumental resources. Further, I illustrate that these job search strategies are differentially related to job search outcomes eight weeks later and whether information or influence was sought. Drawing from self-regulation theory, I discuss theoretical implications of study results for informal job search and job search literatures and propose directions for future research.