Jobseekers’ skills and job search behaviour

Abstract

This paper uses novel linked survey and administrative data for jobseekers in Switzerland to study jobseekers’ skills, potential skill gaps, and their job search behaviour. Based on a realized sample of survey participants that is better educated and has better employment prospect than the overall population of jobseekers, we find that women and older jobseekers are most at risk of lacking digital skills, while low education and little work experience are risk factors associated with lacking professional and interdisciplinary skills. We further document that the willingness of jobseekers to deviate from their last job in terms of skill requirements is relatively low and that they are reluctant to accept wage losses. However, jobseekers with potential skill gaps do tailor their search strategy to their skill profile. Our results provide interesting insights for policy makers and practitioners in the public employment service who seek to support jobseekers in navigating modern labour markets with rapidly changing skill requirements.