A Tale of Two Job Searches: An Integrative Review of How Job Seeker Characteristics Shape Informal Job Search Effectiveness

Abstract

Informal job search—the use of personal and professional networks for job search—is a popular job search method. Yet, answers to the questions of whether informal job search is effective (relative to formal job search) and why have not been clearly articulated, hindering research progress and limiting practical recommendations for job seekers and institutions. We endeavored to address these questions via an integrative, interdisciplinary review of how job search methods (i.e., formal vs. informal) and forms of social capital (i.e., types of contacts and tie strength) relate to job search outcomes (i.e., finding a job vs. finding quality employment), and we summarize evidence for the role of job seeker characteristics as key contingencies on this process. In doing so, we uncover “a tale of two job searches,” wherein informal job search effectiveness is dependent upon job seeker characteristics that impart status within the labor market and/or society. Collectively, our review provides much-needed clarity regarding whether an informal job search is better than a formal job search and why, revealing that answers to these questions depend on who is searching for a job. Considering these insights, we outline an agenda for future research focused on enhancing job seekers' access to social networks and integrating job search and social network perspectives to extend knowledge of how different types of job seekers can more effectively utilize their networks for job search.