Finding a Job via Facebook: The Moderating Effect of Social Media Use on Job Search Self-Efficacy and Job Search Behavior among Generation Y

Abstract

Nowadays, most people use social media in their daily lives, especially young generations. Social network sites are used not only for leisure activities, but also for professional activities. However, there is a lack of research on how Generation Y job seekers take advantage of social network sites during their job search process. Facebook is the main website that we are going to explore in this study. The purpose of this study is to realize how job seekers’ social media use affects the relationship between job search self-efficacy and job search behavior. With the quantitative approach, the questionnaire was distributed by convenience sampling method through online survey. This sample size was 204 Generation Y people in Taiwan. The statistical tools of SPSS version 23.0 and AMOS version 22.0 model were used to conduct descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results support all hypotheses. Job search self-efficacy has significant effect on job search behavior. Furthermore, social media use serves as a significant moderator in this study. The findings are useful for companies to obtain get more insights on how to adjust their recruiting process in order to reach more young talents on social network sites.