How Do Proactive Personality and Internal Locus of Control Play a Role in the Links Between Career Adaptability and Job Search Behaviors of Job Seekers? A Two-Moderator Approach

Abstract

The present labor market's rapid expansion has pressured individuals to enhance their employability and achieve professional success. Therefore, individuals need to be able to adapt and flourish in the face of unforeseen employment challenges, known as career adaptability. While previous studies have established the benefits of career adaptability in the job search process, there is a lack of understanding regarding the influence of personality characteristics on the relationship between career resources and job search behavior. This study investigates the combined moderating effects of proactive personality and internal locus of control on the link between career adaptability and job search behavior, drawing on career construction theory and planned job search behavior theory. The study sample comprises 308 individuals actively seeking employment in Istanbul and Kocaeli. SPSS AMOS was used for confirmatory factor analysis, and PROCESS Macro was used to examine moderator effects. The findings demonstrated a positive relationship between career adaptability, proactive personality, internal locus of control, and job-seeking behavior. Moreover, as predicted, the combined effect of proactive personality and internal locus of control moderates the relationship between career adaptability and job search behavior, suggesting the relationship is more robust when both traits are high. These findings are essential for researchers in the field of career and job search as well as for practitioners such as career counselors or training and development specialists.