Job Service Specialists’ Lifelong Learning Experience in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Lifelong learning is a key element that helps adults undergo and adapt to different career stages. This study analyzed job service specialists’ lifelong learning experience of successfully matching the needs between job seekers and employers. The researchers adopted the qualitative research method and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 11 outstanding-performing job service specialists to collect their learning experiences. The findings were that: (a) Job service specialists improve their professional competencies through formal education (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees), non-formal education (obtaining licenses and participating in training programs), and informal learning (self-directed learning and seeking others’ experiences). (b) Job service specialists’ duties include understanding job seekers’ backgrounds, needs, motivations, expectations, career plans, and previous training experiences; job application assistance; and regular follow-ups. (c) The greatest difficulties job service specialists encounter are insufficient understanding of job seekers’ physiological and psychological characteristics and job seekers’ and employers’ needs. (d) Job service specialists can effectively match jobs for job seekers and fulfill employers’ needs by learning continuously in workplaces. These results can provide a reference for government agencies to design continuing education programs for job service specialists to promote their professional competencies.