Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between general self-efficacy (GSE), job search self-efficacy (JSSE), extraversion and job search success within a sample of new entrants in the labour market. It is hypothesised that JSSE acts as a mediator between GSE and job search success. Evaluation of the hireability – made by expert interviewers – of new entrants involved in a job interview simulation is proposed as a job search success criterion. Moreover, the moderating role of extraversion on the relationship between JSSE and job search success is explored.Design/methodology/approachData were collected on 177 graduates from an Italian university. Participants were involved in a simulation of an interview conducted by experts of the personnel selection process, who gave an evaluation. Macro PROCESS for SPSS was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsGSE has an indirect effect on job search success via JSSE. Moreover, extraversion has a moderating effect on the JSSE–job search success relationship for more extraverted job seekers.Practical implicationsJob search and counselling practitioners should consider extraversion and personal differences to improve the effectiveness of interventions aimed at fostering new entrants' self-regulatory resources and behaviours during the job search.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing research about the job search process by testing a new and important job search success criterion, showing that GSE could help new graduates in establishing a specific self-efficacy, such as JSSE, and demonstrating that extraversion interacts with JSSE.
Highlights
In the past decade, multiple changes have brought new challenges to the career paths of workers as a result of the uncertainty and instability associated with labour market conditions
general self-efficacy (GSE) was positively related to job search self-efficacy (JSSE), but not to job search success
Extraversion was positively related to job search success, but not to JSSE
Summary
Multiple changes have brought new challenges to the career paths of workers as a result of the uncertainty and instability associated with labour market conditions. In recent years, marked by the economic crisis and slow recovery (2007– 2016), Italy has recorded a decrease in the percentage of new graduates who found employment within one year after graduation (AlmaLaurea, 2018; Eurostat, 2018b). As they are still in the education-to-work transition phase, they are required to handle activities they have little familiarity with, besides being concerned about their future career and financial status. The transition phase could be experienced as difficult, leading new entrants in the labour market to experience anxiety and negative emotions, which
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