Job search strategies and underemployment in recent graduates first jobs in Spain

  1. Cecilia Albert 1
  2. María A. Davia 2
  1. 1 Universidad de Alcalá
    info

    Universidad de Alcalá

    Alcalá de Henares, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04pmn0e78

  2. 2 Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
    info

    Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha

    Ciudad Real, España

    ROR https://ror.org/05r78ng12

Journal:
Revista de economía aplicada

ISSN: 1133-455X

Year of publication: 2018

Volume: 26

Issue: 78

Pages: 21-41

Type: Article

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More publications in: Revista de economía aplicada

Abstract

In this paper the impact of different job search strategies on underemployment (measured as overeducation, skills/knowledge underutilization and mismatch in the field of education) in Spanish recent graduates is estimated on a sample of recent graduates drawn from the University Graduate Job Placement Survey 2014. Our results show the advantages of institutionally supported job search strategies through public employment services or university career services as well as internship programmes over individual-driven strategies, both formal and informal. Similarly, being contacted by the employer –presumably through university career services– are also related to better job match. The use of temporary work agencies is related to the worst outcomes. Reviewing ads in the media and on-line as well as contacting employers –either directly or using informal networks– are also related with higher underemployment risks.

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