2010 Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 2-13
This paper verified the factors that influence the success or failure of college students’ job-seeking efforts. In particular, it focused on analyzing the roles of social networks.
First, it was discovered that, as a significant factor influencing job offer acquisition, those who systematically utilized a strategic job hunting process from the start obtained job offers with a high level of satisfaction.
On the other hand, looking at satisfaction levels, compared to those who started job hunting early, those who started slightly later, in February or March of their third year, had a higher level of satisfaction. It can be speculated that satisfaction level is positively associated with the amount of time students spend considering what kind of job they want before they apply.
The results of this study also confirmed that the use of social networks enhanced the likelihood of receiving job offers as well as the level of satisfaction with the job offers. The results also showed that the size of one’s social network is positively associated with the acquisition of job offers.
On the other hand, satisfaction level was positively associated with not only the size of one’s social network, but also the number of people with whom they spoke by mobile phone, for which no association with job offer acquisition could be found. Unlike the number of contacts stored in their phones, the number of people with whom they spoke shows not only how many connections they have but also the strength of those connections. These differing analysis results are important.
Large social networks are helpful for directly and indirectly providing information relating to job hunting, and it is conceivable that they can act as a safety net for job hunting in particular.
The size of one’s social network can increase the likelihood of obtaining a job offer. Also, this study revealed that the quality of one’s social network may influence one’s job satisfaction. Information gathered on the size of social networks is information relating to schedule and skills of job hunting, and is not sufficient as information for increasing satisfaction levels from finding employment.
In addition, information alone is not sufficient for increasing satisfaction levels. The researcher believes that it is necessary for students to reflect on themselves and have a deep understanding of the company offering employment, but it can be said that it is important to have strong social network for that process.
When supporting college students’ job hunting in the future, it is necessary not only to make them have a large social network, but also to establish strong connections. Guiding them to have not only the social network that develops spontaneously through college life, but also to establish a variety of social networks, can be effective support.
