The Job Seekers Model: Comparison of the General Search Model and the Unified Approach Model

Purpose: Unemployment in its general form is a result stemming from the decisions of workers to search for a new and better paying job. In this study, the view that unemployed workers were not simply desiring any job, but one that would maximize their expected future outcome, was examined. Research design, data, and methodology: In order for collection of data and analysis, the panel dates of individual applications for job openings on job search websites were utilized to examine search effort and period for individuals. Results: It was found that the number of applications sent by a job seeker declined over their period of job searching, and that job seekers over a long duration of time tend to send relatively more applications per week throughout their entire search period. The latter finding contradicts the implications of the standard labor search effort models. Conclusions: It can be observed that these job search models fail to capture several key elements in search efforts, and that the search time for an offer is not entirely predetermined by the labor market conditions and socio-economic (individual) characteristics of the searcher. It can be shortened as he or she intensifies their job search efforts.