MU study finds means for successful job search
MU researchers conducted the study with the University of Maryland.
Published Sept. 29, 2009
A recent study carried out by MU researchers found setting a goal and maintaining positive emotions throughout a job search can help increase odds of finding employment.
The study found activities involving organization and the development of a course of action help during the earlier parts of the job search process and positive emotions are linked to success during the later stages.
"Meta-cognitive activities appeared to be more important in predicting resume submissions and first interviews," the study stated. "Whereas positive emotions predicted success in obtaining second interviews and job offers."
The study's findings might seem like common sense, but a sizable number of people do not take similar measures when seeking employment, said researcher Daniel Turban, a professor and chairman of the Department of Management in the College of Business.
"The funny thing about common sense is that it's not all that common," Turban said. "There is a variability in how people develop and deal with and assess their plans."
Turban said there are three things for those searching for jobs to learn from the study: Make a plan and assess it throughout the process, maintain positive emotions and be conscientious. Maintaining a high level of effort, in particular, displayed a strong correlation with success.
"Conscientiousness was directly related to job offers," Turban said. "The little things go a long way toward differing yourself from other applicants."
The study was conducted over the course of two academic years among students at MU and the University of Maryland, said Cynthia Stevens, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Business.
"We asked them to fill out surveys before interviewers came on campus in the fall, again in December and January, and finally again in April and May," Stevens said in an e-mail. "We had them fill out survey questions about their personalities, what things they were doing to search for jobs, how they handled the stress and what kind of success they had."
Although the researchers were satisfied with a majority of their findings, they admitted there were still a number of questions left unanswered. The study, which used college graduates seeking employment for the first time as subjects, cannot be applied to those without a college degree or people who have already been a part of the labor force. It also does not take into account the role personality plays in the job search.
"For example, extraverts may have greater job search success by networking with others to obtain advice or potential job leads," the study stated.
The study remains a useful tool for those seeking a job for the first time. According to the study, even those whose personalities do not mesh with the ideal candidate can use the findings to their advantage.
"Although job seekers presumably cannot change their personalities, they can alter their self-regulatory behaviors and displays of positive emotions," the study stated. "Based on our results, we would encourage job seekers to set goals, plan, and monitor their job search progress and analyze their interview skills during the search process."
