Self-efficacy, goals, and job search behaviors

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between job search self-efficacy, employment goals, job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. Design/methodology/approach The authors expected that employment goals would mediate the effect of job search self-efficacy on job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. In total, 100 participants completed measures of these concepts. The results are discussed with reference to previous studies and to methodological choices. Findings Regression analyses did not confirm the hypotheses. Contrary to expectations, employment goals did not mediate the path between self-efficacy, job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. Instead, self-efficacy directly influenced job search planning and job search behaviors. Originality/value Few studies have investigated the effect of self-efficacy on goals in job search domain. This paper fills some of the gaps.