Testing a Two-Dimensional Measure of Job Search Behavior

Empirical support for a two-dimensional measure of job search behavior was found using 114 hospital employees, 103 pharmaceutical managers, and 418 graduating college seniors. The two dimensions are preparatory job search behavior and active job search behavior. A structural model of determinants and consequences of job search behavior was tested using the hospital employee and pharmaceutical manager samples. LISREL results indicated that financial need and task-specific self-esteem affected both job search behaviors, and that task-specific self-esteem moderated the relationship between job search behaviors. Results and limitations of the study are discussed.