Job search techniques as employment channels: Differential effects on the initial employment success of college graduates

A conceptual framework suggests that employers will favor applicants from specific employment channels (job search techniques) depending on the qualifications sought. Logistic regression was used to analyze the responses of 1012 baccalaureate graduates to a survey I month after graduation. The results support the proposition that alternative search techniques have differential effects depending on the qualifications offered. All search techniques except I revealed interaction effects, favoring or limiting graduates with specific characteristics such as appropriate specialization and higher ability. Direct contact with employers and early initiation of search contributed directly to initial baccalaureate-level employment.