What kind of networking strategy advice should career counsellors offer university graduates searching for a job?

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between social networking and job placement of university graduates. It explored whether getting a job through social contacts is the consequence of an intentional investment in social capital or is related to the biographical and psychological characteristics of the job-seeker; to what extent job-search strategies are related to the chance of being offered a job; and, finally, the relationships between social networking, social support and psychological well-being. Results showed two different approaches to the process of job entry-use of formal or informal contacts in job-finding-which led to different patterns of job-seeking strategies and employment outcomes after graduation. Significant differences were found between use of formal and informal sources of help relating to graduates' job-search intention and confidence in using social networks to find a job. No significant relationship was found between use of different sources of help and psychological well-being. Implications for university guidance services are discussed.