1. Job Search in a Professional Labor Market. Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers.
- Author
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Wisconsin Univ., Madison. Inst. for Research on Poverty. and Westergaard-Nielsen, Niels
- Abstract
A study examined job search in a professional labor market by specifying a variable intensity model of labor market search and investigating its empirical consequences. Variables taken into account in the theoretical model investigated included background characteristics such as grades, sex, age, and previous working experience; intensity of search; reservation income level; expected duration of search; and how employers may perform searching and the effect of employer search methods on job searchers. Data utilized in estimating the model came from a survey done on new graduates of the social sciences from Danish universities from 1974 through 1977. Among those surveyed were 852 law graduates. Most respondents were between the ages of 25 and 27. The empirical results of the study revealed that achievements at the university and other background characteristics are applied extensively as screening factors. Data concerning the optimal intensity and duration of search indicated that searchers adjust their search intensity to the probabilities of getting interviews and offers. Job searchers also vary their intensity of search to overcome deficiencies in their background characteristics. (MN)
- Published
- 1980