Abstract:

Globalization and the recent economic recession resulting from COVID19 have generated a growing interest in workers' employability, labor market transition and active job search around the world. On a global scale, the current high rates of unemployment and joblessness, the loss of working hours, the closure of workplaces and the high degree of uncertainty in their recovery are of concern. These effects of the crisis affect the entire population, but more specifically vulnerable groups. Among them, young people and the slowdown of what has begun to be called the 'social elevator' stand out (Economic and Social Council of Spain, CES, 2020). The prospect of the younger generations having a decreasing mobility in relation to their parents is one of the concerns of the Economic and Social Council of Spain (2020). In this sense, employability, from a bioecological perspective, is considered a key metacompetency, as an important resource for young people and organizations; and active job search an appropriate strategy that facilitates access to and maintenance in the ordinary labor market. Although studies on employability and job search strategies are not numerous, the results obtained suggest the need to deepen this relationship since employability may play an important role in active job search behaviors (Zakkariya, Nimmi Y Smitha, 2021). In this sense, the aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between employability metacompetence and active job search behaviors of young Spaniards. This study was carried out with a sample of 40 young people. The young people were asked about their perceived employability by means of the Employability Appraisal Scale (EAS) by Llinares-Insa et al (2018) and about job search strategies from the Job Search Behavior Scale (JSB) by Blau (1994). The analyses carried out showed that young people have a medium-high level in the 'resources and strengths for employment' indicator and in the 'proactive behavior' indicator; medium in the self-control indicator and in the 'risks and weaknesses for employment' indicator; they are also characterized by low levels of job search difficulties. The activities and effort developed also have a medium level and active employment behaviors are lower. With respect to these, the participants were asked about the behaviors they use for active job search. Forty percent of the respondents emphasized the use of improving personal resources and 30% the use of on-line means. The analyses conducted also showed that employability affects active job search behaviors (some data). Thus, this study highlights how imperative it is to improve employability metacompetence in young people. Given that employability is susceptible to development and that it affects job search strategies, this paper proposes a reflection aimed at all vocational guidance and transition services to regular employment to develop initiatives that improve employability from a prior assessment of the young person. This is especially important in scientific contexts where employment opportunities are limited and very high ratios of professionals are graduating. In addition, the study data also stress the importance of involving university students and young people in general in the idea that it is up to them to take responsibility for the development of their employability. This will enable them to reflect effectively on their work experiences and plan their career development.

Keywords:

Employability, work, university, students, young people, active job search behavior.