Job search methods in times of crisis: native and immigrant strategies in Spain

Abstract

This paper uses Spanish Labor Force Survey data for the period 2005 to 2010\nto examine the use of job search methods and the intensity of the job search strategies of\nunemployed natives and immigrants. We focus on the determinants of the job search methods\nand search effort. Additionally, we examine the impact of the methods selected and of the\nsearch intensity on the job-finding probabilities of native and immigrant groups in a period that\ncovers the transition from economic growth to crisis. Our findings suggest that, irrespective of\nthe job search methods adopted, the probability of employment is higher among immigrants\nthan it is among natives. However, this gap is closed following the onset of the current crisis in\n2008. We find that most job search methods have a positive impact on the probability of finding\na job, with the exception of registration at a public employment office. Search effort (measured\nas the number of methods adopted) seems to matter in finding work.