Job search as a determinant of graduate over-education: evidence from Australia

Abstract

We analyse the relationship between job search and over-education for recent Australian bachelor degree graduates using data from the 2011 Beyond Graduation Survey. Results from panel estimation suggest that jobs found through university careers offices are associated with lower probability of over-education relative to jobs found through advertisements and personal contacts. This result arises regardless of gender and age. In contrast, direct employer contact is only beneficial to older males. The role of university careers offices and fairs in matching the skills of graduates with the needs of employers appears more effective than other forms of job search.