Searching for a job Problem- and emotion-focused coping

The studies in this dissertation advance our understanding of how job seekers can effectively search for a job and how they can deal with negative job search experiences. Results show that searching systematically by being persistent and adaptable increases the likelihood of finding a job. Introducing systematic job search as indicator of job search quality opens the door for future research to examine the relation between job search quality and employment success and how individuals can search effectively. This dissertation further provides a detailed look into the negative job search events that job seekers encounter and how they respond to these events. These findings suggest that the pain of a rejection may be reduced when applicants are treated with transparency and respect. Lastly, the studies in this dissertation show that reflecting on negative job search experiences with self-compassion (by being kind and mindfully accepting, and being aware that failure is part of human nature) beneficially impacts how job seekers feel. Introducing self-compassion to the job search literature as an adaptive emotion-focused coping strategy extends traditional intervention approaches that predominantly offer support in the form of problem-focused coping. These findings inform job seekers and reemployment counselors on how to deal with negative job search experiences to reduce negative emotions and foster positive emotions. Even though the process of finding a job can be tough, job seekers can get better at it by adapting their strategy based on what they learn, by persevering and by having self-compassion when dealing with setbacks.