Reconsidering ‘Ties’: The Sociotechnical Job Search Network

Abstract

This study explored how job seekers perceived human and technological sources in their sociotechnical ego-networks. United States residents (N = 285) who had sought jobs in the past 2 years responded to questions about their perceptions of sources used during the job search (n = 1297). Participants rated each source they used across a variety of perceived attributes. We measured tie strength using an amalgam of frequency of interaction and closeness, and strong tie sources included humans contacted online and in-person as well as websites. In contrast, the weakest tie sources were direct online application, employment agencies, and career events. Results showed a newly developed perceived bridging scale, social support, ease of access, and homophily were all positively related to tie strength. Influence was negatively related to tie strength. Information quality was not related to tie strength. We discuss implications for network and job search research, theory, and practice.