The current meta-analytic review examined the effectiveness of job search interventions in facilitating job search success (i.e., obtaining employment). Major theoretical perspectives on job search interventions, including behavioral learning theory, theory of planned behavior, social cognitive theory, and coping theory, were reviewed and integrated to derive a taxonomy of critical job search intervention components. Summarizing the data from 47 experimentally or quasi-experimentally evaluated job search interventions, we found that the odds of obtaining employment were 2.67 times higher for job seekers participating in job search interventions compared to job seekers in the control group, who did not participate in such intervention programs. Our moderator analysis also suggested that job search interventions that contained certain components, including teaching job search skills, improving self-presentation, boosting self-efficacy, encouraging proactivity, promoting goal setting, and enlisting social support, were more effective than interventions that did not include such components. More important, job search interventions effectively promoted employment only when both skill development and motivation enhancement were included. In addition, we found that job search interventions were more effective in helping younger and older (vs. middle-aged) job seekers, short-term (vs. long-term) unemployed job seekers, and job seekers with special needs and conditions (vs. job seekers in general) to find employment. Furthermore, meta-analytic path analysis revealed that increased job search skills, job search self-efficacy, and job search behaviors partially mediated the positive effect of job search interventions on obtaining employment. Theoretical and practical implications and future research directions are discussed.

College students are often unprepared for the job market after graduation resulting in employment lapses or underemployment in terms of minimum wage jobs. Yet limited research exists on how to provide effective job search interventions for this unique population of new job entrants balancing academic and job search activities. Therefore, I examined the efficacy of a technology-mediated job search intervention for undergraduate students (N = 112). Drawing on motivation, job search processes, and past intervention theory and research, I tested if an online job search intervention improved: 1) job search self-efficacy, 2) career adapt-ability resources, and 3) job search behavior frequency and quality. Results from the longitudinal intervention design with random assignment to condition did not identify significant increases in self-efficacy, concern, curiosity, confidence, or control from pre-intervention to one month after the intervention. The intervention also reduced the overall frequency of effort, preparatory job search behavior, and active job search behavior. However, exploratory analyses identified a significant concern by curiosity by control interaction on job search behaviors. When participants reported high control, mismatches between concern and curiosity (i.e., low/high, high/low) predicted less effort and fewer preparatory and active job search behaviors. Implications of this study for future research and intervention designs are discussed.

Job search is and always has been an integral part of people's working lives. Whether one is brand new to the labor market or considered a mature, experienced worker, job seekers are regularly met with new challenges in a variety of organizational settings. Edited by Ute-Christine Klehe and Edwin A.J. van Hooft, The Oxford Handbook of Job Loss and Job Search provides readers with one of the first comprehensive overviews of the latest research and empirical knowledge in the areas of job loss and job search. Multidisciplinary in nature, Klehe, van Hooft, and their contributing authors offer fascinating insight into the diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives from which job loss and job search have been studied, such as psychology, sociology, labor studies, and economics. Discussing the antecedents and consequences of job loss, as well as outside circumstances that may necessitate a more rigorous job hunt, this Handbook presents in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on the methods and processes of this important time in one's life. Further, it examines the unique circumstances faced by different populations during their job search, such as those working job-to-job, the unemployed, mature job seekers, international job seekers, and temporary employed workers. Job loss and unemployment are among the worst stressors individuals can encounter during their lifetimes. As a result, this Handbook concludes with a discussion of the various types of interventions developed to aid the unemployed. Further, it offers readers important insights and identifies best practices for both scholars and practitioners working in the areas of job loss, unemployment, career transitions, outplacement, and job search.

Social problems in many domains, including health, education, social relationships, and the workplace, have their origins in human behavior. The documented links between behavior and social problems have compelled governments and organizations to prioritize and mobilize efforts to develop effective, evidence-based means to promote adaptive behavior change. In recognition of this impetus, The Handbook of Behavior Change provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary theory, research, and practice on behavior change. It summarizes current evidence-based approaches to behavior change in chapters authored by leading theorists, researchers, and practitioners from multiple disciplines, including psychology, sociology, behavioral science, economics, philosophy, and implementation science. It is the go-to resource for researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers looking for current knowledge on behavior change and guidance on how to develop effective interventions to change behavior.

In practice, psychologists, counselors, student affairs personnel, and various other professionals apply career interventions such as individual and group counseling, assessment interpretations, curricula, workbooks, computer-assisted guidance, and workshops to foster individual career growth and development. The APA Handbook of Career Intervention presents information about the historical, contemporary, theoretical, demographic, assessment-based, and professional foundations of career intervention (Volume 1), as well as specific career intervention models, methods, and materials within each of these career services and applied to easing career transitions (Volume 2). In whole or in part, the handbook aims to be useful to researchers, practitioners, educators, consultants, policymakers, and students alike across a full array of professions, including psychology, counseling, education, and business and industry.