A Comprehensive Review of the Empirical Literature on the Relationship Between Internet Job Search and Employment Outcomes and its Implication for the Philippines

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Gideon P. Carnaje

Committee Member

Luisito C. Abueg, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This study comprehensively examines the empirical relationship between internet job search (IJS) and employment outcomes, specifically duration of unemployment and job-worker match quality, across different labor market contexts, and its implication on the Philippine case. Through a systematic review of empirical literature, the research investigates the historical evolution of job search methods and analyzes technological transformation in employment acquisition. The findings reveal a remarkable transformation in internet job search effectiveness over two decades, evolving from early counterintuitive results showing longer unemployment durations for internet users to contemporary positive outcomes demonstrating significant increases in employment probability. This evolution reflects both technological advancement and increased digital literacy, with modern digital ecosystems enabling sophisticated utilization strategies by both job seekers and employers. Geographic and economic context variations show significant differences between developed and developing economies. In the Philippines, job seekers using Digital Labor Market Intermediaries experienced substantially shorter unemployment durations, with unemployed workers being more likely to find employment faster through internet job searches compared to traditional methods. Key mediating factors include search intensity, information processing efficiency, algorithmic matching, and wage expectation calibration. These factors vary significantly between developed and developing markets, with multi-platform strategies proving particularly critical in developing economies. The research demonstrates that internet job search has become a powerful employment tool, especially beneficial in developing economies by addressing information asymmetries and connecting rural workers to urban opportunities. However, structural challenges persist, including low platform adoption, geographic bias, and educational mismatches, indicating that digital platforms require complementary policy interventions. Implications include targeted investments in internet infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and locally relevant platform development could enhance internet job search effectiveness in developing economies. Future research should examine long-term career impacts, comparative platform effectiveness, and algorithmic roles in employment processes to develop evidence-based policies ensuring equitable employment access.

Language

English

LC Subject

Job hunting.--Computer network resources, Employment (Economic theory)

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 C38

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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