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The reproduction of structural inequalities in online job search strategies and outcomes

Author

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  • De Marco, Stefano
  • Dumont, Guillaume
  • Helsper, Ellen Johanna

Abstract

Does digital stratification foster inequalities in access to work and employment? We address this question by examining inequalities related to online job search skills and the outcomes of the online search process. Results from a representative survey of 1103 Spanish jobseekers show that online job search skills positively affect the chances of getting an interview through employment platforms but that they are unevenly distributed. Online job search skills are more important than other digital resources, including basic digital skills, in determining positive outcomes of online job searches though there are still inequalities in getting an interview independent of either. This calls for considering domain-specific digital skills both in research and in practice alongside tackling traditional inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • De Marco, Stefano & Dumont, Guillaume & Helsper, Ellen Johanna, 2025. "The reproduction of structural inequalities in online job search strategies and outcomes," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 126847, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:126847
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/126847/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Stefano De Marco & Guillaume Dumont & Ellen Johanna Helsper & Alejandro Díaz-Guerra & Mirko Antino & Alfredo Rodríguez-Muñoz & José-Luis Martínez-Cantos, 2023. "Jobless and Burnt Out: Digital Inequality and Online Access to the Labor Market," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(4), pages 184-197.
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    11. Stefano De Marco & Guillaume Dumont & Ellen Johanna Helsper & Alejandro Díaz-Guerra & Mirko Antino & Alfredo Rodríguez-Muñoz & José-Luis Martínez-Cantos, 2023. "Jobless and Burnt Out: Digital Inequality and Online Access to the Labor Market," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(4), pages 184-197.
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    15. Stefano de Marco & Guillaume Dumont & Ellen Johanna Helsper & Alejandro Díaz-Guerra & Mirko Antino & Alfredo Rodríguez-Muñoz & José-Luis Martínez-Cantos, 2023. "Jobless and Burnt Out : Digital Inequality and Online Access to the Labor Market," Post-Print hal-04348219, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Năstasă Anamaria & Mocanu Cristina, 2025. "Digital divides in online job search: Insights from Europe," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 20(4), pages 32-40.

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    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General

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