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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: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/126847/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. R. Jason Faberman & Andreas I. Mueller & Ayşegül Şahin & Giorgio Topa, 2022. "Job Search Behavior Among the Employed and Non‐Employed," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 90(4), pages 1743-1779, July.
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    6. Konrad Turek & Kène Henkens, 2020. "How Skill Requirements Affect the Likelihood of Recruitment of Older Workers in Poland: The Indirect Role of Age Stereotypes," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(4), pages 550-570, August.
    7. Helsper, Ellen & Schneider, Luc & van Deursen, Alexander J. A. M. & van Laar, Ester, 2020. "The youth skills digital indicator: report on the conceptualisation and development of the ySkills digital skills measure," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 108878, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    8. De Marco, Stefano & Dumont, Guillaume & Helsper, Ellen & Díaz-Guerra, Alejandro & Antino, Mirko & Rodríguez-Muñoz, Alfredo & Martínez-Cantos, José-Luis, 2023. "Jobless and burnt out: digital inequality and online access to the labor market," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120497, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    10. Gershon, Ilana, 2017. "Down and Out in the New Economy," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226452142.
    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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    13. Ester van Laar & Alexander J. A. M. van Deursen & Jan A. G. M. van Dijk & Jos de Haan, 2020. "Determinants of 21st-Century Skills and 21st-Century Digital Skills for Workers: A Systematic Literature Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(1), pages 21582440199, January.
    14. 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.
    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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    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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