Job Search Methods and Networking Strategies of College-Educated African Americans

The present study seeks to fill a gap within the literature pertaining to the formal and informal job search methods utilized by college-educated African Americans. An online survey was administered to members of Black alumni groups at various universities, and referral sampling followed. Statistics were computed on responses to closed-ended items using SPSS, and thematic analysis was used to analyze results of open-ended items. Sending out r�sum�s was the job search method most utilized among both employed and unemployed respondents, however leveraging personal relationships was the job search method with the highest reported success rate among those currently employed. Over half (56.6%) of employed respondents reported that they received assistance from a personal contact in the process of obtaining their current jobs. Utilizing the help of family, friends, professors and acquaintances in the job search process is the most effective form of job search for college-educated African Americans