How does job search behaviour change over the unemployment spell?

This project examines how unemployed individuals’ job search behaviour changes with time spent in unemployment. Specifically, it studies how the number of jobs applied for, the probability of being invited to an interview, reservation wages, and the probabilities of receiving and accepting a job offer vary with unemployment duration. By decomposing these components, the study also aims to determine the extent to which unemployment duration has a causal effect on the probability of finding a job, known as duration dependence.

The project uses data from Statistics Sweden and the Swedish Public Employment Service. The main data source consists of previously unused activity reports submitted monthly by jobseekers eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. These reports contain information not only on the number of reported job applications but also on whether applications were initiated by the jobseekers themselves or by an employment officer. Jobseekers also report whether they have attended interviews or found new employment.

Project leader

Jonas Cederlöf

Other project participants

Sara Roman