LinkedIn and Indeed: the impact of recruitment 2.0 on jobseekers

Abstract

The emergence of new technologies has profoundly transformed the professional world, redefining not only work processes, but also recruitment methods. In this context, the aim of this research is to examine the consequences of recruitment 2.0 for jobseekers. An experimental approach based on fictitious scenarios was proposed. Two hundred job seekers were assigned to a fictitious job search scenario varying under four experimental conditions: on LinkedIn, on Indeed, through newspapers and without specification (control condition). Results showed that job seekers experienced more satisfaction, well-being, perceived efficacy, and less stress when imagining applying for jobs online (LinkedIn and Indeed) compared to a traditional job search. Contrary to our expectations, social pressure was higher on LinkedIn compared to a traditional job search. This research therefore extends the perspectives on the conceptualization of recruitment 2.0, highlighting the importance of distinguishing online platforms. The research also offers a significant contribution to the literature on job seekers, and in particular on the implication of application practices on psychological resources. However, it should be noted that this research has limitations inherent to the use of fictitious scenarios, thereby underlining the need for further field research to validate these findings.