The purpose of this study was to examine the role of self-enhancement in a job search context. Based on previous theoretical and empirical research on positive illusions and core self-evaluations, we examined the relationships among core self-evaluations, selfenhancement, perceived job alternatives, and job search behaviors. Participants in two different studies were students attending a career fair at a university in the southwestern United States to look for a job. Results showed that self-enhancement is positively related to preparatory job search and mediates the relationship between core selfevaluations and perceived job alternatives. The implications of this study are discussed.
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