Online job search discouragement: How employment platforms and digital exclusion shape the experience of low‐qualified job seekers?

Abstract

How do people experience the platform‐mediated job search process? We explore this question based on a sample of in‐depth interviews (n = 20) with low‐qualified, unemployed Spanish job seekers. Our main finding shows that the ways they use Information and Communication Technologies negatively impact their engagement in online job search activities. Based on our findings, we develop a framework of online job search discouragement revolving around crafting online profiles, applying for jobs, reviewing application statuses and integrating the tensions these activities carry for the experience and the outcome of the platform‐mediated job search.