Perceptions Of Unemployed Workers: Unemployment Duration, Volunteerism, And Age

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of unemployment duration, volunteerism and age on perceptions of unemployed job candidates. An experimental design was employed in which participants judged fictitious resumes of unemployed candidates. We found that candidates unemployed for 18 months were viewed as less qualified and would be less likely to be interviewed and hired than those unemployed for 6 or 12 months at all age levels (30, 40, 50) studied. Candidates who had performed volunteer work (career- or non-career-related) would be more likely to be interviewed and hired than those who had not volunteered. Implications of the findings were discussed.