Job Search Experiences

Research participation · United States

The psychology of job searching

We are inviting people currently searching for jobs to take part in research exploring the psychological experiences of looking for work. We want to learn how people describe that experience in their own words.

Compensation1500$
Apply byDecember 8, 2026
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Job searching is an experience worth understanding.

This study looks at the psychological experiences of people currently searching for jobs. We are interested in the range of perspectives people bring to that experience, without right or wrong answers.

Taking part involves video interviews. Screening answers help the research team assess applications and manage the application process.

Applying and completing screening are voluntary. Submitting an application does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, or completion of later study activities. You may stop completing the application.

Read full study details

Who can apply?

To be considered for the study, applicants need to meet these participation requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
  • This study is not recruiting applicants in: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia.
  • For “Do you have a smartphone or a laptop with a working webcam?”, eligible answers are: Yes — a smartphone; Yes — a laptop with a webcam; Yes — both.
  • For “Do you have a stable internet connection at home?”, eligible answers are: Yes, it handles video calls fine; Usually, but it can be patchy.
  • For “Could you make two separate one-hour video calls in the next 8 weeks?”, eligible answers are: Yes; Probably, with enough notice.
Apply to take part

Your application information.

Job Search Support LLC uses information submitted for this study to assess eligibility, communicate about applications and manage application progress. The application records screening answers, including date of birth and any other requested screening information, and, if you continue, your name, email address, signed acknowledgement and application or verification status.

The research team and services operating the website and application system process this information for the application process. An application is identifiable rather than anonymous. If you are asked to use a separate verification service, read that service’s information before providing information to it. This application notice does not describe every possible later use of research data; any separate study activities need their own relevant information.

Ask the research team about access, correction, withdrawal requests, storage periods and any additional uses or recipients of your information. Do not send information about other people or additional sensitive information unless the study specifically requests it.

Questions about the study, your application, or how your information is handled? Contact Job Search Support LLC at research@jobsearchstudy.org.

Study information and application acknowledgement