Understanding Job Search Behaviour on Career-Oriented Social Networking Sites: An Integrative Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54741/MJAR/6.4.2026.328Keywords:
career-oriented social networking sites (CSNS), job search behaviour, digital employability, personal branding, professional networking, linkedinAbstract
Career-Oriented Social Networking Sites (CSNS) have revolutionized job searching process by offering access to professional networks, career information, and job opportunities. As these platforms grow in popularity, research on their impact on job search behaviour has expanded significantly with time. However, much of the existing research are fragmented in different disciplines and focuses primarily on individual factors, limiting a full understanding of how CSNS influence job search behaviour. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the literature and integrating findings into a cohesive conceptual framework.
The review synthesises evidence from more than fifty peer-reviewed studies published in internationally indexed journals. Using a structured and systematic literature review approach, it critically examines the theoretical foundations, research trends, and empirical results related to job search behaviour on CSNS. The findings reveal that job search behaviour is influenced by four interconnected dimensions: technological factors (like perceived usefulness and platform engagement), behavioural factors (such as networking orientation and career motivation), psychological factors (including personal branding and professional identity), and social factors (such as trust, social capital, and digital competencies). The review further shows that education, career stage, generation, and labour market conditions influence these relationships.
By integrating fragmented evidence in research, this review offers a clearer conceptual picture of job search behaviour on CSNS, identifies key gaps in theory and methodology, and suggests future research directions. The findings also provide valuable insights for researchers, employers, educational institutions, policymakers, and CSNS developers aiming to enhance digital employability and improve recruitment practices.
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