Developing and testing a framework for understanding refugees’ job search processes
Abstract
This article outlines the development of the Refugee Job Search Process Framework (RJSPF), which was created to help identify barriers that refugees face when trying to find employment. The framework incorporates an interdisciplinary, multi-level approach to the job search, delving into research from migration studies and Industrial/Organizational psychology to outline factors that exist on both the side of the refugee applicant and the organization at each stage of the RJSPF. The authors also tested the RJSPF with Syrian refugees and service providers in Canada to examine the validity of each component of the model.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Integration timeline: 10 years or less in Canada
Community organizations: 6 SPOs that worked directly with Syrian refugees on the topic of employment/workplace
Key findings:
1) The majority of the RJSPF was supported by the interviews.
2) The authors identified 6 themes that outline refugee challenges in finding suitable employment: language fluency, credential recognition, Canadian experience “catch 22”, cultural incongruencies, employer exploitation, and mental health.
Key populations: Privately-sponsored Syrian refugees who were at least 18 years of age and arrived in Canada any time after 2012.
Location: Alberta
Open access: No
