Job search is a largely self-regulatedprocess, subject to behavioralbiases that lead tosub-optimal search and employment outcomes.Within thiscontext, we designed, implemented and testedanaction-planning tool to promote greater job searchintensity.We find that action planning helps unemployedyouths to follow through on their job search intentions, andadopt a more efficient and effective search strategy.Greater search efficiency and effectiveness translates tosizeable improvements in employment outcomes. Given that arising number of young people globally are not enrolled ineducation, employed, or searching for work it isparticularly important to understand how to optimize the jobsearch process. There is suggestive evidence that in thepresence of high and persistent unemployment, South Africanyouth are becoming increasingly discouraged in their job search.
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