Customer use and experience with online job platforms in recruitment : case of university students in Jyväskylä.

Abstract

Online job platforms have significantly changed the job search process, especially for university students seeking part-time, internship, or seasonal work. The main goal of the research was to explore how university students in Jyväskylä use and experience these platforms, focusing on factors influencing satisfaction and success. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), including perceived usefulness, ease of use, and behavioral intention, was used to interpret the findings. A qualitative method was applied, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with eight students. Thematic analysis, conducted using NVivo 12plus, revealed key themes such as platform preferences, user experience, common challenges, and suggestions for improvement. Students appreciated the convenience and variety of job listings but raised concerns about irrelevant postings, lack of feedback, and limited student-focused opportunities. Satisfaction was strongly linked to TAM factors, particularly when platforms were easy to use and provided relevant results. The study concludes that while online platforms support student job searches, improvements in personalization and student-specific features are needed. These insights can help platform developers, universities, and employers better support young job seekers in a digital recruitment environment.