Research/Report
Author(s): Denise de Pauw, University of Leeds
This paper explores the literacy experiences of migrant job seekers in the United Kingdom, looking online for work, adding to other studies on the topic. Using ethnographic methods, video data, images and field notes were gathered on visits to three research sites to observe job seekers and helpers of varied ages and educational and linguistic backgrounds. Data were analyzed using activity theory, to explore how participants’ perceived employability was affected by online mediation during job searches. Extracts from three case studies show how impromptu discussions led to enriched understandings of the social world of work, vital for employability. The paper contributes specific digital employability literacies for a syllabus that includes low literate job seekers and recommends in-person or online mentoring for adult migrant job seekers, to provide personalized orientation to work or training, currently ill-afforded by much digital public employment support.