Occupational matching: The case of job seekers inscribed at Public Employment Offices

Using administrative records from Public Employment Offices, this paper studies the main factors determining occupational matching between labour supply and demand. This is measured by matching the demanded occupation by job seekers and the occupation they finally secure. The results show that occupational matching is greater among women, young workers and least-educated people. Higher rates of occupational matching are also found in medium-sized companies and among temporary workers. The results also show that certain occupations are strongly associated with a high degree of professional versatility, or instead that their corresponding tasks may be adequately performed by professionals from distinct backgrounds.