Abstract Purpose - This study examined the relationship between job search self-efficacy, employment goals, job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. We expected that employment goals would mediate the effect of job search self-efficacy on job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. Design / methodology / approach - One hundred participants completed measures of these concepts. Findings - Regression analyses did not confirm our hypotheses. Contrary to expectations, employment goals did not mediate the path between self-efficacy, job search planning, job search behaviors and effort allocated to job search. Instead, self-efficacy directly influenced job search planning and job search behaviors. Results are discussed with reference to previous studies and to methodological choices. Originality / value - Few studies have investigated the effect of self-efficacy on goals in job search domain.