Examining Self-Efficacy as a Mediator Between Career Adaptability and Perceived Employability Among Early-Career Professionals in Thailand

This study examined the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between career adaptability and perceived employability among early-career professionals in Thailand. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 290 professionals with 1–5 years of experience through validated scales (CAAS, GSE, and perceived employability). Structural equation modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results revealed significant positive effects: career adaptability directly enhanced perceived employability and self-efficacy, while self-efficacy further strengthened perceived employability The model explained 53% of the variance in perceived employability, underscoring the combined influence of career adaptability and self-efficacy. Findings suggest that self- efficacy partially mediates the link between career adaptability and employability, highlighting its pivotal role in career development. Practical implications include fostering adaptability and self-efficacy through targeted training programs to enhance employability. This study contributes to career construction theory by empirically validating pathways in an understudied demographic.