There are certain characteristics that are shared between unemployed individuals. The search method that individuals use also impacts the possibility of finding employment. A link between the characteristics that affect employment and the characteristics that affect the job search method needs to be established. This dissertation examines two fundamental questions about unemployment in South Africa. Firstly what characteristics does a person possess that makes him more susceptible to unemployment? These characteristics include race, gender, location, educational attainment, and age. Secondly does the method of job search that an individual uses hamper his chances of employment and do the aforementioned characteristics dictate which method is used?