56

This article aims to understand anticipatory socialization, an early stage in the process of organizational socialization. Connecting the theoretical framework of person-organization fit with the few studies on this stage in the literature, a unique case study was carried out. On the basis of thirty-eight interviews, our results enrich Feldman’s reference model of organizational socialization. We distinguish between anticipatory socialization and organizational pre-socialization. We show the development of a dynamic of mobilization of the cognitive, social, and emotional resources of the individual to build a favorable representation of the relationship with a potential employer. These results have managerial and societal relevance, as understanding this stage will make the job search and recruitment of new employees more effective.