The main purpose of this study is to compare psychological (career barriers, self-esteem) and personal capabilities (qualifications) between employed and unemployed youth. In order to serve this purpose, the study collected data from 4,597 employed young people and 1,486 unemployed young people using the 9th Youth Panel (2007) provided by the KEIS, then analyzed the data by controlling the gender and the level of education that would affect their employment using the MIMIC model. According to the results of the analysis, the unemployed had significantly higher career barriers and lower self-esteem than the employed. Moreover, the standard of qualification for employment was not significant between the unemployed and the employed. However, it was found that the qualification for employment was more important for unemployed youth than employed youth. The results of this study can be used as useful basic data for planning career education and counseling for youth.