The value of reference letters: Experimental evidence from South Africa
By: Abel, Martin, Burger, Rulof and Piraino, Patrizio
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Material type: 
BookPublisher: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics Description: 12(3), Jul, 2020: p.40-71.Subject(s): Low-skill labor market, Employment, Workers
In:
American Economic Journal: Applied EconomicsSummary: We show that reference letters from former employers alleviate information frictions in a low-skill labor market, improving applicant screening and gender equity. A resume audit study finds that using a reference letter in the application increases callbacks by 60 percent. Women drive the effect. Letters are effective because they provide valuable information about workers' skills that employers use to select applicants of higher ability. A second experiment, which encourages job seekers to obtain and use a reference letter, finds consistent results. In particular, reference letters raise job interviews and employment for women. – Reproduced
| Item type | Current location | Call number | Vol info | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Articles
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Indian Institute of Public Administration | 12(3), Jul, 2020: p.40-71 | Available | AR124424 |
We show that reference letters from former employers alleviate information frictions in a low-skill labor market, improving applicant screening and gender equity. A resume audit study finds that using a reference letter in the application increases callbacks by 60 percent. Women drive the effect. Letters are effective because they provide valuable information about workers' skills that employers use to select applicants of higher ability. A second experiment, which encourages job seekers to obtain and use a reference letter, finds consistent results. In particular, reference letters raise job interviews and employment for women. – Reproduced
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