The Value of Reference Letters: Experimental Evidence from South Africa

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Abel, Martin; Burger, Rulof; Piraino, Patrizio
• 署名单位: Middlebury College; Stellenbosch University; University of Notre Dame
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-APPLIED ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7782
• DOI: 10.1257/app.20180666
• 发表日期: 2020
• 页码: 40-71
• 关键词: Field experiments; social networks; job search; education

摘要

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.