The value of reference letters

Stellenbosch Working Paper Series No. WP06/2017
 
Publication date: June 2017
 
Author(s):
[protected email address] (Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University)
[protected email address] (Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University)
[protected email address] (School of Economics, University of Cape Town)
 
Abstract:

We show that reference letters from former employers alleviate information asymmetries about workers’ skills and improve both match quality and equity in the labor market. A resume audit study finds that using a reference letter in the application increases callbacks by 61%. Women disproportionately benefit. 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, employment rates for women who obtain letters double, fully closing the gender gap in our sample.

 
JEL Classification:

D83, J24, M51

Keywords:

Unemployment, references, South Africa, active labor market policies

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