The Value of Reference Letters: Experimental Evidence from South Africa
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
vol. 12,
no. 3, July 2020
(pp. 40-71)
Abstract
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.Citation
Abel, Martin, Rulof Burger, and Patrizio Piraino. 2020. "The Value of Reference Letters: Experimental Evidence from South Africa." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 12 (3): 40-71. DOI: 10.1257/app.20180666Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
- J24 Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
- J64 Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
- O12 Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
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