Overcoming Information Asymmetry in Job Search

Carranza, Eliana; Pimkina, Svetlana

doi:10.1596/29744

collection.link.307	https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/25446
collection.name.307	Africa Gender Policy Briefs
dc.contributor.author	Carranza, Eliana
dc.contributor.author	Pimkina, Svetlana
dc.date.accessioned	2018-04-27T15:41:53Z
dc.date.available	2018-04-27T15:41:53Z
dc.date.issued	2018-04
dc.date.lastModified	2021-05-25T10:54:37Z
dc.description.abstract	The labor market is characterized by information gaps between work seekers and prospective employers, particularly when it comes to hiring low-skill entry level workers. Information asymmetries about workers’ skills can result in poorer matches, lower productivity for employers, and increased inequity for the unemployed. One approach to resolving the asymmetry is introducing a formal referral system: reference letters from former employers. The authors finds that reference letters improve firms’ screening ability and employment outcomes, especially for women. Despite their high value, the use of reference letters in job applications is low, partly due to work seekers underestimating their value.	en
dc.identifier	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/508611524745860721/Overcoming-information-asymmetry-in-job-search-the-power-of-a-reference-letter
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10986/29744
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	World Bank, Washington, DC
dc.relation.ispartofseries	Gender Innovation Lab Policy Brief;No. 24
dc.rights	CC BY 3.0 IGO
dc.rights.holder	World Bank
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo
dc.subject	JOB APPLICATION
dc.subject	JOB SEARCH
dc.subject	YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
dc.subject	LABOR MARKET
dc.subject	REFERRALS
dc.subject	GENDER GAP
dc.subject	GENDER BIAS
dc.subject	JOB REFERRAL
dc.subject	WRITING SKILL
dc.subject	WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
dc.subject	AFRICA GENDER POLICY
dc.subject	GENDER INNOVATION LAB
dc.title	Overcoming Information Asymmetry in Job Search	en
dc.title.subtitle	The Power of a Reference Letter	en
dc.type	Brief	en
okr.date.disclosure	2018-04-26
okr.doctype	Publications & Research
okr.doctype	Publications & Research :: Brief
okr.docurl	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/508611524745860721/Overcoming-information-asymmetry-in-job-search-the-power-of-a-reference-letter
okr.googlescholar.linkpresent	yes
okr.identifier.doi	10.1596/29744
okr.identifier.externaldocumentum	090224b08595088c_1_0
okr.identifier.internaldocumentum	29841495
okr.identifier.report	125801
okr.imported	true	en
okr.language.supported	en
okr.pdfurl	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/508611524745860721/pdf/BRI-SouthAfricaRefrenceLettersBrief-PUBLIC.pdf	en
okr.region.administrative	Africa
okr.region.country	South Africa
okr.topic	Gender :: Gender and Development
okr.topic	Gender :: Gender and Poverty
okr.topic	Social Protections and Labor :: Labor Markets
okr.topic	Social Protections and Labor :: Skills Development and Labor Force Training
okr.unit	Global Themes Department- Gender (GTGDR)

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World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, April 2020 : East Asia and Pacific in the Time of COVID-19

Traders' Dilemma : Developing Countries' Response to Trade Disputes

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Overcoming Behavioral Biases in Job Search : The Value of Action Planning

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World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, April 2020 : East Asia and Pacific in the Time of COVID-19

Traders' Dilemma : Developing Countries' Response to Trade Disputes

Technology-Enabled Supply Chain Finance for Small and Medium Enterprises is a Major Growth Opportunity for Banks

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Overcoming Behavioral Biases in Job Search : The Value of Action Planning

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