Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP17513
Authors: Michle Belot; Philipp Kircher; Paul Muller
Abstract: In a randomized field experiment, we provide personalized suggestions about suitable alternative occupations to long-term unemployed job seekers in the UK. The suggestions are automatically generated, integrated in an online job search platform, and fed into actual search queries. Effects on the primary pre-registered outcomes of "finding a stable job" and "reaching a cumulative earnings threshold" are positive, are significant among those who searched at least once, and are more pronounced for those who are longer unemployed. Treated individuals include more occupations in their search and find more jobs in recommended occupations.
Keywords: online advice; job search; long-term unemployment; occupational mobility; field experiment
JEL Codes: D83; J62; C93
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher probability of finding a stable job (lasting six months or more) (J63) | Better employment outcomes (J68) |
| Automated occupational advice (J68) | Higher probability of finding a stable job (lasting six months or more) (J63) |
| Automated occupational advice (J68) | Higher likelihood of reaching cumulative earnings threshold of £3415 (J31) |
| Automated occupational advice (J68) | Broader job searches (J62) |