Stereotypes, Self-image Concerns, and Job Search Behaviors

Abstract: The goal of this research project is to study self-censorship in the labor market. We are interested in eliciting a prior on the average discrimination jobseekers expect to face and how this can affect their job search behavior. We are also interested in the reaction that jobseekers have when they receive feedback regarding a job application as well as to what do they attribute this feedback. More specifically, we are interested in examining job seekers’ beliefs regarding a rejection of their job application, and how rejection (and the reason they attribute to rejection– discrimination? lower skills?) makes them update their job search behavior (do they want to apply again to similar opportunities?). The research questions we are interested in: 1) Are job seekers not applying to some jobs because they believe that recruiters discriminate against them? 2) Does attributing failure of finding a job to stereotypes help to protect self-image? 3) Do these beliefs have an impact on individuals’ job search efforts? During the brownbag, I will present the results of the pilot study we conducted through Prolific.

Joint paper with Katherine B. Coffman & Dylan Glover.