Linkedin(to) Job Opportunities: Experimental Evidence from Job Readiness Training

52 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2019

See all articles by Laurel E Wheeler

Laurel E Wheeler

University of Alberta, Department of Economics

Robert Garlick

Duke University - Department of Economics

Eric Johnson

RTI International

Patrick Shaw

RTI International

Marissa Gargano

RTI International

Date Written: September 11, 2019

Abstract

Online professional networking platforms are widely used and offer the prospect of alleviating labor market frictions. We run the first randomized evaluation of training workseekers to join one of these platforms. Training increases employment at the end of the program from 70 to 77% and this effect persists for at least twelve months. Treatment effects on platform use explain most of the treatment effect on employment. Administrative data suggest that platform use increases employment by providing information to prospective employers and to workseekers. It may also facilitate referrals but does not reduce job search costs or change self-beliefs.

JEL Classification: J22, J23, J24, J64, M51, O15

Suggested Citation

Wheeler, Laurel E and Garlick, Robert and Johnson, Eric and Shaw, Patrick and Gargano, Marissa, Linkedin(to) Job Opportunities: Experimental Evidence from Job Readiness Training (September 11, 2019). Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (ERID) Working Paper No. 289, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3452249 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3452249

Laurel E Wheeler

University of Alberta, Department of Economics ( email )

8-14 Tory Building
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H4
Canada

Robert Garlick (Contact Author)

Duke University - Department of Economics ( email )

213 Social Sciences Building
Box 90097
Durham, NC 27708-0204
United States

Eric Johnson

RTI International ( email )

PO Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
United States

Patrick Shaw

RTI International ( email )

PO Box 12194
Washington, DC 20036-3209
United States

Marissa Gargano

RTI International ( email )

PO Box 12194
Washington, DC 20036-3209
United States

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