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Algorithmic Writing Assistance on Jobseekers' Resumes Increases Hires

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  • Emma van Inwegen
  • Zanele Munyikwa
  • John J. Horton

Abstract

There is a strong association between the quality of the writing in a resume for new labor market entrants and whether those entrants are ultimately hired. We show that this relationship is, at least partially, causal: a field experiment in an online labor market was conducted with nearly half a million jobseekers in which a treated group received algorithmic writing assistance. Treated jobseekers experienced an 8% increase in the probability of getting hired. Contrary to concerns that the assistance is taking away a valuable signal, we find no evidence that employers were less satisfied. We present a model in which better writing is not a signal of ability but helps employers ascertain ability, which rationalizes our findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma van Inwegen & Zanele Munyikwa & John J. Horton, 2023. "Algorithmic Writing Assistance on Jobseekers' Resumes Increases Hires," Papers 2301.08083, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2301.08083
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    Cited by:

    1. Avi Goldfarb, 2024. "Pause artificial intelligence research? Understanding AI policy challenges," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 57(2), pages 363-377, May.
    2. Timm Teubner & Christoph M. Flath & Christof Weinhardt & Wil Aalst & Oliver Hinz, 2023. "Welcome to the Era of ChatGPT et al," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 65(2), pages 95-101, April.
    3. Xiang Hui & Oren Reshef & Luofeng Zhou, 2023. "The Short-Term Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Employment: Evidence from an Online Labor Market," CESifo Working Paper Series 10601, CESifo.

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