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When the first interaction matters: Recruitment in the French retailing

Author

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  • Géraldine Rieucau

    (CEE - Centre d'études de l'emploi - M.E.N.E.S.R. - Ministère de l'Education nationale, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche - Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Santé, LED - Laboratoire d'Economie Dionysien - UP8 - Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis)

  • Marie Salognon

    (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

In France, one of ten recently-hired workers works in retailing. The literature provides evidence about the screening criteria used to fill low-wage vacancies in stores. However, neither the stage when criteria matter nor the forefront role of information channels (direct applications, word-of-mouth, employment agency and job ads) has been well explored. Drawing on 35 interviews conducted in 2010-2011, with actors involved in recruitment activities and with recently-hired workers in large stores in Greater Paris, this article explores the initial interaction between job seekers and recruiters. It is argued that the screening criteria vary according to the way employers received information about applicants and first interact with them (by mail, phone or face-to-face). This contribution highlights the importance of walk-in applications, which prioritize selection based on residence, appearances and availability. Changes in the first interaction impact the whole selection process and may change the profile of the workers hired.

Suggested Citation

  • Géraldine Rieucau & Marie Salognon, 2012. "When the first interaction matters: Recruitment in the French retailing," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-00825180, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-00825180
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00825180
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Philippe Askenazy & Jean-Baptiste Berry & Sophie Prunier-Poulmaire, 2008. "Working Hard in Large French Retailers," Post-Print halshs-00754762, HAL.
    2. Emmanuelle Marchal & Kevin Mellet & Géraldine Rieucau, 2007. "Job board toolkits: Internet matchmaking and changes in job advertisements," Post-Print halshs-00825168, HAL.
    3. John Latsis & Guillemette de Larquier & Franck Besis, 2010. "Are conventions solutions to uncertainty? contrasting visions of social coordination," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(4), pages 535-558, July.
    4. Eve Caroli & Jérôme Gautié, 2008. "Low wage work in France," PSE-Ecole d'économie de Paris (Postprint) hal-00266332, HAL.
    5. Michèle Forté & Sylvie Monchatre & Géraldine Rieucau & Marie Salognon & Ariel Sevilla & Carole Tuchszirer, 2012. "Pratiques de recrutement et sélectivité sur le marché du travail," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-00971684, HAL.
    6. repec:dau:papers:123456789/10045 is not listed on IDEAS
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economy of conventions; French retailing; information channels; low-wage jobs; recruitment; screening criteria;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B59 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Other
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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