American Economic Journal: Economic Policy · 2024 · [{"name": "Sara Heller", "affiliation": ["University of Michigan"]}, {"name": "Judd B. Kessler", "affiliation": ["University of Pennsylvania"]}]
中文摘要
本文提供证据表明，信息摩擦限制了美国青年的劳动力市场发展轨迹。我们向纽约暑期就业项目 43,409 名参与者中的一个随机子集提供了可信的技能信号——基于主管反馈的推荐信。推荐信使次年的就业率提高了 3 个百分点（4.5%）。收入效应在四年内持续扩大，累计达到 1,349 美元（4.9%）。我们几乎没有发现求职活动或信心增加的证据；相反，这些信号可能有助于雇主更好地识别与高生产率劳动者之间的成功匹配。然而，将青年推向劳动力市场可能会妨碍其按时毕业，尤其是对于学业成绩较低的学生。
Abstract
This paper provides evidence that information frictions limit the labor market trajectories of US youth. We provide credible skill signals—recommendation letters based on supervisor feedback—to a random subset of 43,409 participants in New York’s summer jobs program. Letters increase employment the following year by 3 percentage points (4.5 percent). Earnings effects grow over four years to a cumulative $1,349 (4.9 percent). We find little evidence of increased job search or confidence; instead, signals may help employers better identify successful matches with high-productivity workers. Pulling youth into the labor market can, however, hamper on-time graduation, especially among low-achieving students. (JEL D82, H75, J13, J24, J31, J64)