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Unobserved Heterogeneity, Exit Rates, and Re‐Employment Wages

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  • Javier Fernández‐Blanco
  • Pedro Gomes

Abstract

Exit rates from unemployment and re‐employment wages decline over a period of unemployment, after controlling for worker observable characteristics. We study the role of unobserved heterogeneity in an economy with asymmetric information and directed search. We show that the unique equilibrium is separating and that skilled workers have more job opportunities and higher wages. The composition of the unemployed varies with the duration of unemployment, so average exit rates and wages fall with time. The separating equilibrium relies on performance‐related pay schemes and the ability of firms to commit to renting an input that is complementary to worker skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Fernández‐Blanco & Pedro Gomes, 2017. "Unobserved Heterogeneity, Exit Rates, and Re‐Employment Wages," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 119(2), pages 375-404, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:119:y:2017:i:2:p:375-404
    DOI: 10.1111/sjoe.12173
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    Cited by:

    1. Shuaizhang Feng & Lars Lefgren & Brennan C. Platt & Bingyong Zheng, 2019. "Job search under asymmetric information: endogenous wage dispersion and unemployment stigma," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 67(4), pages 817-851, June.
    2. Garibaldi, Pietro & Gomes, Pedro Maia, 2022. "Temporary Replacement Workers in a Matching Model with Employment at Will," IZA Discussion Papers 15503, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Ioannis Kospentaris, 2021. "Unobserved Heterogeneity and Skill Loss in a Structural Model of Duration Dependence," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 39, pages 280-303, January.

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