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Your resume is your gatekeeper: Automated resume screening as a strategy to reduce gender gaps in hiring

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  • Pisanelli, Elena

Abstract

Firms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for hiring. The literature prompts concerns about such AI algorithms hindering gender equality in employment outcomes. Using a unique field study, I find human recruiters’ gender stereotypes lead to women having 69% lower chances of being interviewed for a gender-neutral job, compared to equally qualified men. Introducing automated resume screening shrinks such a gender gap by 43 percentage points.

Suggested Citation

  • Pisanelli, Elena, 2022. "Your resume is your gatekeeper: Automated resume screening as a strategy to reduce gender gaps in hiring," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:221:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522003664
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heather Sarsons & Klarita Gërxhani & Ernesto Reuben & Arthur Schram, 2021. "Gender Differences in Recognition for Group Work," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 129(1), pages 101-147.
    2. Danielle Li & Lindsey R. Raymond & Peter Bergman, 2020. "Hiring as Exploration," NBER Working Papers 27736, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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