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A Randomized Experiment on Improving Job Search Skills of Older Unemployed Workers

Author

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  • de Groot, Nynke
  • van der Klaauw, Bas

Abstract

Active labor market programs targeted at older unemployed workers are often believed to be ineffective. We exploit a large-scale randomized experiment involving approximately 50,000 older unemployed workers to evaluate an intensive job search assistance program that focuses on exploiting the social network. Participation in the program increases exits from unemployment insurance by 4.4 percentage points. Program participation reduces cumulative benefit payments by about €715, exceeding the program costs of €470. Participants compensate the reduced benefits receipt with higher earnings. We find that participants change their job search behavior according to the content of the program, and that both the trainer and the training group composition affect the program effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • de Groot, Nynke & van der Klaauw, Bas, 2026. "A Randomized Experiment on Improving Job Search Skills of Older Unemployed Workers," CEPR Discussion Papers 21464, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21464
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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