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How Selectivity Shapes Selection

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  • Claudio Schilter

Abstract

This field experiment investigates how stressing selectivity at career information events affects the diversity, size, and quality of the applicant pool. While the total number of applications remains unaffected by stressing selectivity, it reduces the share of female participants and children of migrants in the applicant pool. A key mechanism driving this effect is that treated participants perceive their (also treated) peers as more competitive during the event. Leveraging treatment timing, I find that exposure to such peer behavior significantly contributes to the gender-specific effect of stressing selectivity. Moreover, further analysis reveals that stressing selectivity deters high-quality female participants from applying and attracts low-quality male participants. The results point to de-emphasizing selectivity as a simple way of boosting diversity, particularly when potential applicants interact with one another.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudio Schilter, 2025. "How Selectivity Shapes Selection," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0236, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    • Handle: RePEc:iso:educat:0236
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Edward P. Lazear & Kathryn L. Shaw & Christopher T. Stanton, 2018. "Who Gets Hired? The Importance of Competition among Applicants," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 36(S1), pages 133-181.
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    6. Alexia Delfino, 2024. "Breaking Gender Barriers: Experimental Evidence on Men in Pink-Collar Jobs," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 114(6), pages 1816-1853, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Occupational Choice; Diversity; Gender; HR Policies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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