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Online Buddies for Job Seekers: A Field Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Bart de Koning
  • Paul Muller
  • Michèle Belot
  • Yvonne Engels
  • Didier Fouarge
  • Mario Keer
  • Philipp Kircher
  • Sandra Phlippen

Abstract

We design an online platform to connect unemployed job seekers with ‘buddies’: former job seekers who recently found employment. We focus on job seekers who search in occupations with poor prospects and buddies who successfully switched occupations. In a randomized controlled trial, we evaluate the impact of access to the platform on labor market outcomes. We find sizable effects. Thirteen to 18 months after getting access, initially unemployed job seekers are 6 percentage points (11%) more likely to be employed and earn e 226 more per month than those without access. The positive impact is concentrated among the long-term unemployed.

Suggested Citation

  • Bart de Koning & Paul Muller & Michèle Belot & Yvonne Engels & Didier Fouarge & Mario Keer & Philipp Kircher & Sandra Phlippen, 2026. "Online Buddies for Job Seekers: A Field Experiment," NBER Working Papers 34912, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34912
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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