Andelyn Russell

Abstract: Hiring skilled workers is a global challenge. In this paper, we work with recruiters and jobseekers on Apna, a large online job board in India, to examine information frictions in one aspect of hiring: how amenities on job descriptions lead jobseekers to apply or not. To start, we collect novel data on seven amenities and compare this data to job posts to document a fact: many firms provide these amenities, but fewer than half are displayed on posts. We then use a survey experiment with active jobseekers to measure the effect of these amenities on application decisions. Finally, we explore two explanations why valued amenities are missing from posts. First, recruiters may not be aware that including amenities on posts can change jobseekers’ application decisions. In an experiment with recruiters, we find that providing information on how much first-time jobseekers value training doubles the share of posts with training compared to an active control message. Second, low language comprehension can limit the value of all job post features, including amenities. In an experiment with active jobseekers, we randomize whether real job posts in English are shown with an additional language option. The additional language option increases applications by 19% with no reductions in match quality. For jobseekers with low English proficiency, both applications and match quality significantly increase.  AEARCTR-0011618, AEARCTR-0014131, AEARCTR-0013822.

Abstract: In an online experiment, I examine the effect of the political and gender identity of non-expert messengers on the acquisition of non-political information. I find no significant effect of gender congruence between participants and messengers, though participants are 8 percentage points more likely to utilize information provided by a messenger with the same political affiliation. Suggestive evidence also indicates that a large share of participants hold inaccurate beliefs about expected answers from each identity group. In addition to impacting the specific information transmitted, I show that messenger identity affects broader beliefs about personal health and community knowledge. Together, the results contribute to increasing evidence that the general acceptance of basic information is influenced by unrelated factors.