We show that reference letters from former employers alleviate information frictions in a low-skill labor market, improving applicant screening and gender equity. A resume audit study finds that using a reference letter in the application increases callbacks by 60 percent. Women drive the effect. Letters are effective because they provide valuable information about workers' skills that employers use to select applicants of higher ability. A second experiment, which encourages job seekers to obtain and use a reference letter, finds consistent results. In particular, reference letters raise job interviews and employment for women.

中文翻译：

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推荐信的价值：来自南非的实验证据

我们表明前雇主的推荐信减轻了低技能劳动力市场中的信息摩擦，改善了申请人筛选和性别平等。一份简历审计研究发现，在申请中使用推荐信会使回访率增加 60%。女性推动效果。信函之所以有效，是因为它们提供了有关工人技能的宝贵信息，雇主可以使用这些信息来选择能力更高的申请人。第二个实验鼓励求职者获得和使用推荐信，结果一致。特别是，推荐信提高了女性的工作面试和就业机会。