Anonymous job applications

Model project "Apply anonymously in Baden-Wuerttemberg" (in German language)

Client: Ministry of Integration Baden-Württemberg; Stuttgart

Project partners: -

Duration: 01.01.2013 - 30.04.2014

 

After the German federal anti-discrimination agency had started a nationwide pilot project, several Bundesländer (federal states) initiated their own projects on anonymized application procedures. As the science partner, IZA collaborated in the project in Baden-Württemberg and was in charge of the evaluation. Results showed that in particular human resources managers see personal characteristics as an influential aspect in the conventional application process. They support the anonymous method and perceive it as less time-consuming. On average, the applications received were of higher quality, while the total number of applicants dropped, which is probably due to the removal of unsuitable applicants. The new application method also had an impact on the opinion of the personnel managers. After project completion, the share of personnel managers who regarded the anonymous method of application as more objective had increased.

Ulf Rinne

Dr. Ulf Rinne

Senior Research Associate