Analyzing discrimination in recruitment: A guide and best practices for resume studies

Abstract

AbstractResume studies are natural field experiments in which researchers standardize the content of resumes and vary them by individual characteristics. Researchers submit the resumes to job advertisements and compare the employers' responses toward the different resumes to measure labor market discrimination. Despite the robustness of this method, its use has not been fully exploited in human resource management and organizational psychology research. Based on a literature review, we provide an overview of the best practices for resume studies and a step‐by‐step plan to guide researchers. We also explain challenges in the design and implementation of these studies and how they can be addressed. Finally, we suggest avenues for future research and how future studies can contribute to reduce hiring discrimination.