Your resume is your gatekeeper: Automated resume screening as a strategy to reduce gender gaps in hiring

Abstract

Firms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for hiring. The literature prompts concerns about such AI algorithms hindering gender equality in employment outcomes. Using a unique field study, I find human recruiters’ gender stereotypes lead to women having 69% lower chances of being interviewed for a gender-neutral job, compared to equally qualified men. Introducing automated resume screening shrinks such a gender gap by 43 percentage points. • Firms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence algorithms for hiring. • Artificial intelligence algorithms can increase existing gender gaps in employment outcomes. • I perform a unique field study inside a private company. • I find artificial intelligence algorithms can reduce gender inequality in hiring.