Labor market signaling and the value of college: Evidence from resumes and the truth

Published online ahead of print November 15, 2021, doi: 10.3368 / jhr.0119-9979R2

J. Human Resource Development 15 Nov. 2021 0119-9979R2

Commentary

This study tested that those who have not completed college may hide their incomplete schooling on their resumes when seeking a job.

The test involved matching resumes from an online job board with administrative education records.

The results showed that one in three job seekers who attended college but did not complete a degree excluded only post-secondary education from their resumes. Furthermore, it has been suggested that these were intentional. While there is some evidence of this lying, the study states that the degree listed on the resume is most likely incorrect. This does not mean that employers do not value full compliance with schooling, but it can explain why students believe that academic performance is important to employers, they said.