Let me inform you of the following online research seminar.

Date: November 12, 2021
Time: 17:15-18:45
Venue: Online Seminar in Zoom
Speaker: Mirka Zvedelikova (Keio University)
Organizer: Takuya Hasebe
Language: English

Title: Preference for Young Workers in Mid-career RAugust 1ecruiting in Japan: Evidence from Online Job Ads for Sales Jobs

Abstract: Using an original dataset of job ads for sales jobs from a Japanese online mid-career job ad side, this study examines the use of explicit and implied age limits on applicants and the characteristics of companies setting them. Japanese law prohibits age discrimination in employment, yet several exemptions are allowed, such as in case of hiring young workers without prior work experience on regular contracts. Companies face a choice of setting an age limit, requiring job-related experience, or searching broadly, while they are free to show their preference regarding age in other ways. Of the sample collected, 24% of ads included explicit age limits, 25% experience requirements and nearly all ads contained some form of inferred age preference. Theoretical model explaining company search behavior is proposed and tested. Companies with higher capital, companies with fewer quits, older companies and subsidiaries of listed companies tend to search narrowly. Japanese companies and companies based in Tokyo or Osaka are more likely to set age limits. The role of company market power is also considered as a factor allowing companies to voluntarily restrict pool of applicants in a labor market with more open positions than jobseekers available.

* Please contact the coordinators via email, if you'd like to participate in the online seminar.