oa Discriminatie bij sollicitaties van hogeropgeleide allochtonen?

Discrimination of higher educated migrants?

The core question in this article is whether discrimination exists towards higher educated immigrants in the Netherlands. We used two methods to answer this question: so-called 'paired testing' in the form of correspondence analysis, and an additional resume analysis. The first method is based on letters from fictitious applicants, reacting on real vacancies. The content of the letters and resumes were as identical as possible, while the candidates differed in ethnic origin. The second method uses almost identical resumes, placed on vacancy websites. Again the (fictitious) candidates differ in ethnic origin. In both cases the analyses focus on differences in reaction (whether or not the candidates are invited for a job interview). The results are such that we can not establish discrimination.

This outcome does not conclude the discussion on labour market discrimination, since we did not investigate the final job offer to the different candidates. Furthermore, our research method is restricted to recruitment through job advertisements and vacancy sites. This means that recruitment via networks stays behind the scene. Finally, it is possible that our findings are related to the actual tightened labour market situation that restricts employers' discrimination chances.