CAN MATCHING ON SOFT SKILLS YIELD BETTER FIRM-WORKER MATCHES?

Youth unemployment is a serious concern for low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, youths aged 15-24 are three times less likely to be employed than their older counterparts, and the demographic structure of many developing countries means that young people represent an increasing share of the labour force. The lack of easily interpretable information about skills of job-seekers is one important reason for this. Firms often state that soft skills (such as communication, listening, time management, or problem-solving skills) are particularly important for young job-seekers, but these are also particularly hard to observe prior to employment. 

This project takes place in South Africa, which has an exceptionally high rate of youth unemployment, with the broad unemployment rate consistently about 50% between 2018 and 2020. Unemployment is particularly acute among black youth and women, who are the focus of the project’s partner organisation the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. This project partners with Harambee to examine the impact of using soft-skills to match prospective candidates to entry-level jobs.

Fieldwork ongoing, results to follow.