A new working paper by the Institute for the Evaluation of Public Policies examines the growing role of digital skills in the job matching process, revealing how technological competencies impact hiring decisions in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Using experimental methods, the study evaluates how recruiters assess applicants’ digital abilities and explores how these skills affect employment opportunities across different education levels and job types.
The findings show that candidates with intermediate or advanced digital skills are more employable, particularly in the UK, where a flexible labor market values general education and offers high returns to tertiary education. However, the study notes significant variation across countries, with digital skills influencing job prospects differently based on education and the skill requirements of the role.
This research underscores the increasing importance of mastering digital tools in modern labor markets, as well as the need for tailored approaches to address skill gaps across diverse economic contexts.
The IRVAPP Working Papers series circulates research from the Institute or seminars to encourage feedback. Updated reviews are available in the Reprint Series or at IRVAPP if published.
