The Success of Job Applications: A New Approach to Programme Evaluation

In this Paper, we suggest a novel approach to programme evaluation that allows identification of the causal effect of a training programme on the likelihood of being invited to a job interview under weak assumptions. The idea is to measure the programme-effects by pre- and post-treatment data that are very close in time for the same individual. Our approach provides useful information on both average effects of the programme as well as information on potential differences in the effects of the programme by type of vacancy or by individual.