The Hague started the trial early this year. Vikash Jankie applied to the public affairs office, without knowing that it was anonymous. It is unknown if that was an important factor in the decision. But Jankie was employed. He is pleased that applying anonymously is to become the norm. “From my own surroundings, sometimes I hear that people suspect that they are not invited because of their background”.
More focus on knowledge and skills.
Anonymous applications can help against discrimination, thinks Jankie. “I think it often happens unconsciously. When someone’s background is unknown, then the attention can be focused on the knowledge and skills of that person”.
Alderman Rabin Baldewsingh is very satisfied with the results of the trial period. The number of applicants from different nationalities has increased, and eventually more people with adifferent ethnic origin have been recruited
Results of the experiment with anonymous job applications in the Municipality of The Hague.
In 2016, 590 of 1880 candidates were from different ethnic origin: 31.4%.
In 2015, 380 of 1576 were from different ethnic origin: 24.1%.
Invited:
In 2016, 47 of 200 invited candidates were from different ethnic origin: 23.5%.
In 2015, 27 of 210 invited candidates were from different ethnic origin: 12.9%.
Started working in service:
In 2016, 14 of 39 new workers employed were from different ethnic origin: 35.9%.
In 2015, four of 35 new workers employed were from different ethnic origin: 11.4%.
It is certain that there is discrimination in hiring, according to the alderman. He points to a study by the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP). It showed last year that the applicants were rejected in The Hague region because of their ethnic background. This study was the reason for him to start the trial.
Does it work?
If anonymous job applications actually works is debatable. For example by the Municipality of Nijmegen after a test year, it was abolished. Iris Andriessen investigates employment discrimination in the (SCP). She said on Monday at the AD that there are still many questionsremaining. “So it may be that foreign-born immigrants anonymous letters have come through a round, but they are still discriminated at in the job interview”.
Baldewsingh does not doubt the method. “It increases the chances to get through the first selection. As this process is meant to do. I just look at the results and it is obvious”.According to him, this policy should be introduced nationwide. “There is no time to sit back, you must create equal opportunities”.
The anonymous job applications do not apply to all jobs. In the Municipality of The Hague it is mandatory for jobs with a salary of around 3,000 Euros gross or higher. Not only the name, but also the age of applicants is omitted.
Sources:
https://www.rtlnieuws.nl
http://www.denhaag.nl