Essays on the Role of Information in Job Search Behavior and Demand for Training.

Summary This thesis explores the impact of information on job search behavior and demand for vocational training.The first chapter evaluates the impact of the Bob Emploi website, which aims to deliver information to job seekers about the labor market. The results indicate that there is no impact on job seekers' search effort and geographic and sectoral scope of the search. However, job seekers who use Bob Emploi mobilize their personal network and public employment services more. Finally, there is no effect on well-being and return to employment.The second chapter examines the role of information on entering job training. Results indicate that receiving an email with a message emphasizing post-training return-to-work opportunities more than doubles the likelihood that job seekers will call the training center again. However, callback rates are low in absolute terms (less than 1%) and there is no impact on training enrollment. Our results suggest that the impact detected on calls is due more to the increase in importance placed on training information than to the updating of job seekers' beliefs.Finally, the third chapter also studies the demand for vocational training, but takes into account behavioral constraints. Distinguishing between "external" (world) and "internal" (self) beliefs, the results show that jobseekers are financially constrained from joining a training program, and that they underestimate the proportion of available training that is funded. Internal barriers related to self-efficacy, inter-temporal preferences, self-esteem, and organizational skills are mentioned equally by jobseekers indicating internal barriers to enrolling in training. Based on this diagnosis, the last part is devoted to the design of a randomized controlled trial, with interventions based on the transmission of information via online courses, and interactive sessions by groups of job seekers. These courses aim to target external beliefs, internal beliefs, or both simultaneously.