Discrimination in hiring has not disappeared

A meta-analysis gives us a principled way to talk about what resumes can and cannot control, without sounding naïve or cynical.

The Trend

No Clear Decline

Meta-analytic evidence finds little indication that hiring discrimination has declined across decades of field experiments.¹

Source: Quillian, Pager, Hexel, Midtbøen (2017)

The Limits of Optimization

The research emphasizes structural bias that individual resume quality cannot fully offset.¹

Sphere of control

Controllable

Clarity

Structure

Proof

Systemic

Market bias · Gatekeeping · Algorithms

Focus on what you can control. A resume can't fix systemic issues, but it can maximize your signal within the system.

Fig. 1 — Bounded ControlWhat resumes can improve vs what they cannot

The resume is necessary, not sufficient

This research is sobering. It reminds us that "optimizing keywords" is a trivial concern compared to the structural barriers many candidates face.

However, it also clarifies our mission: to ensure that poor communication is never the reason you are rejected. We clear the noise so your merit has the best possible chance to shine through, while acknowledging the reality of the system you are navigating.

Automation can compound inequities when exposure and ranking systems are opaque. That makes clarity and documentation even more important at the individual level.²

Definition: bounded control

Bounded control means separating factors you can influence from systemic factors you cannot. The resume is in the first category, bias is not.

Structural vs. Individual

We distinguish between fixing your resume (individual) and fixing the funnel (structural). We help you max out the former.

FAQ

Does a better resume eliminate discrimination?

No. A stronger resume reduces avoidable noise, but it cannot remove systemic bias.

Why include this in a resume product?

Premium guidance is honest about limitations. It builds trust and helps candidates focus on controllables.

What can I control?

Clarity, consistency, proof, and narrative cohesion.

What this changes in RIYP

Set Expectations

We are honest that a 'perfect' resume cannot fix systemic bias. We focus on what you can control.

Reduce Self-Blame

Sometimes rejection is not about your skills or your resume. It's the market.

Focus on Controllables

We strengthen signal so bias isn't compounded by avoidable noise.

Related Research

Automation and BiasSystems Human vs. AlgorithmTrust The Referral AdvantageStrategy

Sources

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