Race, age, sex, and competence as factors in employer selection of the disadvantaged

Interviewed 286 employers from the state of Illinois to determine their assessments of hypothetical job candidates with various characteristics. It was found that race of a potential employee was not an important factor in hiring decision; however, the age, sex, and competence of the potential employee affected decisions. The 25-yr-old worker was preferred over the 55-yr-old worker; males were preferred over females; and highly competent candidates received a stronger recommendation than barely competent candidates. Employers made little distinction between barely competent males and females and barely competent young and old workers, but for individuals of high competence, males were rated higher than females and younger workers higher than older workers.