Hiring in border regions: experimental and qualitative evidence from a recruiter survey in Luxembourg

Abstract Firms in border regions typically deal with heterogeneous applicant pools that include both (foreign) domestic workers and cross-border commuters. However, we know little about recruiters’ workforce needs hiring practices labour markets. Based on a survey of real recruiters Luxembourg, this study presents experimental qualitative findings the role country residence intentions against foreigners. Luxembourg rarely studied but highly relevant case for owing to combination strong economy, strict market regulations, transnational workforce. Drawing data from factorial experiment, found no discrimination Portuguese French applicants living Luxembourg. Yet, (highly skilled) France Germany faced disadvantages regarding intentions. differences effect sizes between foreigners were small not statistically significant. When further asked potential challenges recruiting Luxembourg’s market, respondents expressed concerns flexibility, poor social fit, cultural foreign employees. Overall, our provides points reference studies markets across Europe.