【摘要】This paper investigates the impact of the use of the informal recruitment channel (relatives and friends) on the probability of being overeducated in the Italian labour market; taking into account its impact on spatial flexibility. We argue that the informal recruitment channel may increase job–education mismatches both directly (by inducing some workers to undertake careers in industries; professions; or firms where their comparative productive advantage is not fully exploited) and indirectly by negatively affecting spatial flexibility. In order to test these hypotheses; we estimate probitmodels with self-selection using ISFOL Plus survey data providing informationon labour market entry channels; job-related migration and a “subjective” measure ofovereducation. We find a robust positive impact of the use of the informal channelon overeducation and a robust negative effect of the use of this channel on migration.On the other hand; we find that migration reduces overeducation only in some geographicalareas of the Italian territory. Overall; these findings suggest that a reform ofemployment services in Italy is needed in order to favour spatial flexibility; reduce theuse of the informal channel and enhance the quality of job–education matches.

【文献来源】Meliciani V;Radicchia D.Annals of regional Science.2016（2）