More and more companies are turning to computerized systems tofilter and hire job applications, especially for lower-wage,service-sector jobs. The algorithms these systems use to evaluatejob candidates may be preventing qualified applicants fromobtaining these jobs. For example, some of these algorithms havedetermined that, statistically, people with shorter commutes aremore likely to stay in a job longer than those with longer commutesor less reliable transportation or those who haven’t been at theiraddress for very long. If asked, “How long is your commute?”applicants with long commuting times will be scored lower for thejob. Although such considerations may be statistically accurate, isit fair to screen job applicants this way? Why?
