The researchers examined how trade policies in Colombia affected job markets. They compared household survey data with trade info from 1984 to 1999, focusing on the impact of trade liberalization in the '90s. By analyzing sector wages and employment levels, they found that higher trade tariffs were linked to more jobs in tradable sectors. However, wages were not significantly influenced by the trade changes. Overall, the study showed that trade policies had a direct impact on job availability in certain sectors during the Colombian trade liberalization period.