Are Your Job Postings Attracting Narcissists? New Research Says Yes!
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Last Update 5 bulan yang lalu
Ever wondered why some job ads seem to attract candidates with big egos and flexible ethics? Recent research by the University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, and University of Maryland reveals that it might be the words you're using in the posting!
What the Studies Found
Using experiments with college grads, experienced accountants, and executive recruiters, the researchers discovered:
- Narcissistic candidates love job ads that describe the ideal hire as a "Rule-Bender" (risk-taker, disruptive genius) rather than a "Rule-Follower" (detail-oriented, compliance-focused).
- Recruiters tend to favour Rule-Bender language for high-growth, high-innovation firms or when aggressive accounting could make financials look better to investors.
The Problem?
While creativity is valuable, overly flexible “Rule-Bender” language can inadvertently attract individuals who push boundaries—including those with a tendency to manipulate rules and distort the truth. This increases the risk of reputational damage, potential scandals, and complex audits.
The Fix?
- Tighten your language. Emphasize ethics and teamwork alongside innovation.
- Use psychometric personality tests. Using psychometric personality test could help flag high-risk candidates early.
- Rethink balance. Creative leadership doesn’t have to mean cutting corners!
Recruiters, ask yourself, are your job ads calling for the next Steve Jobs or the next Wolf of Wall Street?
If you would like to read the full research paper, please find it at the following link: Research Paper.