Using available signals on LinkedIn for personality assessment

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2021.104122Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Most of the LinkedIn indicators correlate with the personality traits they should theoretically be signaling.

  • Conscientiousness and extraversion are the traits that are best signaled by LinkedIn indicators.

  • Classification statistics demonstrate that individuals scoring high on four personality traits can be detected on LinkedIn.

  • Signals of personality traits differ between men and women.

Abstract

LinkedIn is considered the most effective social network website for job seekers and recruiters. Although LinkedIn profiles are regularly accessed to evaluate candidates, we know very little about the type of information conveyed. The aim of this study is to determine if LinkedIn profiles convey accurate information about individuals’ personality traits. Drawing from signaling theory, we expect that individuals portray themselves in a manner that will reflect their personality. To examine this assertion, 607 LinkedIn profiles were coded on 33 indicators. Regression analyses and classification statistics demonstrate that Linkedin profiles contain accurate signals of personality traits. Potential use and limitations of LinkedIn as a source of accurate information about personality are discussed.

Keywords

LinkedIn
Social media
Personality
Big five
Signaling theory

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