Key words on your CV reveal if you might be a narcissist

In a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Mississippi, the words and phrases commonly found on resumes were analyzed to uncover indicators of narcissism. The study examined 248 participants who completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 test to evaluate their narcissistic traits. Following this assessment, researchers explored which job postings attracted individuals scoring higher on narcissism, resulting in notable findings about specific language preferences. The results highlighted that narcissistic individuals were particularly drawn to terms like 'results-oriented', 'ambitious', 'persuasive', 'thinking outside the box', and 'creative'. This aligns with the characteristics often associated with narcissism, which include a tendency to bend rules for self-benefit and a focus on personal achievements. The researchers emphasized the implications of such language in job postings. According to Dr. Jonathan Gay, the lead author of the study, employing certain phrases could attract candidates with narcissistic tendencies, which may not always be desirable depending on the role in question. For instance, in fields such as accounting, where accuracy and honesty are paramount, words that encourage results-oriented thinking can be detrimental, leading candidates to distort information to appear more favorable. The researchers also provided insights from previous studies showing the correlation between narcissism and malpractices in various job settings, particularly in accounting. Professor Scott Jackson noted that narcissistic employees are more likely to engage in fraud or earnings management—acting in ways that misrepresent a company’s financial health. Thus, the researchers are urging recruiters and employers to carefully consider the language they use in job postings, balancing the desire for ambitious candidates with the necessity for integrity and accuracy in reporting.