Is Your Boss a Narcissist? The Surprising Truth Behind Job Ads That Attract Them

The Hidden Language of Job Postings

Are you looking for an employee who’s ambitious, self-reliant, and thinks outside the box? You might just be inviting a narcissist into your workplace.

A recent study by behavioral researchers revealed that the language used in job postings often appeals to individuals with a grandiose sense of self. This insight stems from observations that many executives exhibit narcissistic tendencies, characterized by a strong desire to be admired and succeed at any cost.

The Research Findings

The research, led by Jonathan Gay, an assistant professor at the Patterson School of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi, categorized job ad language into two types:

• Rule-followers: Phrases like “grounded and collaborative” and “communicates straightforwardly” attract those who adhere to established norms.
• Rule-benders: Descriptors such as “ambitious and self-reliant” and “thinks outside the box” attract those with narcissistic traits.

In an experiment, subjects evaluated their fit for fictional roles based on the language of job ads. The results showed that rule-bending language attracted individuals with higher levels of narcissism, who often view themselves as persuasive and creative.

Implications for Hiring

For companies, this means that using phrases like “results-oriented” and “creative and innovative” could inadvertently attract unethical applicants. Narcissists may engage in manipulative behavior, raising concerns about workplace ethics.

Interestingly, while narcissists can be problematic, they can excel in roles such as sales, where their traits might be beneficial. Conversely, for roles requiring accountability, such as accounting, it may be wise to seek candidates who are grounded and rely on time-tested solutions.

The Broader Impact

This research offers insights not just for hiring but also for understanding why narcissists often rise to executive positions. It suggests that the language used in job ads plays a crucial role in shaping the organizational culture and the types of candidates attracted.

Outside of work, the findings could even influence how we approach dating profiles; perhaps it’s best to steer clear of those who claim to think outside the box and instead favor those who are collaborative and grounded.