Northern Illinois University recently released a study that stated that the social media website Facebook can predict one’s future job performance.
The study has found that employers can use Facebook profiles to accurately predict prospective employees’ potential success at work. In a series of studies conducted by researchers at Northern Illinois University, the University of Evansville and Auburn University, six people who studied Human Resources were asked to rate 500 people based on key personality traits using only the group members’ Facebook pages as indicators.
Researchers rated the members’ Facebook pages based on the “Big Five” personality traits: extroversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness and openness to new experiences. Therefore, extraversion is displayed through one’s social aspect, assertiveness, and talkativeness while conscientiousness is exemplified by being organized, disciplined, and achievement-oriented. Openness to new experiences is reflected in one’s curiosity level and preference for variety, while neuroticism is also referred to as emotionally stable. Finally, agreeableness refers to being helpful, cooperative, and sympathetic towards others. High scores within these traits are key indicators for an individual’s future success at a potential job.
“I would argue that it isn’t a reliable basis,” senior Kevin Molina said.” “Despite the triumphs of social networking, most users are still hidden behind a wall of anonymity, which allows him or her to be much more out going, and worse, much more miss understood. Therefore online social mediums are ideal starting points, but for the most part useless in determining real world success.”
Throughout the study, the researchers found that raters were generally in agreement about the personality traits expressed in the sample groups and their rating correlated strongly with group members’ self-rated personality traits. Overall, the researchers were able to determine that the Facebook ratings were a more accurate way to predict a person’s job performance than an IQ test.
“A Facebook personality test is a much better way to determine what someone is like and how their personality reflects them since a person is more relaxed when they take the Facebook test rather than in a stressful environment for the IQ test.” freshman Bailey Washington said. “The Facebook test is also an advantage to those who have more personality than brains.”
Along with providing a venue for this rating system, a Facebook page is a gateway for employers to see personal information that may be illegal to ask a candidate during an interview. With everything it provides, the social networking site allows employers to learn more about prospective candidates, and allows them to make a smarter hire.
“I believe that a personality test is a great system to find future employees because there is so much more to the job than just knowledge, and a personality test can really hit things an IQ test simply can not do.” junior Joe Kennedy said. #
