Job interview

Main article: Machiavellianism in the workplace

Individuals who are high in Machiavellianism may be more willing and more skilled at faking and less likely to give honest answers during interviews.^{[111][112][113]} Individuals high in Machiavellianism have stronger intentions to use faking in interviews compared to psychopaths or narcissists and are also more likely to see the use of faking in interviews as fair.^[114][115] Men and women high in Machiavellianism may use different tactics to influence interviewers. In one study, which examined how much applicants allowed the interviewers to direct the topics covered during the interview, women high Machiavellianism tended to allow interviewers more freedom to direct the content of the interview. Men high in Machiavellianism, on the other hand, gave interviewers the least amount of freedom in directing the content of the interview.^[116] Men high in Machiavellianism were also more likely to make-up information about themselves or their experiences during job interviews.^[117] Thus, while individuals high in Machiavellianism may appear to do well in interviews, this seems to be largely because they give untrue responses and because they want to control interpersonal interactions.

Narcissism[edit]

Main article: Narcissism in the workplace

Narcissists typically perform well at job interviews, with narcissists receiving more favorable hiring ratings from interviewers than individuals who are not narcissists.^[118] Even more experienced and trained raters evaluate narcissists more favorably.^[119][120] This is perhaps because interviews are one of the few social situations where narcissistic behaviors, such as boasting actually create a positive impression, though favorable impressions of narcissists are often short-lived.^[121] Interviewers’ initial impressions of narcissistic applicants are formed primarily on the basis of highly visible cues, which makes them susceptible to biases.^[122] Narcissists are more skilled at displaying likable cues, which lead to more positive first impressions, regardless of their long-term likability or job performance. Upon first meeting narcissists, people often rate them as more agreeable, competent, open, entertaining, and well-adjusted. Narcissists also tend to be neater and flashier dressers, display friendlier facial expressions, and exhibit more self-assured body movements.^[123] Importantly, while narcissistic individuals may rate their own job performance more favorably, studies show that narcissism is not related to job performance.^[124]

Thus, while narcissists may seem to perform better and even be rated as performing better in interviews, these more favorable interview ratings are not predictive of favorable job performance, as narcissists do not actually perform better in their jobs than non-narcissists.

Psychopathy[edit]

Main article: Psychopathy in the workplace

Corporate psychopaths are readily recruited into organizations because they make a distinctly positive impression at interviews.^[125] They appear to be alert, friendly and easy to get along with and talk to. They look like they are of good ability, emotionally well adjusted and reasonable, and these traits make them attractive to those in charge of hiring staff within organizations. Unlike narcissists, psychopaths are better able to create long-lasting favorable first impressions, though people may still eventually see through their facades.^[126] Psychopaths’ undesirable personality traits may be easily misperceived by even skilled interviewers. For instance, their irresponsibility may be misconstrued by interviewers as risk-taking or entrepreneurial spirit. Their thrill-seeking tendencies may be conveyed as high energy and enthusiasm for the job or work. Their superficial charm may be misinterpreted by interviewers as charisma.^[126][127] It is worth noting that psychopaths are not only accomplished liars, they are also more likely to lie in interviews.^[113] For instance, psychopaths may create fictitious work experiences or resumes.^[126] They may also fabricate credentials such as diplomas, certifications, or awards.^[126] Thus, in addition to seeming competent and likable in interviews, psychopaths are also more likely to outright make-up information during interviews than non-psychopaths.

Interviewer characteristics