Human Reseouce Selection

746 hal.;xxii.;25c

Validity of resumé reviewers\u27 inferences concerning applicant personality based on resumé evaluation

Recruiters infer personal traits from job applicants\u27 resumés and use these inferences in evaluating job applicants\u27 employability. No research to date, however, has determined if resumé reviewers\u27 inferences of applicants\u27 personality drawn solely from resumé biographical data are valid. In the present study, resumé reviewers (N = 52) examined one of two applicant resumés and then described the applicant\u27s personality based on the Big 5 taxonomy. Validities of reviewers\u27 inferences concerning applicant personality were assessed by correlating resumé reviewers\u27 judgments with applicants\u27 self-reported Big 5 personality scores. Results suggested that valid personality inferences are possible based solely on resumé evaluation. We also found evidence suggesting that attending a brief training session may enhance reviewers\u27 accuracy when inferring applicants\u27 personality from resumé information. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd