LinkedIn as a new selection method: Psychometric properties and assessment approach

Nicolas Roulin; Julia Levashina

doi:10.1111/peps.12296

journal article Oct 01, 2018

LinkedIn as a new selection method: Psychometric properties and assessment approach

Nicolas Roulin

Julia Levashina

Personnel Psychology Vol. 72 No. 2 pp. 187-211 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/peps.12296

Abstract

AbstractVarious surveys suggest LinkedIn is used as a screening and selection tool by many hiring managers. Despite this widespread use, fairly little is known about whether LinkedIn meets established selection criteria, such as reliability, validity, and legality (i.e., no adverse impact). We examine the properties of LinkedIn‐based assessments in two studies. Study 1 shows that raters reach acceptable levels of consistency in their assessments of applicant skills, personality, and cognitive ability. Initial ratings also correlate with subsequent ratings done 1‐year later (i.e., demonstrating temporal stability), with slightly higher correlations when profile updates are taken into account. Initial LinkedIn‐based ratings correlate with self‐reports for more visible skills (leadership, communication, and planning) and personality traits (Extraversion), and for cognitive ability. LinkedIn‐based hiring recommendations are positively associated with indicators of career success. Potential adverse impact is also limited. Profiles that are longer, include a picture, and have more connections are rated more positively. Some of those features are valid cues to applicants’ characteristics (e.g., applicants high on Conscientiousness have longer profiles). In Study 2, we show that an itemized LinkedIn assessment is more effective than a global assessment. Implications of these findings for selection and future research are discussed.

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References

Details

Published: Oct 01, 2018
Vol/Issue: 72(2)
Pages: 187-211
License: View

Authors

N

Nicolas Roulin

Department of Psychology Saint Mary's University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

J

Julia Levashina

College of Business Administration Kent State University Kent Ohio

Cite This Article

Nicolas Roulin, Julia Levashina (2018). LinkedIn as a new selection method: Psychometric properties and assessment approach. Personnel Psychology, 72(2), 187-211. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12296

LinkedIn as a new selection method: Psychometric properties and assessment approach

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