That’s the advice of a new study from the Northern Illinois University, the University of Evansville and Auburn University. The researchers recruited a group of four Facebook-savvy human resources professionals and students to evaluate the Facebook profiles of 56 users. The four perused each of the profiles for about 10 minutes each before grading them according to the so-called Big Five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism).
Six months later, the researchers compared the evaluations of the 56
users’ work supervisors and found a strong correlation for traits
including intellectual curiosity, agreeability and conscientiousness.
The evalauations are, of course, subjective, but job seekers shouldn’t
necessarily worry that they need to clean up their Facebook profile. For instance, Don Kluemper, one of the authors of the study, says that contrary to popular belief, a picture of you partying won’t necessarily hurt your chances of getting hired. “I don’t think a picture of someone holding a beer adversely affected them, but [a picture of you] being drunk in a ditch somewhere might be a negative,” he says. Not surprisingly, pictures and references to traveling signaled openness to new experiences and adventurousness, while the number of friends you have indicates extroversion.
A second study also looked at evaluations drawn from Facebook profiles and academic success. Kluemper says that report, which included a larger sample (244) and found the profiles were an accurate predictor of GPAs. “We can predict academic success better than a standardized IQ test,” Kluemper says.
Despite the studies, Kluemper says that companies shouldn’t use Facebook to screen applicants, although, of course, many already do. Kluemper says there hasn’t been enough research yet to show a definitive connection between Facebook profiles and job performance. “This offers a shred of validation,” Kluemper says of his research. “But there are thousands of studies that show personality tests predict performance. More studies [on Facebook as an indicator of job performance] need to be done.”
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1. Janet Medina
We like the simplicity and the warm message that Janet's profile delivers.
2. Ekkapong Techawongthaworn
After
his previous designs got such positive feedback in our last gallery, we
checked back in with Ekkapong to see what he's been up to. We weren't
disappointed.
3. Tom Lambie
Tom's
profile throws up an error message. It's actually an F8 conference
insider joke -- although we still think it's amusing for anyone who
doesn't get the reference.
4. Jeremy Bronson
Jeremy has some classic photography fun with his well-executed design.
5. Travis Keith
Travis goes for the mysterious look (complete with shades), and invites friends to scan the QR code to find out more.
6. Niels Langeveld
We like Niels' playful approach to his profile picture -- or rather, his "portrait"?
7. Umair Latif
A montage of sketches makes Umair's profile memorable.
8. Andy Hirsch
Andy's
awesome mustache is obviously part of his "personal brand." We love how
he has incorporated it into this clean and fun design.
9. Robert Falken
Robert's simple thought bubble makes us wonder the same...
10. Mark Spangler
Mark creates some fun with friends by posting a Where's Wally? visual puzzle. The person who finds him gets a free poke!
BONUS: Mashable's Matthew Silverman!
Finally, Mashable's own Matt Silverman has gotten creative with his Timeline design. He stars in his very own Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode.
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