Self‐Enhancement in a Job Search Context

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of self-enhancement in a job search context. Based on previous theoretical and empirical research on positive illusions and core self-evaluations, we examined the relationships among core self-evaluations, selfenhancement, perceived job alternatives, and job search behaviors. Participants in two different studies were students attending a career fair at a university in the southwestern United States to look for a job. Results showed that self-enhancement is positively related to preparatory job search and mediates the relationship between core selfevaluations and perceived job alternatives. The implications of this study are discussed.

Core Self-Evaluations

“…For example, there is evidence that high-CSE individuals adapt better as expatriates, as they are able to develop more social ties and report more social support while living abroad (Chiu, Wu, Zhuang, & Hsu, 2009; Johnson et al, 2003). CSE also positively impacts job search behaviors (Brown, Ferris, Heller, & Keeping, 2007; Garcia, Triana, Peters, & Sanchez, 2009; Wanberg, Glomb, Song, & Sorenson, 2005). The role of CSE in groups has also been investigated, such as its impact on conflict management and the delivery of performance feedback to team members (Almost et al, 2010; Siu, Laschinger, & Finegan, 2008; Tasa, Sears, & Schat, 2011).…”

A Comparison of Applicants' and Incumbents' Mean Scores on Health Constructs and Personality Constructs. A Follow‐up Study of Military Recruits in a Selection Setting

“…Differences (paired-samples t tests) between applicants' and incumbents' answers on the instruments tested, and the effect sizes expressed as Cohen's d (with pooled SD) of significant (p < .05) differences connections between self-enhancement and CSE have been found to exceed .50 (Garcia et al, 2009), this may be an expression for the common variance in these dimensions. Garcia et al (2009) also showed that self-enhancers were better prepared when looking for a job. However, meticulous preparation and the ability to perform under pressure may simply be an effect of having high conscientiousness and mental stability.…”

“…Also, emotional stability and conscientiousness are the two Big Five dimensions that repeatedly show the strongest connections with high CSE (e.g., Chang et al, ; Kim et al, ). As the connections between self‐enhancement and CSE have been found to exceed .50 (Garcia et al, ), this may be an expression for the common variance in these dimensions. Garcia et al () also showed that self‐enhancers were better prepared when looking for a job.…”

“…As the connections between self‐enhancement and CSE have been found to exceed .50 (Garcia et al, ), this may be an expression for the common variance in these dimensions. Garcia et al () also showed that self‐enhancers were better prepared when looking for a job. However, meticulous preparation and the ability to perform under pressure may simply be an effect of having high conscientiousness and mental stability.…”

“…This finding is related to the concept of core self‐evaluation (CSE), which seems to affect a range of different outcomes, such as, performance, motivation, and coping (e.g., Chang, Ferris, Johnson, Rosen, & Tan, ; Kim, Oh, Chiaburu, & Brown, ). Both self‐enhancement and CSE are positive self‐concepts (Garcia, Triana, Peters, & Sánchez, ) associated with, among others, the Big Five dimensions Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Emotional stability (Chang et al, ; Kim et al, ; Viswesvaran & Ones, ). Thus, it seems as if self‐enhancement is ‘normal’ behavior, regardless of setting, serving as a buffer against stress and set‐backs (Uziel, ).…”