Self‐verification behavior as an employment interview tactic

Across three studies, we explored the construct of self‐verification behavior in the employment interview, defined as: “sharing of unembellished self‐related information that is in line with self‐views.” Using content analysis, Study 1 explored whether job applicants (N = 252) described self‐verification behavior when they were asked which strategy they used to distinguish themselves from other applicants. Self‐verification behavior was frequently mentioned in conjunction with other self‐presentation tactics, such as honest impression management. In Studies 2 and 3, we surveyed job applicants (N = 92 and N = 311) immediately following an interview. We found a positive relationship between self‐verification behavior and honest impression management and honesty‐humility, but a near‐zero relationship with interview performance. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we found that although correlated, self‐verification behavior is conceptually different from honest impression management. We suggest that measuring self‐verification behavior in interviews allows researchers to capture a broader range of potential interview strategies. Practitioner points In employment interviews, the interviewee is dependent on the interviewer and must find ways to signal their suitability for the job. The challenging interview situation can lead to the use of self‐presentation tactics. Interview researchers have begun to investigate a self‐presentation tactic called self‐verification behavior, which is the sharing of unembellished self‐related information that is in line with one's self‐views. We investigate whether interviewees intentionally use self‐verification behavior in their job interviews. We also explore how self‐verification behavior differs from other interview strategies and personality traits. Many interviewees purposefully use self‐verification behavior as a way to distinguish themselves from other job applicants. Use of self‐verification behavior was not related to interview performance, but was related to lower self‐reported interview anxiety. Self‐verification behavior is distinct from honest impression management and honesty‐humility, although is positively related to both.