The Effect of Interviewer Job Expertise and Risk-Related Traits on Opportunity to Fake

Abstract: Job applicants may fake in interviews for numerous reasons. One of these reasons could be that applicants may see greater opportunity and motivation to fake when interviewers have lower job-relevant expertise, as there is a lower risk of having their faking detected. We conducted two experiments to test this proposition by manipulating the job expertise of interviewers. Using reinforcement sensitivity theory, we also examined risk-related traits as antecedents of opportunity and motivation to fake. Study One, a vignette experiment, and Study Two, an experiment that used mock interviews, suggested that interviewer job expertise did not affect opportunity and motivation to fake. Across both studies, a few risk-related traits were related to these outcomes.