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Is a cover letter still needed? Using LIWC to predict application success
Author(s) -
Brandt Pia Magdalena,
Herzberg Philipp Yorck
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of selection and assessment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.812
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1468-2389
pISSN - 0965-075X
DOI - 10.1111/ijsa.12299
Subject(s) - categorical variable , psychology , cover (algebra) , standardization , style (visual arts) , cover story , applied psychology , social psychology , computer science , machine learning , mechanical engineering , archaeology , engineering , history , operating system
This study investigated whether word categories of LIWC (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) are able to predict application success. To this end, 581 cover letters, CVs and complete application documents were analysed. Based on previous research, successful candidates, who receive a job offer, were expected to have used a more categorical, complex, and less self‐centred language. Conversely, rejected applications were expected to have been written in a dynamic style, linguistically simpler, more concerned with hedonistic issues and focused on the day‐to‐day lives. Overall, existing models could only be partially applied. Both the cover letter and the CV were found to contain predictive information regarding application success, which is noteworthy given the distinct standardization of application documents.