Strategic Behavior in Personnel Selection - How Applicants try to Succeed

For the first time, this study examines applicants' strategies during preparation for and participation in the selection process. A total of 999 individuals were asked about their attitude towards such strategies, and in how far they implement them concerning job application documents, job interviews, tests, and assessment centers. Results show that the majority acts strategical. During preparation, applicants read guidebooks or consult with friends / acquaintances, rather than use respective trainings. While compiling application documents, most of them use templates and just fit them to their needs. Almost all subjects use at least one strategy. People who applied for jobs within the last five years are overall more proactive than those whose last application dates back longer.