A recent analysis by US researchers suggests that employers can glean insights about job candidates' personality traits and salary expectations from their LinkedIn profile photos. This revelation, cited in a comment by technology expert Kristjan Port on R2, warns that while such correlations may exist, they should be approached with caution. The reliance on Artificial Intelligence and data-driven insights may lead employers to overlook intrinsic human qualities, which are crucial in the recruitment process.

Hiring is one of the most significant and costly decisions organizations face, accentuating the importance of effective pre-selection methods. Unfortunately, errors in hiring are often not recognized until after considerable investment has been made in training and onboarding new employees. The typical tools for pre-selection consist of CVs, interviews, and references, which may not always provide a complete picture of a candidate's capabilities.

Moreover, the wealth of online resources on writing convincing CVs and preparing for interviews can further complicate the recruitment process. Recommendations from previous employers may sometimes serve as a tactic for offloading troublesome employees rather than providing genuine insights into candidates' abilities. Therefore, the reliance on pseudoscientific interpretations of profile pictures can mislead employers, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to hiring that accounts for a candidate's true potential beyond their online persona.