FinTech Futures Jobs: If you’re job hunting, watch out for “rule-bending language” in job specs

A recent study conducted by researchers from the universities of Maryland, Mississippi, and South Carolina, published in Management Science, indicates that the use of what it calls “rule-bending language” – which can sometimes be used by recruiters – tends to attract narcissistic applicants.

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Furthermore, the study says those narcissists are more likely to engage in fraudulent or unethical behaviour, especially if working in accounting. The research team focused on accounting as it is an area where “narcissists and rule-benders may have the most immediate negative impact”.

The researchers conducted several tests to determine the degree of narcissism and the degree to which people were drawn to rule-bending language.

“We show that narcissists are more attracted to rule-bender language in job postings both for general jobs and for accounting positions,” said Nick Seybert, PhD, an associate professor of accounting at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

“We then show that professional recruiters are more likely to include rule-bender language in job postings for more innovative and higher-growth companies, as well as for companies that would benefit from manipulating their earnings.”

“Rule-bending language”

The research team distinguished between rule-bending and rule-following language by comparing how job ads used various descriptors.

For example, it claims “rule-bending language” often promotes traits like ambition, creativity, and flexibility, suggesting a preference for pushing boundaries and finding unconventional solutions. It says common phrasing used in such job descriptions includes:

• Ambitious and self-reliant vs. Grounded and collaborative
• Thinks outside the box vs. Thinks methodically
• Results-oriented, establishes and strives for goals vs. Process-oriented, establishes and strengthens procedures
• Develops creative and innovative solutions to problems vs. Relies on time-tested solutions to problems
• Flexible and strategic mindset vs. Concrete and practical mindset
• Communicates in a tactical and persuasive manner vs. Communicates in a straightforward and accurate manner

These distinctions matter because the language that may be perceived as prioritising results over processes may appeal to individuals who are comfortable with cutting corners.

However, the draw of using “rule-bending language” isn’t without reason.

Innovative and high-growth companies often seek employees who can think creatively and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Recruiters may believe that candidates who identify with terms like “ambitious” or “thinks outside the box” will better fit dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Job seekers be aware

For job seekers in the fintech sector, it is crucial to be aware of the signals sent by the language used in job ads. If a job description heavily features what the study defines as “rule-bending language”, take time to reflect on the company values and the type of work environment it might promote.

Visit the company’s website and social media channels to see if the organisation explains its values. If these seem wildly at odds with the job description, it may be a sign of an overly-keen hiring manager.

But if the company’s values chime with the job spec, it’s worth questioning if that style of high-risk environment is right for you.

If you value transparency and accountability and are process-driven, look for job descriptions that balance ambition and innovation with grounded language, emphasising adherence to best practices, compliance, and ethical standards.

Job descriptions are more than simply formalities; they are a window into the principles and culture of an organisation.

Whether you’re actively job hunting or not, it’s worthwhile taking some time to understand your own values, as well as your career goals. There are tons of online resources to help you whittle these down, and with these in hand, you can more closely see if a company aligns with yours.

And if you do make it to the interview stages, you can always ask about values and culture in person.

But before accepting any offer, do try to talk to someone in the organisation to see if it actually lives its own values. Writing something on a website is one thing, but living them day-to-day is quite another.

If you’re looking for an exciting new challenge, the FinTech Futures Job Board features thousands of UK-based jobs at companies that are actively hiring, including the five below:

• Front End Developer TypeScript React – FinTech, client server, Newcastle upon Tyne (£85,000 – £100,000)
• Staff Platform Engineer, Ripple, London
• Fraud Specialist I, Global Payments, Coventry
• IAM Product Engineer, Hargreaves Lansdown, Bristol
• Data Officer – Hybrid, Jisc, Manchester (£30,000+)

To see more new job opportunities, visit the Fintech Futures Job Board today.