[WORLD] Humour has long been recognized for its many benefits, including in the professional sphere, though it remains an underutilized tool. However, job seekers may want to consider adding a touch of humour when engaging with recruiters.
Emerging trends in workplace dynamics suggest that recruiters are placing increasing value on soft skills—such as emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with others—alongside technical expertise. When used judiciously, humour can be an effective way to appear more relatable and approachable. This shift points to a broader movement toward creating collaborative, positive work environments, where cultural and personality fit hold equal weight with professional qualifications.
These findings stem from a study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
The researchers advocate for a strategy they’ve coined “humourbragging”—a combination of self-promotion and humour. This technique allows candidates to highlight their achievements in a lighthearted yet effective way, striking a balance between confidence and likability. According to the authors, humourbragging helps candidates stand out without coming across as arrogant.
Interestingly, the study also highlights that cultural differences can impact how humour is perceived in professional contexts. While self-deprecating humour might be well-received in some Western cultures, other regions may favour subtler or more indirect forms of wit. As such, candidates should be mindful of their audience, adjusting their humour to fit the company's ethos and the interviewer's personality.
“This method allows individuals to showcase their competencies and accomplishments in a way that feels more approachable and less threatening,” said Jieun Pai, an assistant professor at Imperial College London, in an interview with PsyPost.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers conducted a series of four experiments, one of which simulated a job interview for a pastry chef at a fictional restaurant. Participants were asked to assess two types of responses to a question about a candidate's proudest professional achievement: one serious and one incorporating humourbragging.
Beyond job interviews, the benefits of humourbragging extend to other aspects of workplace life, such as promotions and leadership perceptions. Employees who are able to express their accomplishments confidently—and with a touch of humour—tend to be viewed as more charismatic and capable of inspiring team morale. This skill is especially valuable in roles involving client interaction or team management, where both likability and authority are key.
The study found that recruiters were more drawn to the humour-infused answers. “Humourbragging increases both perceptions of warmth and competence, and it is these perceptions that mediate the effect of humourbragging on recruiters’ hiring decisions,” the researchers concluded.
However, it's important to note that humour is a tool that requires care. A poorly timed or inappropriate joke can quickly backfire, damaging your professionalism. The key is balance. In short, steer clear of offensive, controversial, or inappropriate humour. Opt for kind, good-natured jokes that are subtle yet effective. Like any skill, humour can be honed with practice. Try your jokes on friends and family first—if they don’t laugh, chances are your recruiter won’t either.
On the day of your interview, be alert to the cues from the interviewer. If they smile, continue with the light-hearted approach. If not, it might be time to revert to a more formal tone. Even on April Fool’s Day, it’s best to avoid turning your interview into a miscalculated comedy routine that fails to land.
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