😇 Interview – The Halo Effect 💻
Congratulations. You have spent valuable time crafting your resume, tailoring it to the job description, and creating a professional, complete LinkedIn profile. All that effort has resulted in an interview. Now, I want to raise awareness of an unconscious bias that may be at play called the Halo Effect.
In 1920, an American psychologist, Edward Thorndike, coined the term Halo Effect. The Halo Effect is a form of stereotyping when you notice a positive trait about someone and make positive assumptions about that person. As an example, if someone is physically attractive, one may assume that the person is intelligent, kind, and trustworthy. Confident communication skills and similar backgrounds and interests could also be a part of this influence. If the Halo Effect sways the interviewer, you may be asked more straightforward questions; your interview could be ranked highly, resulting in an offer. By contrary, there is the Horn Effect, so let’s think positively and use the Halo Effect to your advantage. This could be the key to your interview success!
Appearance
In this highly competitive, soft labour market, everything counts in an interview, leave nothing to chance. Bring forth your absolute best to the interview either in person or virtually. Companies are hiring for the complete package in a candidate with skills, education, certifications, personality, team fit, good language communication skills, proven work accomplishments, not a job hopper, and location. Ensure that you pay particular attention to your appearance. A clean, pressed, conservative professional outfit in navy or black. Ensure that your hair is neat. Floss and brush your teeth. Consider bleaching your teeth to counter ageism. Ensure that jewelry is conservative. I like to wear a string of pearls. Shoes should be clean and polished. I recommend black dress shoes. This level of preparation will boost your confidence and make you feel ready for any interview situation.
If you identify as she/her, wear mascara, lip gloss and other neutral makeup to improve your appearance.
If you identify as he/him, ensure that facial hair is well groomed and tidy. If you wear a white dress shirt, ensure it is clean and pressed. Non-iron shirts such as Brook Brothers are so easy to care for. No white sports socks: wear matching socks that match your pants. Wear a black dress belt.
When you are in interview mode, have that “interview outfit” ready to go at a moment’s notice. Sometimes, companies request an interview on the same day, so be prepared.
Interests and Background
Research your interviewer to try to find common ground. Google the interviewer, look at their LinkedIn profile, and read their biography on their company’s website. Perhaps you both attended the same university, are of the same culture and ethnic background, enjoy the same sport, or have the same certification(s). Any commonality with the hiring manager will not only create a positive connection but also make you feel more relatable and connected to the interviewer.
As a candidate, use the Halo Effect to your advantage in an interview and secure the offer!