What is contrast bias in the context of interviewing?

Contrast bias occurs when the evaluation of a candidate is influenced by the performance of another candidate who has been interviewed just before them. This bias can lead to an inaccurate assessment, as one candidate might shine in comparison to a less impressive one, not necessarily because they are the better fit for the role, but simply due to the relative difference in performance.

In contrast bias, candidates are evaluated not solely based on their qualifications or abilities, but rather on how they stack up against one another during the interview process. This can skew perceptions of a candidate’s skills and diminish an objective evaluation of their individual merits. This understanding underscores the necessity for interviewers to recognize this potential bias and strive to assess each applicant on their own qualities and experiences.