What is the halo effect in interviewing?

The halo effect in interviewing refers to a cognitive bias where an interviewer forms an overall impression of a candidate based on a single positive or negative trait. When this bias is at play, the interviewer may allow that one trait to influence their perception of the candidate's other qualities or qualifications. For example, if a candidate is particularly well-spoken or has an impressive educational background, the interviewer might overlook weaknesses in their technical skills or experience. This bias can significantly affect hiring decisions, as it distorts objective assessment, causing the interviewer to focus more on that one identified trait rather than evaluating the candidate holistically. Understanding the halo effect is crucial for interviewers to minimize its impact and conduct more balanced evaluations of candidates.