Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Management Practice Test

What effect occurs when an interviewer's impressions are dominated by a single trait of a job applicant?

1. Preliminary screening

2. Halo effect

3. Personal judgment

4. Unstructured interview

The correct answer is: Halo effect

The halo effect is a cognitive bias where an interviewer allows one positive trait of a job applicant to overshadow everything else about that candidate. For example, if an applicant is particularly attractive or confident, the interviewer may unconsciously rate their other qualities, such as skills or experience, more favorably based solely on that initial positive impression. This can lead to an imbalanced assessment in which the strengths of the applicant are highlighted, while weaknesses are overlooked. This phenomenon illustrates how subjective perceptions can influence decision-making, particularly in contexts like hiring, where it is crucial to evaluate candidates based on a comprehensive view of their qualifications and potential fit for the role. Understanding the halo effect is important for interviewers to ensure that their evaluations are based on a holistic view of the candidate, rather than on a singular characteristic. The other concepts provided, such as preliminary screening, personal judgment, and unstructured interviews, refer to different aspects of the hiring process, but they do not specifically capture the idea of allowing one trait to dominate impressions in the way that the halo effect does.