1. First Impression Bias

First impression bias occurs when we form an opinion about someone based on our initial interaction with them. This can be influenced by their appearance, handshake, or other superficial factors. For example:

• Appearance: We might judge someone based on their clothes, whether they are wrinkled or neat.
• Handshake: A flimsy handshake might be perceived as a lack of confidence, but there could be many reasons for it, such as tiredness or a simple mistake.

It's important to recognize that first impressions can be misleading and should not control the rest of the interaction. Try to remain objective and give the candidate a fair chance.

2. Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias happens when we form an initial positive opinion about a candidate and then look for evidence to support that opinion, even if it's not entirely accurate. For example:

• Positive Appearance: If a candidate is well-dressed and well-spoken, we might assume they are intelligent and a good fit for the job.
• Subjective Answers: We might interpret their answers in a way that confirms our initial positive impression, even if the answers are not perfect.

To avoid confirmation bias, it's crucial to remain objective and critically evaluate each candidate's responses without letting initial impressions cloud your judgment.

3. The Desire for a Quick Hire

Hiring can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, and there's often a desire to make a quick decision. This can lead to:

• Lowering Standards: We might lower our standards and round the corners for a candidate just to expedite the hiring process.
• Future Potential: We might convince ourselves that a candidate could become a great fit in the future, even if they are not perfect now.

It's essential to resist the urge to make a quick hire and instead focus on thoroughly evaluating each candidate to ensure they are the right fit for the organization.

Conclusion

Avoiding these biases is crucial for making fair and objective hiring decisions. By being aware of first impression bias, confirmation bias, and the desire for a quick hire, you can improve your interview process and select the best candidates for your organization.