Facial scar bias in employment interviewing

There are many reasons why an interviewer may be distracted during an interview. This may include issues at home, feelings of being overwhelmed with tasks, or even thoughts of one’s forthcoming vacation (after all, interviewers are human). While interviewers strive to be fully objective and take into account only job-relevant data, new research suggests that something else may lead to a source of bias—one’s facial scars.

The researchers conducted two experiments. The 
first experiment simulated job interviews by asking participants to look at a picture of
 an applicant while listening to a recording of an interview. Sometimes the applicant
 had a distinct facial scar and sometimes the applicant did not. Using high-tech eye-
tracking equipment, the researchers found that when a job applicant had a facial scar, 
the participants spent more time looking at it then other parts of the face… Participants who were distracted by the scar recalled fewer facts about the applicant. When asked to rate the job applicants, remembering fewer facts led to lower ratings.

The findings remained stable even after repeating a similar study with participants who had managerial and interviewing experience. This bias highlights two basic (albeit important) recommendations:

1. Use structured interviews to ensure all candidates are asked the same questions, despite their physical appearance.
2. Take highly detailed notes, relying heavily on factual information acquired via the interview.