Overcoming interviewer bias
Arvind Sharma

Interviews are subjective, no matter how many objective indicators are introduced. Interviewers are human, and all carry with them some assumptions about different types of people. Even the most earnest interviewer may be letting some biases make their way into the decision-making process. The best candidate for a job has many a time been passed over in the interview process because of bias.

Though you’re not likely to change the bias itself in the short duration of the interview, you can, increase the chances that the interviewers will not apply their biases towards you. This means preparing for the possible biases of an interviewer before you encounter him/her.

Pinpoint potential biases

An interviewer may unconsciously make assumptions about you based on the way that you tell your age or give any of the background information you have listed on your resume.

To figure out some of the biases that may surface, give some thought to comments people have made to you in the past that surprised you. Have people thought you were much younger or older than you actually are? Have they assumed you were less intelligent because of your accent?

Use your friends to add to your recollection. Ask them what their first impressions of you were. Former colleagues are especially valuable since they know you in a work atmosphere and work attire. Have friends read through your resume and create a list of five statements they would make about you based on your resume.

Inundate information

Once you get an idea of the impression you make and the biases people may have against you, make sure you address them. Saturate your responses with information that will undo biases. Here are some suggestions:

Match your interviewers in terms of their speech and behaviour. If an interviewer is formal in speech, you should be the same. If they sit up straight, don’t slouch.

Acknowledge and spin it

If you sense a bias, don’t be afraid to address it. If you have an accent, explain what you do to make yourself understood.

If you are young, acknowledge it but focus more on your experience. If you are a woman working in a male-dominated profession, explain how you can add to the position as a female.

Form a connection

When you get the chance to ask your own questions at the end of the interview, work to establish a connection with your interviewer. Ask them what they like about the company in question, and communicate your ability to relate to these aspects. Make a point of smiling and try to be friendly.

Project bridge-building skills

A successful candidate is not only someone who can do the job, but some-one who can work in the organisation’s culture and be able to work well in the long run.

Communicate your ability to work with different people, think from different perspectives, and be open-minded.

Facing a biased interviewer is likely to stir the emotions of anger, frustration, dejection, or defeat. It is important to push aside these feelings during the interview so that it doesn’t impact your demeanour. You can decide later whether you want to work for the company the interviewer represents.

Make a habit of it

Finally, get into the habit of building bias preparation into your interview practices. Have a friend role-play a biased interviewer.

Interview bias exists, but these tips will help minimise its impact.