From the course: Uncovering Unconscious Bias in Recruiting and Interviewing

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Affinity bias

Affinity bias

From the course: Uncovering Unconscious Bias in Recruiting and Interviewing

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Affinity bias

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- In most cases, we tend to associate with people we have something in common with and who make us feel comfortable. This could be based on gender, ethnicity, or a lot of other personal characteristics. This is known as the affinity bias and in the recruiting and interview process, it can lead to a workplace that lacks diversity and tends to be homogenous. Why? Because much like the similarity attraction bias, the affinity bias is the tendency to want to hire people who we have something in common with. We feel comfortable and relaxed around this person because of this affinity. Perhaps you and the candidate attended the same college or grew up in the same neighborhood. This affinity may help the candidate relax and have a more casual and conversational style interview, allowing you to get to know them on a personal level, but your commonality doesn't guarantee he or she will be the best qualified candidate for the role.…

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