Relational demography and similarity-attraction in interview assessments and subsequent offer decisions: are we missing something?

Relational demography and similarity-attraction in interview assessments and subsequent offer decisions: are we missing something?

Relational demography and similarity-attraction in interview assessments and subsequent offer decisions: are we missing something?

Goldberg C.B. Group and Organization Management, December 2005, Vol. 30 No. 6, Start page: 597 (28 pages)

Purpose – Investigates how similarities between interviewers and job applicants (age race and gender) affect the outcomes of recruitment interviews. Design/methodology/approach – Develops a model based on a series of hypotheses concerning the ways that similarities between interviewers and applicants will affect the assessment made of the applicant and whether a job offer will be made. Sets out the model which proposes that observable demographic factors (age, race and gender) will affect perceptions of similarity, which will, in turn, affect the level of interpersonal attraction experienced, and, consequently, the overall interview assessment and the decision on whether to offer the job. Tests out the model and the hypotheses by studying 311 US campus interviews, involving 45 recruiters and 210 applicants. Analyses the responses of the interviewers to two surveys, the first asking for demographic information about themselves and their assessment of the applicants based on the applicants’ resumes, the second asking for an assessment of the applicants after the interview. Also analyses which applicants were eventually given a job. Findings – Finds that racial similarity had a significant direct effect on the overall interview assessments and the job offer decisions. Also finds that dissimilarity in gender had a significant direct effect on overall interview assessments. Notes that age similarity had no effect. Reports that the effects of race similarity and gender dissimilarity were mediated by perceived similarity and interpersonal attraction. Research limitations/implications – Explains the research methods and the analysis. Sets out the limitations of the research and potential areas for further research. Originality/value – Assesses how demographic similarity between interviewers and applicants can affect interview decisions.ISSN: 1059-6011Reference: 35AC510

Keywords: Age groups, Ethnic groups, Gender, Interviewing, Recruitment, USA