The effect of the interview structure on the physical attractiveness bias

This study investigated interview structure as a moderator of the relationship between the physical attractiveness of job candidates and two interview outcomes (suitability ratings and hiring recommendations). The sample for this study was composed of 32 Concordia University students. Each participant interviewed the same two job candidates. 16 participants performed face-to-face structured interviews and 16 participants performed face-to-face unstructured interviews. Interview structure was manipulated by randomly providing participants with either the structured interview handout (which included the employment interview with eight questions, a job description, the scoring criteria with possible answers, benchmark responses and the candidate rating scale) or the unstructured interview handout (which included the six topics to be covered, a job description and the candidate rating scale). The physical attractiveness of both candidates was based on perceptions of participants, with respect to to facial features, body proportions and weight, posture and general appearance. The findings did show an interaction between physical attractiveness and interview structure. The more attractive candidate was perceived as more suitable in the unstructured interview condition than in the structured interview. However, the less physically attractive candidate was perceived as equally suitable in the structured and the unstructured interview. On the other hand, no relations were found for hiring recommendations. Also, more job relevant information was provided by both candidates in the structured interview. The study's contributions and limitations, along with directions for future research, are discussed.