Person Perception and the Employment Interview: The Impact of Facial Features in the Employee Selection Process

Previous research has found that the structural makeup of the face influences the manner by which individuals perceive others and attribute characteristics to them. In addition, support has been provided for the hypothesis that nonverbal cues significantly influence an interviewer\u27s perception of a job candidate and the pending hiring decision. Taken together, this study hypothesized that the nonverbal cues emitted from the structural makeup of the face would impact the decision to hire and the perceptions of the job applicant\u27s personality. It was also expected that variations in facial structure would influence an employer\u27s decision in hiring the applicant for a high visibility position versus a low visibility position. The analysis failed to provide support for the hypothesis. Specifically, manipulated changes in eye shape, lip shape and job type failed to significantly effect hiring decisions. The personality ratings, as measured by the four 7-point behaviorally anchored ratings scales, additionally failed to significantly correlate with eye shape and lip shape. The personality ratings, however, were significantly correlated with the decision to hire. Regression analyses performed for each of the job type groups indicated that interviewers have preconceived notions as to the personality of the applicant