What is the halo effect in the context of candidate evaluation?

The halo effect in candidate evaluation refers to the cognitive bias where an evaluator forms a general impression of a candidate based on a single positive characteristic, which then influences their perception of the candidate's other attributes. For example, if a candidate has an impressive educational background, the evaluator might assume that they are also highly skilled in teamwork or leadership without directly assessing those qualities. This bias can lead to an inflated overall impression of the candidate, affecting the decision-making process in hiring. Understanding the halo effect is crucial in evaluation processes to ensure that candidates are assessed fairly based on a comprehensive view of their qualifications, rather than being unduly influenced by one positive aspect.