The Halo Effect - Why some people make wrong career or business decisions
Olaitan Ajimobi • November 27, 2019
We all have to make important decisions at several points in our career. But one major factor that makes the difference between good professional or business decisions and unfortunate ones, is how we manage our emotions.
You might have heard the saying 'don't make a promise when you're excited and don't make a decision when you're upset'. This is because emotions are not reliable, especially when it comes to decision making. Infact, you could be so vulnerable to your emotions that they could cause you to make biased decisions without you realising. Psychologists call this concept the Halo effect. This is a theory which highlights that your perception or decision making process about a person is likely to be biased if you establish some commonality or find some likeable traits in that person. This model is seen as the secret behind the successes of many romantic dates, the closing of a prospective client or even affect the amount of opportunities for progression within an organisation.
Employment interviews are a good example of how this theory applies within a professional context. Imagine if an interviewer realises that they went to the same school or university with a jobseeker they were interviewing. Or that they grew up in the same neighbourhood and have several mutual friends. Although this mutual information doesn't validate the suitability of the person for the job in anyway, it is very likely that the judgement of the interviewer could be skewed by this new information about the jobseeker. This is why many employers have a strict policy of having more than one person in the interview process. Some even have a structured rating system for interviews in order to avoid the hiring decision being biased.
The halo effect doesn't just affect interviewers; it could also influence job-seekers especially when they have several options to choose from. For example, if you apply for a job based on personal recommendation, your judgement about the suitability of the job might be limited. In other words, you might miss any negative signs about the opportunity or employer during the interview process, if you were already given a good impression by the referrer.
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You might have heard the saying 'don't make a promise when you're excited and don't make a decision when you're upset'. This is because emotions are not reliable, especially when it comes to decision making. Infact, you could be so vulnerable to your emotions that they could cause you to make biased decisions without you realising. Psychologists call this concept the Halo effect. This is a theory which highlights that your perception or decision making process about a person is likely to be biased if you establish some commonality or find some likeable traits in that person. This model is seen as the secret behind the successes of many romantic dates, the closing of a prospective client or even affect the amount of opportunities for progression within an organisation.
Employment interviews are a good example of how this theory applies within a professional context. Imagine if an interviewer realises that they went to the same school or university with a jobseeker they were interviewing. Or that they grew up in the same neighbourhood and have several mutual friends. Although this mutual information doesn't validate the suitability of the person for the job in anyway, it is very likely that the judgement of the interviewer could be skewed by this new information about the jobseeker. This is why many employers have a strict policy of having more than one person in the interview process. Some even have a structured rating system for interviews in order to avoid the hiring decision being biased.
The halo effect doesn't just affect interviewers; it could also influence job-seekers especially when they have several options to choose from. For example, if you apply for a job based on personal recommendation, your judgement about the suitability of the job might be limited. In other words, you might miss any negative signs about the opportunity or employer during the interview process, if you were already given a good impression by the referrer.
This is why I advise my clients to always have a clear criteria for their ideal job and score each opportunity against that criteria as they go through the job hunting process. By having a scoring system like this for every job opportunity or interview you attend, your employment decision is likely to be more rational than emotional. It might also be worth consulting someone you trust to validate your decision making process before you accept an offer. Ultimately, what I am saying is, don't rely on your emotions when making crucial decisions in your career or business. Be strategic, level-headed and intentional so you don’t become a victim of the halo effect.
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Your CV is more than simply a record of your accomplishments; it is also your marketing weapon. Its usefulness can be greatly influenced by how you format it. A well-structured CV showcases your qualifications, piques your interest, and communicates your worth. Here's a detailed guide on formatting your CV for maximum impact. Choose a clear structure Begin with a simple layout that is succinct, legible, and organized. Begin with your personal information, then go on to a summary or objective statement, job experience, education, talents, and any other parts pertinent to your field. What to include in your CV There are various items you should include on your CV, including: ● Your contact details ● An individual statement ● Your employment history ● Your formal education ● Your abilities ● Your honors and accomplishments How to make your CV stand out You may do various things to make your CV stand out from the crowd, including: ● Use an original and imaginative design. ● Calculate your accomplishments. ● Make use of action verbs. ● Make use of keywords throughout your CV. ● Customize your CV for the job you're looking for. Have your CV professionally prepared. Mind the length Keep your CV brief. A two-page CV is usually sufficient, however, three pages may be appropriate for substantial experience. Prioritize relevance and quality above quantity. Formatting consistency Consistency is essential. Use the same font throughout and keep text size and style consistent. Make sure that the formatting of headers, subheadings, and bullet points is consistent. Prioritize content The most important facts should be readily available. Customize your CV to the job you're looking for by emphasizing relevant experiences and abilities. Use bulleted lists Bullet points may be your best buddy. Use them to list duties and accomplishments for each work or educational experience. Make these arguments succinct, compelling, and outcome-oriented. Utilize white space Don't undervalue the importance of white space. It helps your CV seem less cluttered and simpler to read—balance content and space to produce an eye-catching document. Include keywords Many businesses screen CVs using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Incorporate industry-specific keywords to boost the likelihood of your CV being accepted by these systems. Highlight achievements Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Numbers grab attention and give real proof of your ability. Proofread vigorously Errors can detract from an otherwise outstanding CV. Proofread thoroughly for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Request that a friend or expert evaluate it as well. Consider design elements While simplicity is essential, subtle design features may enhance the visual attractiveness of your CV. Colors should be used sparingly and only if they complement the overall design. Your CV is the first thing potential employers see. Its format is critical in making that first impression count. Follow these guidelines to successfully organize and style your CV, ensuring that it reflects your qualifications and stands out in a competitive employment market. If you are looking for the best CV writing service, and CV review service in the UK , the OLightOn Career Coaching program is a great option. If you have any questions, write to info@olighton.com to book a consultation.
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Do you feel stuck in your current job and unsure of how to advance your career? Do you have big career goals but aren't sure how to achieve them? If so, one-to-one career coaching may be the solution you're looking for. Clarifying your career goals One of the main benefits of working with a career coach is that they can help you clarify your career goals. A career coach can help you identify your strengths, skills, and values and align them with your career aspirations. They can also help you develop a plan to achieve your goals, whether that involves advancing within your current company or pursuing a new opportunity elsewhere. Providing guidance and support Career coaches are experienced professionals who can provide you with guidance and support throughout your career journey. They can help you identify and overcome obstacles, offer feedback and advice, and help you stay on track towards achieving your career goals. A career coach can also act as a sounding board for your ideas and concerns, providing you with the support you need to navigate the ups and downs of your career. Developing new skills To advance your career, you may need to develop new skills or expand your existing ones. A career coach can help you identify the skills you need to succeed in your current or desired role and provide you with guidance on how to develop them. They can also help you identify new opportunities for learning and growth, such as attending conferences or taking on new projects. Building your confidence Building confidence is key to career success. A career coach can help you build your confidence and overcome any self-doubt or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. They can help you develop a positive mindset and a can-do attitude, which can be critical for success in your career. A career coach can also help you identify your strengths and leverage them to achieve your career goals. Networking and job search A career coach can provide you with guidance on how to conduct a successful job search, including developing a networking strategy, identifying potential job opportunities, and refining your CV. They can also help you prepare for job interviews, providing you with feedback and advice to help you make a positive impression on potential employers. Accountability One of the benefits of working with a career coach is that they can hold you accountable for taking action towards achieving your goals. They can help you set realistic targets, track your progress, and offer feedback and support along the way. This can be especially helpful if you're prone to procrastination or have difficulty staying motivated. Whether you're looking to advance within your current company or pursue a new opportunity elsewhere, a career coach can provide you with the guidance, support, and accountability you need to achieve your career goals and unlock your full potential. If you're ready to take your career to the next level in the UK, consider booking a consultation for one-to-one career coaching with a professional coach at OLightOn .
In today's job market, an increasing number of companies are offering remote or hybrid work options, which means that you can work from home or a different location while still being part of a team. If you're interested in finding a remote or hybrid job, it's essential to have a strong and effective CV that showcases your skills and experience. However, writing a CV that stands out from the crowd can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the latest trends and best practices. This is where a professional CV writing service can be beneficial. In this blog post, we'll explore why it's a good idea to hire a CV review and writing service for your remote or hybrid job search. Targeted Keywords Remote and hybrid jobs require specific skills, such as being able to work independently and communicate effectively online. CV writing services are knowledgeable about the keywords and phrases that are most relevant for these types of jobs and can help you highlight your experience and skills in these areas. They can also ensure that your CV is optimised for online job searches, which often rely on algorithms to match candidates with job postings. Customisation Remote and hybrid jobs may have different requirements than traditional office-based jobs. A professional CV writing service can customise your CV to ensure it stands out for these types of positions, highlighting your ability to work remotely and any relevant experience with remote tools and communication technologies. They can also ensure that your CV is tailored to your target industry and role, so you can make the most of your experience and skills. Professional Formatting A well-formatted CV is essential to make a good first impression. Hiring a professional CV writing service can ensure that your CV is formatted correctly and is visually appealing, increasing your chances of getting an interview. A well-organised and easy-to-read CV can also help you stand out from other candidates and make a positive impression on potential employers. Time-Saving Writing a CV takes time and effort. Hiring a CV writing service can save you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your job search, such as networking and preparing for interviews. A professional CV writer can help you create a strong and effective CV in less time than it would take you to write one yourself, which can be especially helpful if you're juggling multiple job applications. Competitive Advantage In a competitive job market, having a professional and well-written CV can give you an edge over other candidates. A CV writing service can help you create a strong and effective CV that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. They can also help you identify and highlight your unique selling points, which can be especially valuable in a crowded job market. Hiring a CV review and writing service can be a smart investment for anyone looking for a remote or hybrid job. Not only can it help you create a strong and effective CV, but it can also save you time, help you stand out from other candidates, and give you a competitive advantage in a crowded job market. If you're ready to take your job search to the next level, book a consultation with one of our UK-based professional CV writing experts at OLightOn.
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