Employers often prioritize likability over skills during hiring, leading to higher turnover and reinforcing biases, according to research by Textio. The preference for likability over capability comes with real consequences, shares Tony Case.
The Textio study reveals troubling patterns in how these likability assessments play out across gender lines. Female candidates are described as “bubbly” 25 times more often than men and “pleasant” 11 times more frequently. Meanwhile, men are labeled “level-headed” 7.5 times more often and “confident” 7 times more than women.
Source: WorkLife, May 12, 2025. Link.
When we rely on that gut feeling, we have a tendency to unconsciously prefer candidates that are like us.” – Sofia Lyateva, CMO, nPloy
INSIGHTS: This article is timely as new graduates hit the market looking for jobs. Note Dean Batson’s comments about a hiring systems problem where polished delivery is confused with actual competence.
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