Similarity Bias and Ratings of Applicants: Fact or Artifact?

The present study investigated the relationship between similarity of self-reported biodata and recruiter ratings of applicant job preparedness. Subjects included 108 dyads, each composed of a corporate recruiter and a university student applying for a position posted by the recruiter's company. Because no effect of similarity bias was found, the results challenged the generalizability of previous laboratory study findings. The question of possible experimental design artifacts in prior field studies was also raised.