The illusion of objectivity in hiring: privilege, bias and the resume review process

Abstract

This article provides an extensive interdisciplinary examination of the illusion of objectivity in modern hiring practices, with particular emphasis on the resume review stage. Although organizations frequently portray hiring as a neutral, merit-based process, research in organizational psychology, sociology, and labor economics demonstrates that privilege and implicit bias significantly shape evaluation outcomes. Recruiters often base their decisions on symbolic cues—such as educational pedigree, institutional prestige, communication style, or cultural markers rather than on actual competence.